The Missouri Legislature is hard at work, and here are some of the lesser known bills that have been introduced: HJR 31, introduced by Rep. Don Wells, R-Cabool, would forbid judges from using Shariah law (Islamic religious codes) to decide cases. There is no reason to believe that Missouri judges are going to suddenly start ordering people to be stoned to death or beheaded for violating Islamic codes. This is a classic case of a solution in search of a problem.
SB 292, introduced by Sen. Rob Schaaf, R-Buchanan County, would require presidential and vice presidential candidates to provide proof of citizenship before being placed on the ballot in Missouri. This is a symbolic measure designed to appeal to "Birthers", those dedicated patriots who still believe, despite clear evidence to the contrary, that President Obama is an illegal alien and possibly a space alien.
HB 276, introduced by Rep. Ward Franz, R-West Plains, is another symbolic bill. It would ban funeral protests, such as those of the anti-gay extremists from the Topeka Ks. Westboro Baptist Church who assault our state on a regular basis. The Missouri House passes this bill on March 3rd despite the fact that the U.S. Supreme Court had ruled such laws unconstitutional just days before. It serves no purpose other than to give free publicity to the infamous Rev. Phelps and his band of fools. It should be scrapped.
HB 778, introduced by Rep. Jeannie Riddle, R-Mokane, would allow legislators, other elected officials and their employees to carry firearms in the State Capitol Building and at meetings of the General Assembly. There have been no incidents indicating that security is a problem in the Capitol Building, but hey, sometimes it pays to be paranoid. On the other hand, if a mad shooter does enter the State Assembly, I'm not sure the gang that can't shoot straight, (AKA, state legislators), are the ones you want coming to the rescue.
SB 127, introduced by Sen. Maria Chapelle-Nadal, D-St.Louis County, would require Missouri Representatives and Senators to take drug tests before taking office. this is a not so subtle dig at a bill that would require welfare recipients to take drug tests. On the surface this bill seems like a waste of time, but given some of the goofy legislation being introduced in this session....