The Missouri Senate stalled this week on SB 49, Senator Moon’s (Dist. 29, Lawrence County) bill to establish the “Missouri Save Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act”. The bill relates to gender transition procedures for minors. Senate Democrats held the floor Tuesday and Wednesday while trying to reach a compromise. Having been unable to reach a deal Wednesday evening and wanting to avoid a Previous Question (PQ) move, Floor Leader O’Laughlin adjourned the Senate early for spring break. PQ is considered a nuclear option, which can halt any productivity in the Senate.

The Missouri House Passed several bills this week including:

Entertainment Industry Jobs Act – HB 133 is sponsored by Representative Brad Hudson (Dist. 138, Cape Fair). The Act is related to tax credits for rehearsal or tour expense, if certain criteria are met. This bill has been First Read in the Senate.

School Protection Officers – HB 70 is sponsored by Representative Dinkins (Dist. 144, Reynolds). More information can be found here.

Open Enrollment – HB 253 (Pollitt, Dist. 52, Sedalia), which barely passed with a vote of 85-69, would allow for open enrollment to begin in the 2024-25 school year. Districts would not be required to participate and would be able to restrict the number of transferring students to 3% of the previous year’s enrollment.

Virtual School Program – HB 827 (Christofanelli, Dist. 104, St. Peters) would modify the calculation for full-time virtual students engaged and completing required instructional activities. Additional information can be found here.

Broadband Development Council – HB 461 (Riggs, Dist. 5, Hannibal) establishes the council consisting of 21 members. It also establishes the “Department of Transportation Fiber Network Expansion Act”. More information can be found here.

Credit Card Terms and Conditions – HB 585 (Owen, Dist. 131, Springfield) modifies current law in Section 408.145, RSMo relating to the issuance of credit cards by lenders in Missouri.

State Road Fund – HJR 37 (Mayhew, Dist. 124, Crocker) – Upon voter approval, this proposed Constitutional amendment would require the State Road Fund be subject to appropriation by the General Assembly. Also, the Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan must be used to establish priorities for project and program funding for the Department of Transportation.

The General Assembly will return to Jefferson City March 20, following spring break.



Wrap up the week with discussions and drinks. Brew Crews are free events that provide an opportunity for our members and the community to gather in a neutral location free from agendas. This month’s brew is provided by Crazy Craig's Treehouse & Cheeky Monkey Bar. To RSVP, click the link below!

Friday, March 10 | 2:00-3:00 PM

Branson Chamber & CVB

4100 Gretna Road

Branson, MO 65616

VOLUNTEER FOR MONASP ARCHERY TOURNAMENT

Volunteers are critical to the success of the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP) State Tournament. All volunteers will receive a MoNASP 2023 t-shirt and lunch before or after their shift. Chairs will be provided at all volunteer stations. Volunteers must be 16 or older; volunteers younger than 16 should be accompanied by an adult. Additional information will be sent to volunteers prior to the event. Please use the comments field on the online registration form to list any special requests that you may have. Click the link below to fill out the volunteer form!

March 15-18

Branson Convention Center

200 S Sycamore Street

Branson, MO 65616

LAKES AREA LEADERSHIP CLASS

Since 1992, The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce has led the Lakes Area Leadership Academy, a program designed to educate local professionals for greater leadership roles in the community and beyond. The program consists of nine sessions from March to November, covering a variety of topics including marketing, tourism, government policy, and economic development. The application deadline for the 2023 class is March 15. For more information, please contact Shelly Vorhaben, Lakes Area Leadership Academy Program Manager at bransonleadership@gmail.com or call 417-294-7436.

HOUSEHOLD INTERNET SURVEY NOW OPEN

To guide the state’s internet expansion and training efforts, the Department of Economic Development’s Office of Broadband Development (OBD) and the University of Missouri (MU) Extension have partnered in conducting a brief online survey on household internet access and use. The anonymous survey, which takes about six minutes to complete, is now open for submissions. Click the link below to take the survey and provide feedback about household internet access and use.

IGNITE LUNCHEON RECAP

Thank you to everyone who attended the first Ignite Luncheon of 2023. We had an amazing turnout and enjoyed seeing new connections being made. If you missed the first event, Ignite Branson’s vision is to foster an environment where young professionals are engaged, energized, and empowered to help shape the future of the Branson/Lakes Area. There are four luncheons scheduled in 2023 featuring topics specifically geared toward the forty-something and under crowd. Watch for more updates about the second Ignite Luncheon on Branson Chamber socials and the Branson Chamber Weekly Newsletter.