Missouri Senator proposes stronger laws for parental responsibility with firearms

(MDN News) -- At the same time that Pres. Barack Obama's administration is pushing for tighter restrictions on gun sales, a St. Louis area Democratic Senator is taking another approach -- stronger laws for parental responsibility over firearm access.

Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, D-University City, has proposed a bill that would create an offense for failing to prevent an illegal firearm possession or for the failure to safely store a firearm. The bill would also require a parent or guardian with a child enrolled in a school to notify the school district -- or the governing body of a private or charter school -- that the parent or guardian owns a firearm.

"This bill is very important to me because in urban cities across the nation, we experience gun violence every single day and usually our type of gun violence deals with people who live in high poverty areas (and) areas where there aren't enough resources," Chappelle-Nadal said.

Under the bill, an offense would be a Class A misdemeanor unless death or injury results, making the offense a Class D felony.

Sen. Brian Munzlinger R-Williamstown, who proposed a bill last week that would declare certain federal firearm laws unenforceable, said he believes Chappelle-Nadal's bill is a step above and beyond what would make anyone safer.

Munzlinger, however, believes programs such as the NRA's Eddie Eagle Program should be instituted in schools.

Senate rejects increased Farmland Property Tax

The Missouri Senate beat the weekend deadline to approve a resolution that rejects the Missouri State Tax Commission's recommendation to increase the grades of agricultural land that could be taxed based on their productivity and yield.

The resolution was approved in a 19-8 Senate vote and was delivered to the governor on Thursday, March 1.

Sen. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, sponsored the bill and said that in light of recent natural disasters that have afflicted Missouri, farmers can't afford to pay the increased taxes.

"Following 2011, where we had multiple disasters in ag country, with the floods, droughts, straight winds, tornadoes -- everything that really made 2011 not a very good year -- I personally didn't think it was a good time to be raising taxes," Munzlinger said.

There was push-back by senators from urban and suburban areas of the state, who said they doubted that the agriculture industry had as bad of a year as it claimed and said that it was unfair that farmers have not seen tax increases in 15 years.

"I have read articles that the farming industry was one of the bright spots in the economy this year," said Sen. Tim Green, D-St. Louis County.

"Stand Up For Farmers!” Rally, Organized by Missouri Farmers Care, Draws Hundreds

At 5:00 pm on Wednesday afternoon, the south lawn of the Missouri Capitol teemed with nearly 1,300 pro-agriculture supporters. The rally, organized by Missouri Farmers Care, focused on the joint effort of Governor Jay Nixon, Missouri legislative leaders, agriculture advocates and animal welfare experts to craft a “Missouri Solution” for the problems caused by Proposition B.

“Today, hundreds of Missourians travelled to the Capitol to let their leaders know that Missourians won’t stand idly by as big-money, special interests attack our farm families,” explained Don Nikodim, chair of Missouri Farmers Care. “That’s why Senate Bill 113 and the Missouri Solution are so important. We have to protect agriculture from radical groups like HSUS.”

The highlight of the rally came when Jon Hagler, head of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, announced Governor Nixon’s support for a “Missouri Solution” that will fix Proposition B. The result of an agreement between Missouri’s agriculture community and local animal welfare advocates, the “Missouri Solution” will ensure that dogs and puppies receive the treatment and care they deserve, while preserving Missouri jobs and protecting Missouri farmers.

“We’re proud that Governor Nixon is standing with us against radical outside interests like HSUS,” Nikodim said. “The Missouri Solution is a clear example of what can happen when we all work together. Missouri’s farmers, pet providers and animal welfare experts all support this agreement that eliminates cruelty while protecting our homes, farms and jobs.”

The “Missouri Solution” proposal will complement Senate Bill 113, sponsored by Senator Mike Parson (R-Bolivar), which improves enforcement of current animal cruelty laws, strengthens standards for animal shelters, cracks down on unlicensed breeders and removes controversial provisions hidden in Proposition B that threatened animal agriculture in Missouri.

Also speaking at the event were; House Speaker Steve Tilley (R-Perryville), Senate Pro Tem Rob Mayer (R-Dexter), Senator Mike Parson (R-Bolivar), Senator Brian Munzlinger (R-Williamstown), Veterinarian Dr. Alan Wessler and local farmer Chris Chinn. The event was emceed by Missouri Farmers Care Chair, Don Nikodim.

“It was inspiring to look out and see so many people coming together to fight for our farms and our families,” Nikodim concluded. “We sent a strong message today that Missouri will continue to stand strong against radical outside interests like HSUS that threaten our homes, our jobs and our values.”