Legislative session started off this week. We have seen a record number of bills pre-filed, but a slight drop in the number of bills directly aimed at preventing Diversity Equity and Inclusion efforts. We are already seeing hearings scheduled to move bills that would allow for students in K-12 schools to discriminate based on ideology without consequences. 

We are expecting bills to remove the requirements for car inspections to be heard next week. This would remove a large number of “probable cause” violations that result in traffic stops. That means fewer chances for interactions with police and fewer excuses for unwarranted stops and pretext arrests. Given that the most recent Vehicle Stops and Arrests report shows that Black drivers in some parts of Missouri are three times more likely to be ticketed, searched, or arrested than their white counterparts. 

Please keep an eye on the tracking lists at the top of this page based on the area of law you are most concerned about. If you want to testify or visit the Capitol, send an email to sharon@jonesadvocacy.com to let us know so we can support your visit.