Jon Patterson

Missouri and Illinois' lawmakers crossed the political aisle in hopes of securing the 2023 Bi-State Softball Showdown crown, but Missouri reigned victorious once more in a 10-2 blowout.

The passage comes less than a week after the House gave the bill first-round approval. The House has also sent to the Senate its own version of a bill restricting access to gender-affirming health care for transgender minors.

Before leaving for spring break, Missouri House Republicans called the first part of this year’s session successful. How much gets done during the second half, however, depends on how well both chambers navigate divisive bills.

The Missouri House passed legislation Thursday allowing the governor to appoint a special prosecutor in cities like St. Louis. But Republican leadership cut off debate on the bill before several Black Democrats from the St. Louis area were able to speak.

The Lee’s Summit Republican was recently elected majority floor leader, one of the more powerful posts in the Missouri House.

State lawmakers see this session as a greater opportunity to pass some of their priorities.