Twenty years ago, a cell phone was the size of a brick, and instead of texting, people just talked on them. Today, everyone has a “smart phone,” small computers that can do everything from email to watch movies. These days, we spend our time peering down into tiny screens at every opportunity. For some, this includes while driving. This has resulted in a number of car accidents, especially among teenagers.

To help combat the new problem, Missouri and other states passed legislation restricting teenagers from texting while driving. There have also been attempts to ban talking on the cell phone at all while driving. Studies show distracted drivers are more likely to get into accidents. It’s incredible that a problem that didn’t even exist 10 or 15 years ago is now a major public policy issue.

It’s also an interesting example of how times change, and how the laws we pass have to change with them. And it’s not just with technology. Cultural stances on crimes change, especially as our prisons become more crowded and we spend more tax dollars—that could go to schools and other worthy projects—to house those criminals.

Over the last few years, several senators have worked on legislation that would majorly revise our state’s criminal code. The result is a 1,104-page bill containing numerous provisions to modernize and streamline the current criminal code. This hasn’t been done since 1979, which is an indication of just how huge an undertaking this is.

This week, the two sponsors of the measure, Senate Bill 491, stood on the Senate floor for hours describing each section in the legislation. They also provided cross reference sheets for what they considered the major changes in the bill. Still, this is the kind of legislation that can take an entire session to pass. It’s not to be taken lightly.

I understand the need to update our criminal code. Prosecutors, criminal defenders, and members of the judicial branch have all pushed for revisions. I agree. It needs to be done. It is my hope that we take a measured, careful approach to this legislation to avoid any potential consequences for our state.

In other news, the Senate gave initial approval to Senate Bill 691, which would give homeowners the option of carrying sinkhole coverage on their homes. Under the bill, insurers could issue policies for sinkhole loss under the Missouri FAIR (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) Plan. As I’ve discussed in the past, our area is at a high risk of sinkholes. Offering them coverage for these disasters will give local homeowners a degree of financial protection against such a loss.

If you have any questions or comments about this or any other matter regarding your state government, please feel free to contact me at (573) 751-1503; you are also welcome to e-mail me at jay.wasson@senate.mo.gov.