Senate adopts conference report on sheriffs’ rule change after debate over original title

The Missouri Senate on its final day adopted the conference committee report on Senate Joint Resolution 87, a joint resolution relating to sheriffs, after senators debated reconciling differences between the chambers.

Senator from Newton moved that the conference be allowed to exceed differences and explained the action was intended to restore language nearer the original bill. A floor roll call followed after the conference report was read; Secretary recorded the vote that carried the motion and then the conference committee report was adopted. “You have adopted the conference committee report,” the presiding officer announced after the vote.

Opponents raised constitutional and single-subject concerns on the floor during the earlier debate, saying the conference report carried matters that were broader than the bill’s original filing title. Senator from the 11th called the package “an unconstitutional piece of legislation now,” arguing titles and subjects had been broadened during the House process.

Supporters said the conference version returned to the original policy intent and that the changes were cleanup and technical in many places. After the roll call on final passage the clerk announced that the motion and final passage met a constitutional majority: 24 ayes and 9 noes.

The adoption completes the Senate’s action on the conference committee report; the resolution will proceed according to legislative process for transmittal to the other chamber and, if applicable, further steps toward enactment or placement on the ballot as the measure requires.