With growing tensions in today’s political discourse, it is becoming less common to hear of members from opposing political parties working together to produce legislation. While it may not be widely publicized, there are several bills in the Missouri House of Representatives this session sponsored by both Democrats and Republicans. The Scoop spoke with Missouri State Representative Craig Redmon of the 4^th District to compile his list of the top five bipartisan bills this session.

1. HB 1246 – Addressing Human Trafficking

This legislation requires the development of human trafficking hotline posters for areas likely to experience human trafficking. Redmon says, “It takes the first steps of solving a very serious problem” in Missouri. 

2. HB 1267 – Expanding the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program

This bill expands access to programs that provide academic benefits to students who otherwise might not have opportunities to further their education. Redmon explains the bill in this way: “If a student has gone as far in a subject as their school can accommodate, this program will assist that student in accessing higher levels of that subject online.”

3. HB 1415 – Allowing Alternatives to ACT Test

This legislation allows students to choose between the ACT and the ACT WorkKeys, which is designed for students who plan to attend trade schools. This bill also allows teachers to count work in the field as professional development. Having this option gives students an easier transition to the trade school of their choice. Redmon believes this option is needed saying, “It is very important to rural development.”

4. HB 1500 – Decreasing Hair Braider Regulations

This bill lowers the requirements to be a hair braider. Initially, hair braiders were required to have 1500 hours of training in a school of cosmetology, despite the fact that many of these schools do not offer courses in hair braiding. Although this bill still requires a test on identifying health issues of the scalp, Redmon says, “It sets the precedent of rolling back burdensome regulations.”

5. HB 1880 – Providing High Speed Internet to Rural Areas

This bill declares the intent of Missouri lawmakers to work towards the building of high speed Internet infrastructure. Redmon says constructing this infrastructure is a priority to legislators because the lack of availability is a hindrance.  “(It) limits the amount of businesses that can move to rural areas, the technology available to farmers, and the amount of young professionals that are willing to move to rural Missouri.”

Despite the bipartisan work being done on the above legislation, Representative Redmon still recognizes the struggle between the two parties when it comes to the bigger issues: “While these bills are important, finding bipartisan pieces of legislation that make a large difference can be difficult because it is almost impossible for Democrats and Republicans to agree on largely substantial things.”