Senator Brian Williams’ Legislative Column for April 16, 2026
Passing the Fashion Torch
It’s hard to believe it has been 8 years since the torch of a longstanding Senate tradition was passed to me and my newly elected colleagues. For years, the Wednesdays after Easter have been referred to as Seersucker Wednesdays, or Fashion Wednesdays, a day for senators to sport their favorite seersucker suits and put on their best fashion. Now, it’s up to the next generation of senators to pass it on.
Budget Markup Begins
This week, the Senate Appropriations Committee I serve on began to “markup” the proposed $52.7 state operating budget passed by the Missouri House of Representatives at the end of March. During the markup process, the chair of the Appropriations Committee, representing the collective voice of members, will decide to agree with the House’s proposal, change it to the governor’s recommendation or propose new Senate figures. The only constitutional mandate of the Legislature, the balanced budget must be finished and sent to the governor on May 8, a week prior to adjournment.
Restoring Parolees’ Right to Vote
House Bill 2592, which was heard by the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee on April 15, will allow a person on probation or parole to vote, as long as their conviction wasn’t related to the right of suffrage or election fraud. This proposal aligns well with my Clean Slate legislation and will help restore the vote to those who have paid their debt to society and served their time. I hope to see HB 2592 signed into law this year and return this vital right to the many who deserve to have their voices heard.
Standing for Students’ Privacy
During the debate on Senate Bill 1085, my colleagues and I in the Minority Caucus stood for students’ rights to privacy. Touted as a measure to inform parents and increase communication and transparency, SB 1085 requires public school educators and staff to notify parents within 24 hours when a child vocalizes his or her desire for a social transition. The bill also prohibits staff members from withholding information from parents that relates to the physical, emotional or mental health of the child. It is disheartening that we are focusing on this minute issue that, in my opinion, will only make it harder for teachers to teach and children to feel safe at school. To counter this breach of privacy and distrust of educators, I offered an amendment to replace some language and to protect all students, regardless of their race, gender or sexual orientation. My amendment didn’t stand, but I’m thankful discussion on SB 1085 came to a halt before any other legislative actions.
Final Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Day in the Books
This week began with facilitating my final Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Day at the State Capitol. The 13th annual event was a great experience for all. I want to thank my colleague from the 24th Senatorial District for her assistance in planning and promoting the event. I also want to thank keynote speaker Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge. This remarkable woman also serves as president of the Celia Newsom Legacy foundation and on the Missouri Board of Education.
You may recall, I helped pass Celia Day last session to commemorate this former victim of domestic violence and slave from Fulton and posthumously honor her bravery and exoneration from charges related to self-defense actions she took against her abusive owner.
It is an honor representing each of you in the Missouri Senate. If you have any ideas to improve St. Louis County or questions about legislation, please contact my office at 573-751-4106 or visit my Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Williams.