Body-Camera Update from Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal

Newsletter

Feb. 19, 2016

Friends & Neighbors,

If you would like to learn more about the issues addressed in this newsletter or would like to discuss any matter involving state government, please contact my Capitol office.

For a full list of my legislation, click here.

Sincerely,

Maria Chappelle-Nadal
14th District
(573) 751-4106

Legislative Update

This week in the Senate, the Education Committee approved Senate Bill 712, legislation I’ve filed to modify the eligibility requirements of using the Access Missouri Financial Assistance fund through a Dual Enrollment Program. This allows students to receive funds during their high school career to pay for dual enrollment courses, letting them earn college credits before attending a higher education institution.

Ladies from the Junior League came to visit me in my office this week. I told them of the importance of using the term “equity” rather than equality.

My legislation strengthens some of the eligibility requirements, such as mandating each student perform 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring, and meet at least one indicator of economic need. The bill now goes to the Senate floor for full debate.

On Wednesday, our Transportation Committee heard the police body-camera legislation. It’s been more than a year since the death of Michael Brown and the ensuing civil protests. Yet, no actions have been taken by the Legislature to address any of the systemic problems leading up to that day. Of the many proposals, body-cameras were the least controversial, and were widely supported by the public and law enforcement. Last year, the General Assembly failed to approve my body camera bill.

I hope this year is different. Body-cameras are a cost-effective way to protect citizens’ constitutional rights, protect the integrity of the police and ensure there is a public record of every interaction between law enforcement and those they’re charged to safeguard. In states such as Texas and South Carolina, conservative legislatures were able to pass a funded body camera measure. In moving testimony, Michael Brown’s mother described during the committee hearing why we need this legislation. I hope the Legislature sees the need for body-cameras and approves the proposal.

Celebrating President’s Day

This week we celebrated President’s Day, honoring our former commanders in chief. By far my favorite president is Jimmy Carter, who I have admired since I was five years old. One of the reasons is because he wanted to install solar panels on the White House before solar power was even on the nation’s radar as a source of reliable, clean energy. He was a forward thinking president, and continues to influence social policy to this day. Happy President’s Day to Jimmy Carter!

Parental Anxiety and Children’s Mental Health

This week, I was glad to see mental health addressed in the Washington Post, in this article. The death of Mike Brown stirred a lot of emotions in North County. I have renewed my call for additional funds for the Department of Mental Health to address the anxiety in St. Louis. And finally Governor Nixon recognizes the need to invest more resources into mental health institutions. In a recent discussion, I was informed of how small children are exhibiting unhealthy behavior at younger ages. The anxiety brought on by the continued concerns of Ferguson is felt at the family level and we need to do a better job with support systems.

I strongly believe the mental health issues we face will impact us for some time into the future. We need to address this issue with long-term policy and appropriate increases in funding. Our schools have no choice but to deal with the fallout of issues impacting their communities. The state can target funds into mental health, pre-k education and early childhood development programs knowing what families today face.

Next week, the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee is scheduled to hear Senate Bill 761, legislation I’ve filed that would exempt marijuana from certain forfeiture provisions relating to controlled substances, on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 1 p.m. in the Senate Lounge.

Under current law, any property used in relation or derived from a violation of a drug law can be seized by the state. My legislation would exempt marijuana from the drugs that allow the state to seize a person’s property, such as their home or their vehicle. I encourage anyone who is interested in testifying before the committee to contact my office. It’s time to bring drug laws into the 21st century and align them with the public’s opinion.

Last weekend, I had a chance to meet with members from Netroots Nation, a wonderful organization that will be holding its annual convening this summer in St. Louis. More than 3,000 people are expected to attend this year. It was great to touch base with this progressive organization and discuss their upcoming plans.

I also stopped by City Hall and had a nice chat with Mavis T. Thompson, the current license collector for the City of St. Louis.

Unfortunately, most of my weekend plans were derailed by a bad case of the flu. I encourage everyone to get their flu shot. I found myself too busy this year, and paid the price. Many pharmacies offer this shot at low-cost. Or, you can arrange to get a shot through your doctor. It is definitely worth the investment of time.

Dispute Over Voter Data Leaves Some Missouri Democrats Frustrated – Riverfront Times (Feb. 12, 2016)

Editorial: A welcome turn by activists from street protests to election ballots – St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Feb. 14, 2016)

Five Places Where Police Shooting Scandals Have Altered the Political Landscape – Mother Jones (Feb. 17, 2016)

Missouri officials actively pushing for NGA to stay in city of St. Louis – Call Newspaper (Feb. 17, 2016)

Nasheed, Michael Brown’s mother urge Missouri lawmakers to pass police body camera requirements - St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Feb. 17, 2016)

Michael Brown Junior’s mother testifies for required policy body cameras - Missourinet - (Feb. 17, 2016)

Springfield Police Could Be Required to Wear Body Cameras - Ozarks First (Feb. 18, 2016)

Apathy and establishment Democrats in 2016 - St. Louis American (Feb. 18, 2016)

Michael Brown’s Family Pushes for Body Cams - Officer.com/St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Feb. 18, 2016)

“Thank you Maria for advocating that the toxic waste gets cleaned up and disposed of properly; doing such a thing is good public health policy.” Jerome

“Thank you for keeping me on your list and for the ways you continue to serve your constituents and the people of our state!” Rich

“You are an excellent legislator and an exceptional human being. I thank you for your work and I support your policies. Bless you and your sincere support of the people.” Dennis

“Thank you for working with us!” Tekella

“Dear Maria-I want you to know that not only does Kansas City stand with you and your families, but Michael Brown’s death called us to action-Black Lives Matter. I am your sister in arms-for justice and change. We are sick and tired of being sick and tired. Love.” Kendra