MODDC’s Legislative Summary for the 2022 Legislative Session

This legislative session saw 44 bills that were Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed (TAFP), 21 of which were policy bills.

MODDC focused on three legislative priorities for the 2022 Legislative Session. Below each area has been summarized.

1. Broadband Access and the Digital Divide 

While no piece of broadband legislation made it through this session, a significant amount of funds are being allocated to broadband access via the state budget.

2. Voting Accessibility

There were more than 30 pieces of voting legislation filed this session. The big voting bill that made it through was HB 1878. This bill, which the Governor has indicated his intent to sign, would not go into effect until August 28th, 2022. Below is a summary of some of the provisions in this bill that will impact voters with disabilities

• Removing Direct Recording Electronic Voting Equipment
  • At first glance, this provision seems like an alarming barrier for people with disabilities. However, it is important to understand the difference between Direct Recording Electronic Voting Equipment (DREs) and Ballot Marking Devices (BMDs).
    • DREs are outdated, seldom used machines. In fact, in Missouri they are currently only being used in St. Louis City and nowhere else.
    • BMDs are most likely what voters see in their precinct when it comes to touch screen or audio voting equipment. These are not being removed or prohibited.
    • Here is a great article that explains the difference between BMDs and DREs.
• Enshrines Strict Photo ID
  • Currently, there are multiple forms of IDs accepted when voting (university ID, utility bill, bank statement, etc.). A full list of what is currently accepted can be found here. This bill would require that only a state issued, Photo ID will be accepted.
  • If you do not have a state issued Photo ID and want help, you can go to this website and the Secretary of State’s Office will help you obtain the documents needed and even pay for official documents from other states, if needed.
• Restricts help for registering voters or completing absentee ballots.
  • This bill restricts people from being paid or otherwise compensated for soliciting voter registration applications. If someone volunteers to register voters, they must register with the state if they solicit more than 10 voter registration applications. Additionally, no one can solicit a voter into obtaining an absentee ballot application and they cannot have information pre-filled prior to it being provided to the voter.
• No Excuse Absentee Voting
  • This bill would enable voters to cast their absentee ballot up to two weeks before an election for any reason. However, they will have to cast this ballot in person. This can present barriers to people that do not have access to reliable transportation.
  • Removes ballot boxes.

3. Employment First  

House Bill 1924 filed by Representative Bridget Walsh Moore did not pass out of the legislature this session. It is considered the “Employment First Bill.” It would have required that state agencies cooperate in order to promote competitive integrated employment opportunities for persons with disabilities of working age.

Budget Update

The main budget bills are House Bill 3010, 3019 and 3020. Here are some of the highlights from this budget that directly impact the intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) community. This is not a complete list, just a snapshot:

• $250 Million to expand broadband internet access for homes and business in remote locations
• $300 Million for Missouri State Capitol renovation plan that would create an open and accessible building. Currently an estimated 60 offices are not ADA compliant.
• $5 Million for Springfield Autism Services
• $5 Million for Joplin Autism Services
• $39 Million total for Autism Center completion and operational costs in Columbia and Springfield

What’s Next

All bills that were Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed (TAFP) will make their way to the Governor for signature. The Governor can sign or veto. For budget bills, the Governor can approve, veto, or withhold funding across the state departments. He also has line item veto power when it comes to budget bills. He has until July 14, 2022 to sign or veto legislation. Bills that are vetoed can be overturned by the Legislature during the September 14,2022 Veto Session.

What You Can Do:

All bills that were TAFP are on their way to Governor for signature. He has until July 14, 2022 to act on this legislation. If you wish to advocate or educate on any of the TAFP bills, you can contact the Governor’s Office to have your voice heard.

You may contact his office by:

• Emailing (fill out a form here: https://governor.mo.gov/contact-us)
• Calling 573-751-3222
• Writing/Typing a letter to be mailed to:
  • P.O. Box 720, Jefferson City, MO 65102

Contact Your Legislator

When session adjourns and legislators go back to their districts, this is the perfect opportunity to begin building relationships. It is very effective simply to introduce yourself and share your story. You can look up your legislator along with any filed legislation or voting record on their website and use that as an opportunity to thank them or present concerns.

Even if you don’t have an agenda, introducing yourself is a very valuable first-step in advocacy.

ABOUT MODDC

The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) is a federally-funded, 23-member, consumer-driven council appointed by the Governor. Its mandate under P.L. 106-402, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, is to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity and integration in all aspects of community life. To learn more or to get involved, visit www.moddcouncil.org.

If you’re interested in receiving advocacy updates to your inbox, subscribe at moddcouncil.org/subscribe.