Lakes Area Rep Files Bills for 2022 Legislative Session

State Rep. Brad Hudson has pre-filed legislation for the upcoming 2022 Session in Jefferson City.

According to a release from his office, some of the issues Hudson will be working on include securing elections, helping disabled veterans and protecting religious students from discrimination. 

Hudson filed House Bill 1595 relating to elections. It requires that all ballots be in paper form. 

“With the growing threat of cyber attacks, it’s important that every effort be made to see that software is not placed between the voter and the vote he or she has cast. The unhackable hand-marked paper ballot remains the best way of accomplishing that goal," said Hudson, R-Cape Fair in the release. 

Additionally, Hudson filed HB 1724, which prohibits institutions of higher learning from discriminating against religious students, and House Joint Resolution 69, which would establish a sales and use tax exemption for certain disabled veterans. 

“These brave men and women made the decision to place themselves in harms way in order to protect the freedom we all hold dear, and that changed their lives forever,” Hudson said about the resolution. “While we can never fully repay the debt of gratitude we owe them, this is a way we can show our appreciation for their sacrifice.” 

Regarding HB 1724, Hudson said, “Across our country, universities have been quietly passing policies that deny religious student associations the ability to choose leaders in accordance with their mission. More than a training ground for students, these institutions serve as a proving ground for the men and women that sons and daughters will become. It is unacceptable to think that they could be denied one of their basic Constitutional rights.”

Hudson also filed HB 1545 relating to county commissions, HB 1553 relating to state reporting and HB 1725 changing the laws relating to lodging establishments. 

Hudson represents the majority of Stone County as well as a portion of southwestern Christian and Taney Counties.