2010 Legislative Priorities

1.   Ban of Alcohol in the Capitol and on Capitol grounds (Rep. Trent Skaggs filed HB 2078). It has been filed for the last 14 years.  Rep. Doug Ervin is looking into putting it in “House Rules” – will not be possible until 2011 session.

• Other state buildings (employees) are not allowed alcohol – there are no other known states that allow alcohol in their capitol unless for “special occasions.”
• Elected officials should act as role models (and students visit the capitol daily).

2.   Banning anyone under 21 from Bars and Nightclubs  (Rep. Ryan Silvey filed HB 2055).

• The Surgeon General has identified this issue as a primary contributor to underage drinking access.
• Once minors are allowed in these establishments it is relatively easy to gain access of alcohol (through those 21 and over).

3.   Banning sales of alcohol energy drinks - New issue with national interest and an initiative to pass statewide (across our country) being developed through Marin Institute.  (Rep. Jerry Nolte is currently researching this issue)

4.   Banning distribution, use and possession of K2 - Three bills have been filed (SB 887, HB 1472 and HB 2050) two have received hearings and are now in a joint committee.

• JWH-018 and JWH-073 (K2) are more potent the THC – less is needed for the user to get high and will last longer. Testing by Professor Huffman found that the intoxicating effects of JWH-018 are 3 to 5 times more potent than THC.
• Herbal products like K2 are not regulated by the FDA. Risks of accidental overdosing with a risk of severe psychiatric complications may be more likely to occur because of the type and amount of cannaboinoid may vary considerably from batch to batch even within the same product.
• Some researchers believe tolerance to synthetic cannabinoids may develop fairly fast and might be associated with relatively high potential to cause dependence.

5.   HB1766 and SB904 - Statewide Clean Indoor Air

6.   HB 1431 - Introduced by Rep. Tim Flook – Prohibits tax revenue and school funds from being used to purchase alcohol.

What can you do NOW?

A.   Become acquainted with your legislators (House Representative and Senator) -  Introduce yourself (in person, phone call, letter or email)

B.   Indicate to your legislator your support of these bills

C.   Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper (or include in club/organization newsletters) in support of these bills

D.   Educate other groups you are involved in (civic/parenting groups, church members, co-workers, etc.) as to these issues and encourage them to make similar contacts.

Petition

This petition is an act of awareness to youth clothing stores who sell inappropriate items targeting youth. Please visit the website below and take a look. We are trying to raise awareness not only to the community, but to let the clothing stores know that we are tired of the sexually explicit, alcohol and drug promoting items that are seen in the youth section.

Missouri Coalition to Reduce Alcohol Use by Children and Youth Campaign Information

Alcohol Control Policies

• Reducing Social Access
• Reducing Commercial Access

From: Alcohol Epidemiology Program. Policies to reduce social access to alcohol.
http://www.epi.umn.edu/ University of Minnesota: Minneapolis, 2001.