Mike Cierpiot

Lee's Summit Republican Sen. Mike Cierpiot's bill would repeal a 1976 ban on charging customers for new power plants as they are built to meets future energy needs. Critics say it’s a cash grab by utilities who will undoubtedly raise rates.

Republican state Sen. Mike Cierpiot of Lee’s Summit, said birth certificates reflect “facts on the day you were born." His bill is inspired by a case where a transgender student sued the Blue Springs School District after being barred from locker rooms and bathrooms.

The victories likely mean the caucus — which has quarreled with GOP leadership and used procedural roadblocks to grind the chamber to a halt — will grow from seven official members last year to potentially nine in 2023.

Incumbent Missouri Sen. Mike Cierpiot is facing primary challengers from the right, who criticize him for being "worst Republican in our area." But his campaign priorities tend to line up even with his opponents.