Health Care

Bill #:  HCS HB 2413

LWVMO SUPPORTS

Short Description:  Treats and prevents disease, increases access to contraception, and ensures healthcare facilities are properly equipped to conduct sexual assault forensic exams.

Status of the Bill:  Will be taken up for a Third Reading (the final vote in the Senate), Monday, May 13.

Talking points:  

• Sponsored by a bipartisan group of Democratic and Republican women lawmakers from the House and Senate

• Increases access to health care, removes barriers, and addresses maternal mortality  

• Expands access by allowing those with private health insurance an option to obtain a yearlong supply of birth control pills at a time – a policy supported by 77% of respondents in a recent survey (Missouri Family Health Council, Inc)

• Includes screening for sexually transmitted diseases; blood tests and maternal screening for pregnant women; mammograms; STI treatment and rape test kits 

• Passed the House with bipartisan support

• Unanimously approved by Senate Emerging Issues Committee 

Link to the summary of the bill: HERE

Call to action:

5 for Democracy: Contact your Senator and tell them you support this bill.  HERE

Links to further reading: 

Missouri Independent Article May 8, 2024

LWV Position: Every US resident should have access to a basic level of care that includes the prevention of disease, health promotion and education (including prenatal and reproductive health). (Impact on Issues, p. 137)

To achieve more-equitable distribution of services, the League endorses increasing the availability of resources in medically underserved areas, training providers in needed fields of care, standardizing the services provided under publicly funded health care programs, and insurance reforms. (Impact on Issues, p. 140)

Bill: HCS HB 1708

LWVMO OPPOSES this bill. 

Short Description: Allows concealed carry permit holders to carry firearms on public transportation and in churches; removes ban on eligibility for a permit if applicant has pled guilty to misdemeanor offenses involving crimes of violence; lowers the age requirement for concealed carry permits. 

Status of the Bill: Placed on the House Formal Perfection Calendar for Monday, May 13. 

Talking points:  

• "(T)he Second Amendment is not unlimited. … the right (is) not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose” (Former Supreme Court Justice Scalia, 2008 DC vs. Heller)

• Missouri has the 7th-highest rate of gun deaths in the US (CDC)

• Gun deaths and injuries cost MO $17.6 billion each year, $455.3 million paid by taxpayers (EveryStat.org, March 2023)

Link to the summary of the bill: HCS HB 1708

Call to action:

5 for Democracy: Contact your House Representative HERE

LWV Position: Supports protection of the health and safety of citizens through limiting the accessibility of guns. Supports regulating firearms for consumer safety. (Impact on Issues, p. 153)