UPDATE – SEAN’S LAW WAS INCLUDED IN AN OMNIBUS DISABILITY BILL THAT PASSED TODAY IN THE HOUSE. I COULD GET USED TO PASSING BILLS.
I was almost doing cartwheels on the house floor as my very first piece of legislation (EVER) was passed by the House last week. However, I was reminded quickly that house rules forbid gymnastics in the Capitol, particularly by legislators.
HB513 – Sean’s Law – passed by a vote of 148-2 on Tuesday, April 5th as one of 57 “consent” bills (non-controversial bills with no state fiscal cost).
Sean’s Law, named for my constituent Sean Larochelle, of Brentwood, adds mental disabilities – also referred to as “invisible” disabilities – to the current state statute. The bill also expands the definition of a service dog team to include a child and an adult handler.
Even though this legislation was designed to aide children who deal with non-verbal forms of autism, we found quickly during the hearing process that the bills affects many more Missourians. Adults suffering from numerous invisibile disabilities – such as post-traumatic stress syndrome, agoraphobia and major depression – including many veterans, benefit from updating the current statute.
The next step is getting Sean’s Law through the State Senate and to the governor’s desk for signing.
You can help by asking both Sen. Eric Schmitt at ESchmitt@senate.mo.gov and Sen. Jason Crowell at JCrowell JCrowell@senate.mo.gov for their help in passing Sean’s Law.
As you may have heard before, one small step for mankind…one giant step for helping constituents in the legislature!