Government

Kansas City, Mo. – The Missouri Senate has given first-round approval to a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow laws requiring DNA collections from criminals to be applied retrospectively.

The Missouri Constitution forbids retrospective laws that mandate new restrictions or requirements based on past actions.

The sponsor, GOP Senator Matt Bartle of Lee's Summit, says an exception needs to be allowed for collecting DNA samples from criminals.

Topeka, Kan. – Democratic State Senator Tom Holland has officially entered the race for governor. He kicked off his campaign with a rally in Topeka and an attack on the presumed Republican nominee.

State Sen. Tom Holland, of Baldwin City, suggested that U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback would bring gridlock and partisanship from Washington to Topeka. Brownback is the only GOP candidate campaigning.

Kansas City, Mo. – $50 million is destined for the Kansas City area for federal stimulus transportation work. The announcement came as part of the Obama Administration's national promotional blitz on the first anniversary of the economic recovery act.

The millions will be managed by Mid America Regional Council and be spread both sides of state line.

Jefferson City, Mo. – There's a proposal in the Missouri Senate to shorten the length of legislative sessions from nearly five months to just under three.

The resolution would require the General Assembly to end regular sessions in late March, instead of mid-May. It's sponsored by GOP Senator Luann Ridgeway from the Kansas City area.

Kansas City, Mo. – Strong budget! The assessment of the acting city manager's budget for the next fiscal year, delivered by Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser. He would add what he calls some small items. They would total $1.5 million.

Kansas City, Mo. – Legislation that would expand Missouri's texting-while-driving ban to all motorists received a hearing before a State House committee.

The current ban on sending, receiving or reading text messages while driving only applies to those age 21 and younger.

Brent Butler with the Missouri Insurance Coalition testified in favor of expanding the ban to all ages.

Jefferson City, Mo. – Two competing resolutions on Don't Ask, Don't Tell received hearings in a Missouri Senate committee. The national policy bars gays and lesbians from openly serving in the U.S. military.

Among those testifying in favor of Don't Ask, Don't Tell was Paul Curtman, a recently-retired Marine Corps sergeant. He testified that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly would disrupt combat readiness.

Kansas City, Mo. – Missouri has received more than a million dollars in stimulus funds to help smokers kick the habit. Kit Wagar, with the Missouri department of health, says the money will expand the state's popular quit-line, which offers counseling and nicotine replacement therapy.

"In 2008, about 5200 people called. In 2009 we more than doubled that," says Wagar. "We figure roughly about a third of those people are able to quit the year they call."