Saving Children

I am pleased to report two of my top legislative priorities moved forward this week. Senate Bill 49, the “Save Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act,” and Senate Bill 39, the “Save Women’s Sports Act,” have both passed the Senate and have been forwarded to the House of Representatives. The two measures are substantially similar to legislation I sponsored this year and contain language that mirrors my bills.

Senate Bill 49, which includes my Senate Bill 236, will put a stop to experimental treatments for children diagnosed with gender dysphoria. The bill includes a full ban on the use of puberty blockers for patients under the age of 18, and also prohibits hormone treatments and gender transition surgeries for minor children. The sports bill, SB 39, prohibits schools, both public and private, from allowing biological males to compete against biological females in sports designated for females. A female student athlete will still be able to participate in boys’ sports if no competition for females is available, but biological males will be banned from competing against girls. I was proud to co-sponsor this legislation.

It wasn’t easy getting these bills through the Senate. Each time these bills were brought up for debate, opponents launched filibusters to prevent the bills coming to a vote. These stalling tactics continued for several weeks, but the Senate finally got the bills passed this week. On Monday, a substitute bill containing both the medical and sports provisions was brought up and minority party held the floor for nearly 14 hours. As the sun rose over the Capitol, the substitute version was withdrawn and the Senate finally approved two separate bills. The work is not done yet. Both measures will have to be approved by the House of Representatives. If they make changes, the Senate will need to debate these bills again. I’ll keep you posted as we work to protect our kids.

I would also like to update you on an opportunity I had to advance Missouri’s position in the global marketplace. As chairman of the Senate Economic Development Committee, I was invited to accompany the governor on an international trade mission. Last week, while the General Assembly took a one-week spring recess, I traveled with the governor’s delegation to Sweden and Germany to promote our state as a destination for business investment and expansion. Funded by a private nonprofit foundation, the trip provided an opportunity to interact with government officials, diplomats and European business leaders in positions to bring additional international business activity to Missouri. The two countries we visited have a long history of business relationships with the Show-Me State, with nearly $710 million of Missouri-made goods purchased each year. It was great to have a role in representing the State of Missouri, and I appreciate the opportunity to help bring new economic activity to our state.

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-4302. You may also email me at Denny.Hoskins@senate.mo.gov.