Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of July 7, 2025

Senator Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, discusses his thoughts on Missouri’s new Fiscal Year 2026 state operating budget, which went into effect on July 1, and House Bill 147, legislation that relates to retirement.

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of Feb. 17, 2025

Senator Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, discusses Senate Bill 10, legislation that seeks to modify expiration dates of certain sections; Senate Bill 4, a measure that relates to utilities; and Senate Bill 167, which would modify provisions relating to the offense of hazing.

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of Feb. 3, 2025

Senator Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, discusses Great Northwest Days at the Capitol; his work on the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee; Senate Bill 62, legislation that seeks to modify provisions relating to elections; Senate Bill 49, a measure that would authorize school districts and charter schools to employ or accept chaplains as volunteers; and Senate Bill 50, which would modify provisions relating to jails.

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of Feb. 3, 2025

Missouri Senators Complete the First Five Weeks of Session

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of Jan. 27, 2025

Senator Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, discusses his reaction to the governor’s annual budget address to lawmakers, commonly referred to as the State of the State, and this session’s first Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee hearing. He is the panel’s vice-chair.

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of Jan. 27, 2025

The State of the State

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of Jan. 20, 2025

Senator Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, discusses his committee assignments for this year and progress made on utilities and public safety legislation.

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of Jan. 20, 2025

Committees Begin Hearings

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of Jan. 6, 2025

2025 Session Underway

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of April 22, 2024

Active Week

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of April 22, 2024

Senator Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, discusses Senate Joint Resolution 74, which — if approved by voters — would modify provisions relating to constitutional amendments; Senate Joint Resolution 71, which — if approved by voters — would provide for the levying of certain costs and fees to support the salaries and benefits of sheriffs, prosecuting attorneys and circuit attorneys; Senate Bill 1111, legislation that seeks to modify provisions relating to the regulation of child care; the Missouri Fiscal Year 2025 operating budget; and House Bill 2634, a measure that would modify provisions relating to public funding of abortion facilities and affiliates and provisions relating to MO HealthNet providers.

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of April 15, 2024

Senator Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, discusses House Bill 2016, which is a supplemental measure for the current fiscal year, and a preview of work on the Fiscal Year 2025 state operating budget

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of April 8, 2024

The 14th Week of Session

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of April 8, 2024

Senator Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, discusses House Bill 2634, legislation that would modify provisions relating to public funding of abortion facilities and affiliates, and provisions relating to MO HealthNet providers; Senate Bill 898, a measure that seeks to modify provisions relating to public employee retirement systems; and an update on Missouri’s Fiscal Year 2025 operating budget.

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of April 1, 2024

SB 900

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of April 1, 2024

Senator Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, discusses Senate Bill 900, legislation that would modify provisions relating to regional jail districts, and a preview of Missouri’s Fiscal Year 2025 operating budget.

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of March 25, 2024

Active Week

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of March 25, 2024

Senator Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, discusses differing measures that have achieved Missouri Senate approval, and now move to the Missouri House of Representatives for similar consideration.

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of March 11, 2024

Session Reaches the Halfway Mark

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of March 11, 2024

Senator Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, discusses Senate Joint Resolution 74, which — upon voter approval — would modify provisions relating to constitutional amendments; Senate Bill 727, legislation that seeks to create and modify provisions relating to elementary and secondary education; the latest on Missouri’s Fiscal Year 2025 operating budget; and Senate Bill 748, a measure that would modify provisions relating to reimbursement allowance taxes.

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of March 4, 2024

Senator Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, discusses his work on the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee; Senate Bill 899, legislation that seeks to modify provisions relating to child care provider licensing requirements for certain providers; and Senate Bill 1111, a measure that would create a prescribed pediatric extended-care facility license issued by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of Feb. 26, 2024

Senator Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, discusses Senate Bills 754, 746, 788, 765, 841, 887 & 861, legislation that seeks to modify provisions relating to public safety; Senate Bill 736, a measure that would modify provisions relating to the state treasurer; Senate Bill 802, which would establish the Missouri Rural Access to Capital Act; Senate Joint Resolution 71, which — upon voter approval — would allow levying of certain costs and fees to support the salaries and benefits of sheriffs, prosecuting attorneys and circuit attorneys; Senate Bill 1039, a measure that would create the Missouri Geospatial Advisory Council; and Senate Bill 1298, legislation that seeks to modify provisions relating to cotton trailers.

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of Feb. 26, 2024

Active Week

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of Feb. 19, 2024

Senator Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, discusses Senate Joint Resolutions 74, 48, 59, 61 & 83. This resolution would let voters decide the future of constitutional amendments in our state. He also provides other updates on his week, including the latest with the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee.

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of Feb. 19, 2024

SJRs 74, 48, 59, 61 & 83

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of Feb. 12, 2024

Senator Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, discusses Senate Joint Resolutions 74, 48, 59, 61 & 83, which — upon voter approval — would modify provisions relating to constitutional amendments; his work on the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee; Senate Bill 1054, legislation that seeks to modify the membership requirements for the Missouri State Fair Commission; and Senate Bill 1298, a measure that would modify provisions relating to cotton trailers.

