The 2023 Missouri legislative session came to an end on May 12th with several votes making headlines locally and nationally.

Notably the passage of two bills, SB 39, which establishes guidelines for student participation in athletic contests organized by sex and SB 49, which establishes the “Missouri Save Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act” and modifies provisions relating to public funding of certain gender transition procedures.

Several local organizations including the  Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), The National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis and Empower Missouri advocated against these two bills, among others.

“Unfortunately, despite the efforts of thousands of advocates across the state, the two bills, both SB 39 and SB 49 were passed by the Missouri General Assembly. These bills, which specifically target trans children and their families, will now head to Governor Parson’s desk for his signature,” said Cheryl Adelstein, of the JCRC.

Understanding what these bills and others passed in Jefferson City is at heart of two upcoming virtual programs that are free and open to all interested in learning more.

The NCJWSTL is hosting “Advocacy in Action: Virtual Lunch and Learn” on Thursday, May 18, from 12 – 1 p.m.

“It became evident early in the session that as usual, NCJWSTL would be in the position of defending against a slew of legislation designed to harm women, children, and families in our state. From the relentless attacks on trans kids to the attempts to undermine the initiative petition process, it has certainly been a doozy of a session,” wrote NCJWSTL online.

The program will feature NCJWSTL State Policy Advocacy Chair Amy Kuo Hammerman and the Missouri Family Health Council’s Director of Policy and External Affairs Mandy Hagseth. Both have been a constant presence in Jefferson City this session and will provide an insider’s view on everything that happened in the Capitol this year.

Please click here to register for this event. Questions? Email Jen Bernstein or call 314.993.5181.

Empower Missouri is hosting its own “Friday Forum: Legislative Wrap Up” on Friday, May 19 from 12- 1 p.m.

“We’ll describe what got done, what got started, and what we are still fighting for after the 2023 legislative session,” wrote the group online.

Please click here to register for this event.

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