Capitol Report: Aug. 7, 2014

I would like to say thank you to everyone who turned out to vote on August 5th. I was very pleased with the vote for the 51st district and passage of three amendments to the Missouri Constitution. Let's take a look at the amendments that passed statewide.

Amendments to the Constitution

Amendment 1, Right to Farm -- Today Missouri farmers feed the world. Unfortunately, they are under attack at times from people who do not understand the nature of modern agriculture. Farmers are in essence, small business owners who are susceptible to lawsuits and regulations that can be expensive and grind production to a halt. Fortunately, the voters of the 51st District and the state of Missouri cut through the confusion of the campaign and voted to support food and fiber production.

Our high-tech society (and much of the world for that matter) is dependent on a very small part of the population that produces the food we eat and the fiber we use for such items as clothing and shelter. All are basic to life, and for most of human history, the overwhelming majority of people were involved in the process of agricultural production. With today's technology we are fortunate enough to enjoy the fruits of agriculture while the vast majority of society enjoys a life with protection from the elements and the shelves of grocery stores are full. Amendment 1 will ensure that this legacy of productivity from farmers will continue into the future.

Amendment 5, 2nd Amendment Rights - Again, the 51st District and the majority of Missourians understood the need of Amendment 5 and its reinforcement of the personal right to bear arms. Our Declaration of Independence declares that we inherently have the right to "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." The personal right to bear arms guarantees the basic right to life by allowing us protection and the ability to enjoy the bounty of nature through hunting. This amendment will also clear up some language concerning your right to carry a concealed weapon.

Amendment 9, Right to Privacy -- This amendment found the largest support among all voters statewide and provides an update to the right to privacy as guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution under the 4th Amendment and in the Missouri Constitution. Electronic transmissions and records are a relatively new area of law, and this amendment extends the protection of unreasonable search and seizure without probable cause by the government to electronic communication and data just as you have with your person, home, papers, and effects. Missourians realize that although much of the technology we have today serves us well, in the wrong hands it is a danger. This amendment allows the privacy protections we expect as Americans.

Missouri State Fair

The Missouri State Fair opens today. It is the showcase of Missouri agriculture and is always full of fun, good shows, and good food. For a look at this year's activities, please go to:

http://www.mostatefair.com/home

It is an honor to serve the 51st District in the Missouri House of Representatives. Each week I will issue a capitol report to keep you informed of activities in Jefferson City and Missouri. Any concerns or issues you might have are of great interest to me. I look forward to your input and thoughts, so please feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions, concerns, or ideas to improve our state government and the quality of life for all Missourians. My telephone number is 573-751-2204 or you may contact me by email at dean.dohrman@house.mo.gov. Thank you for working with me to make Missouri a great place to live.