In this email: The Criminalization of homelessness overturned!

🎉HB1606 Reversal: A Win for Advocacy in Missouri!🎉

In a game-changing decision, the Missouri Supreme Court invalidated HB 1606, not on the basis of its controversial content, but due to a technical flaw. Advocacy groups such as Empower Missouri, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, and Eden Village played a pivotal role in highlighting the bill's deviation from its original scope of county financial reports.

The court's ruling wasn't a condemnation of the bill's content—specifically, its inclusion of homeless criminalization—but rather focused on the breach of the state's single-subject requirement. This technical oversight rendered the entire bill unconstitutional.

This victory showcases the influence of community-driven action. It underscores the need for citizens' active engagement in shaping legislation. Your voice is a catalyst for change. Engage with lawmakers, support community causes, and be the force behind laws that reflect our collective values and needs. Together, our involvement shapes legislation for a fairer future.

Want to learn more? Check out Empower Missouri's article on this exciting development!

Empower Missouri's Statement

Take Action Now: Say No to Criminalizing Homelessness in Missouri!

Your voice matters! Senator Holly Rehder's intent to reintroduce language criminalizing homelessness demands our attention. Let's stand together to oppose this harmful legislation that exacerbates the struggles of our unhoused community members.

The recent overturning of HB 1606 wasn't about the bill's content but its procedural flaws. Senator Rehder plans to resurface the language on homelessness separately. Now is our chance to advocate for proven housing interventions instead of punitive measures.

Join us in sending a clear message to Senator Rehder: Missourians want real solutions to the housing crisis, not policies that further burden those already in need. Your swift action can make a meaningful difference.

Let's unite and ensure our voices shape policies that uplift and support our community.

Take Action

Providing Powerful Testimony!

Don't Wait, Speak Now!

Advocates work to develop and master many important skills to increase their effectiveness - the process of writing and delivering testimony is one of them. This Friday Forum will prepare advocates for persuasive testimony with tips and tricks to help your information stand out. We will cover the committee process, messaging, and how to give a good first impression.

Empower Missouri’s Friday Forums are our monthly online educational offerings for Missourians to build knowledge on poverty-related policy issues and skills in legislative and grassroots advocacy. Register for this session on our website, or visit our Friday Forums page for more information on other upcoming sessions and recordings of all of our prior sessions.

Mo BoS CoC | moboscoc.org