Missouri House of Representatives

Bipartisan supporters of the bill say that nondisclosure agreements are often used to silence underage victims and prevent them from speaking out.

The bill has been introduced for five straight years in the state legislature but failed to make it to committee hearings until now. Advocates’ hopes are high after it passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this month.

The resolution now heads to the Missouri Senate. If it passes the legislature, it must receive voter approval to go into effect.

The resolution, if passed by the Senate and then by voters, would repeal the abortion rights currently in Missouri’s constitution that were approved by residents in November.

The legislation also gives the attorney general the ability to appeal preliminary injunctions on ongoing cases.

The legislation also removes the cap on how much can be spent on an investigation.

The bill also would lower the minimum age to acquire a concealed carry permit from 19 to 18.

Some opponents worry the bill restricts free speech and could be used to silence criticism of Israel.

Supporters of the bill said that while they weren’t eager to expand access to gambling, it would be more harmful to leave the machines unregulated.

The budget includes 1% raises for state employees for every two years on the job up to 10 years, as well as $375 million for school transportation.