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of Feb. 5, 2024

Senator Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, discusses this past week’s Great Northwest Days; Senate Bill 1111, legislation that would create a prescribed pediatric extended-care facility license; and Senate Joint Resolution 71, which — upon voter approval — would provide for the levying of certain costs and fees to support the salaries and benefits of certain state and county personnel.

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of Feb. 5, 2024

Great Northwest Days

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of Jan. 29, 2004

Senator Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, discusses newly approved gubernatorial appointees in the district; Senate Joint Resolution 74, which — upon voter approval — would change some requirements for initiative petitions; Missouri’s Fiscal Year 2025 state operating budget; FFA Day at the Capitol; and next week’s Great Northwest Day at the Capitol.

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of Jan. 29, 2024

Ending the First Month

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of Jan. 22, 2024

Senator Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, discussing his thoughts on this week’s budget address from the governor; Senate Bill 900, legislation that seeks to modify provisions relating to regional jail districts; the latest on his gubernatorial appointments; and an update on the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts.

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of Jan. 22, 2024

Senate Bill 900

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of Jan. 15

Session Underway

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of Jan. 15, 2024

Senator Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, discusses a preview of the governor’s annual budget address to lawmakers; Senate Joint Resolution 71, which — upon voter approval — would provide for the levying of certain costs and fees to support the salaries and benefits of certain state and county personnel; and Senate Bill 898, legislation that seeks to modify provisions relating to the board of trustees for the Missouri Local Government Employees' Retirement System.

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of Jan. 8, 2024

Senator Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, discusses Senate Bill 805, legislation that seeks to create provisions relating to the construction of electric transmission facilities; Senate Bill 806, a measure that would modify provisions regarding foreign ownership of agricultural land; and Senate Bill 807, which would modify provisions relating to the requirement of geographic proximity in collaborative practice arrangements between physicians and registered professional nurses.

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for May 1

Senator Rusty Black discusses the Fiscal Year 2024 state operating budget, and House Joint Resolution 43, which would let voters decide on changes to initiative petitions. Both passed the Missouri Senate last week.

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of April 17

Deadlines are rapidly approaching.

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of April 17

Senator Rusty Black discusses Missouri’s Fiscal Year 2024 operating budget, plus House Bill 992 and Senate Bill 568, both of which relate to the construction of electric transmission facilities.

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of April 10

This week, the Missouri Senate will focus on crafting their version of the state’s budget.

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of April 10

Senator Rusty Black discusses Senate Bill 75, legislation that seeks to modify provisions relating to public school retirement systems, and his work on the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee and the upcoming Fiscal Year 2024 state operating budget.

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of March 27

SB 568/HB 992

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of March 27

Stopping the Next Grain Belt Express

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of March 20

The Missouri Senate gaveled into session at 4 p.m. on Monday, March 20, and wouldn’t adjourn until approximately 8 a.m. the next day.

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of March 13

As we have reached the halfway point in the Missouri legislative session, there is still a lot of work to be done.

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of Feb. 27

We approach the halfway mark of the legislative session.

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of Feb. 27

Senator Rusty Black discusses Senate Bills 45 & 90, legislation that seeks to modify provisions relating to MO HealthNet; Senate Bill 133, a measure that would create an income tax deduction for certain dependents; and House Joint Resolution 43, which — upon voter approval — would modify provisions for constitutional amendments.

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of Feb. 20

The eighth week of the legislative session comes to an end.

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of Feb. 13

The seventh week of the First Regular Session of the 102nd General Assembly comes to an end.

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of Feb. 13

Senator Rusty Black discusses several different pieces of legislation moving through the process this year, including his Senate Bill 75. This measure would modify provisions relating to public school retirement systems.

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of Feb. 6

Great Northwest Days

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of Feb. 6

Senator Rusty Black discusses this week’s Great Northwest Days at the Capitol; Senate Bill 21, legislation that seeks to modify the duration of unemployment benefits based on the unemployment rate; his role on the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee; and Senate Bill 75, a measure that would modify provisions relating to public school retirement systems.

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of Jan. 30

Easing Restraints on Missourians’ Lives

Audio: Sen. Rusty Black's Podcast for the Week of Jan. 30

Senator Rusty Black discusses Senate Bill 76, legislation that seeks to repeal certain provisions pertaining to foreign ownership of agricultural land; Senate Bill 51, a measure that would modify provisions relating to physical therapists; and his work on the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee.

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of Jan. 23

Moving Legislation through the Process

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of Jan. 16

Learning the State of the State

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of Jan. 9

Learning Our Committee Assignments

Senator Rusty Black's Legislative Column for the Week of Jan. 2

Representing Northwest Missouri