I returned to Jefferson City this past week to attend the bill signing ceremony for my Senate Bill 912.

In addition to simplifying the process for veterans to apply for disabled license plates and placards, Senate Bill 912 is the biggest veteran’s assistance package the Legislature has passed in years. I initially sponsored this legislation as a way to streamline the verification process for veterans to apply for disabled license plates and placards.

I was motivated to file this legislation after I met an Afghanistan war veteran while out knocking on doors during my campaign. He shared with me the difficulty he experienced in obtaining a disabled placard when he relocated to Missouri. I promised him if I were elected, I’d find a solution. Almost two years later, we now have a solution.

In addition to streamlining the verification process to apply for disabled license plates and placards, SB 912 strengthens suicide prevention efforts and allow veterans easier access to assistance and their benefits. The bill also includes educational assistance for members of the Missouri National Guard, designation of the “POW/MIA Paul Hasenbeck Memorial Highway” in Osage County and the creation of a new medallion program for those who served in Afghanistan, among other provisions.

I want to thank the disabled veteran I met when I was running for office who shared his frustrations about Missouri’s licensing law and inspired me to sponsor this meaningful legislation. I also want to honor the family of Paul Hasenbeck for their tireless efforts to memorialize his service in the Army during the Vietnam War.

This new law, which takes effect on Aug. 28, is a great start. I want to personally thank all the veterans, especially the one I met on the campaign trail who inspired this bill, for your unyielding support and advocacy.

Ranked Choice Voting will be on November ballot

My other legislative success, Senate Joint Resolution 78, will appear on the November ballot. The resolution will allow voters to decide whether or not to prohibit ranked choice voting (RCV) in our state and specify in the Missouri Constitution that only U.S. citizens and Show-Me State residents can vote in elections.

RCV is a confusing method to tally votes that disenfranchises voters and removes the tried and true, one person — one vote — system. I hope Missourians overwhelming vote “yes” on this amendment to protect our founding document from those who are in the country illegally and ban what I consider a rigged voting system.

Annual Veto Session

On Sept. 11, lawmakers will return to Jefferson City to convene the annual veto session. In the meantime, I will continue traveling around the district to listen to your concerns and ideas to improve our community.

As always, it’s a tremendous honor to serve those who call the 26th Senatorial District home. If you need assistance with navigating state government or the legislative process, please reach out by calling 573-751-3678 or emailing Ben.Brown@senate.mo.gov.