Senate Begins Spring Break Early As Senators Debate Transgender Bill

The Missouri Senate began its legislative spring break a day early this year after two days of debate on a gender transition bill. SB 49, sponsored by Sen. Mike Moon (R-Ash Grove), would prohibit doctors or other health care providers from providing gender transition procedures on any minor. The bill–dubbed the “Missouri Save Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act”– is one of many similar bills filed in the Missouri House and Senate. 

The proposal led to a two-day filibuster from Senate Democrats, as both parties tried to negotiate a deal that would allow the bill to come up for a vote. As no agreement was reached, Majority Floor Leader Cindy O’Laughlin adjourned the chamber on Wednesday night, a day earlier than scheduled. 

It is expected that the Senate will go back to the bill sometime after spring break.