State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer was chosen to chair the Missouri State Senate Committee on judiciary and civil and criminal jurisprudence. He is one of three freshmen senators chosen to chair a committee and the first that previously didn't serve in the state house of representatives.
The Parkville resident is the only practicing attorney Republican in the state senate. He works in a law office in downtown Kansas City and will still practice when the senate isn't in session.
Luetkemeyer is a graduate from the University of Missouri School of Law and previously clerked for the Missouri Supreme Court.
“There is a lot of important legislation,” said the 34th district senator, which represents Platte and Buchanan counties. “It is a great responsibility.”
The seven-member judiciary committee considers reports on bills relating to Missouri courts, civil procedure, criminal law and other issues. It also considers legislation involving probation and parole of persons sentenced under Missouri's laws.
He began his tenure as the chairman on Jan. 28. The committee hear Senate Bill 1 which expands the list of convictions that could be eligible for expungement from individual's criminal record. Several people testified in support of the measure, while no one testified against it. No action was taken.
The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 9 and the related Senate Joint Resolution 2. They would amend the constitution and rewrite state law to transfer the hearing of impeachment trials from the Missouri Supreme Court to the Senate. No action was taken on this matter either.
"Both topics brought serious discussion on the part of dedicated legal professionals who demonstrated their interest in making Missouri law more just and fair, either for individual or for the institutions of state government," Luetkemeyer said.
He is also serving on the gubernatorial appointments, general laws, government reform and committee on rules, joint rules, resolution and ethics.
Luektemeyer presented Senate Bill 155 that would establish the Narcotic Control Act and institute a statewide program to monitor the prescription and dispensing of schedule II, III and IV controlled substance. Missouri is the only state without such a program.
Physicians, pharmacists and citizens provided testimony to the Missouri Senate committee on seniors, family and children on Jan. 30.
Luetkemeyer was sworn in on Jan. 9 and he and his dog, Truman, are adjusting to the new digs in Jefferson City. The senator noted he had a chance to hear from residents from Platte City at his new state office, as well as a recent visit from Riverside mayor Kathy Rose.