Why Legislation?

So many of our caring citizens are involved in the rescue of neglected and abused animals all across the state of Missouri - but until strong and humane LEGISLATION is in place, the cycle of neglect and abuse will only continue.

At the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, we are working around the clock to stop abuse and neglect BEFORE it starts. We advocate for the enactment and enforcement of legislation that addresses the root causes. We are the only organization in the state of Missouri working full time to lobby in the state capitol on behalf of the animals.

The Legislative Process in Missouri

The Missouri state legislature is also known as the Missouri General Assembly.

It is composed of two chambers (or houses): the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The Senate has 34 members who serve (2) four year terms, and the House has 163 members who serve (4) 2 year terms
The head of the Senate is referred to as the President Pro Tem of the Senate, and the head of the House is referred to as the Speaker of the House.

Missouri's annual Legislative Session convenes on the 1st Wednesday after the 1st Monday in January, and ends on May 30th.

The legislative process by which a bill becomes a law is the same at the state level as it is at the federal level - however, each state can establish its own rules of procedure. The flow-chart here illustrates the evolution of a bill-to-law that takes place during a legislative session.

Find My State Legislator

Where We Fit In

The Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation is wholly committed to introducing and supporting legislation that advances animal welfare and we are just as equally committed to opposing legislation if it does not, or if it weakens, existing laws.

During the legislative session (and the time leading up to it), the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation concentrates its efforts on the following:

drafting and submitting animal welfare legislation,
tracking bills as they progress through the Missouri General Assembly,
educating legislators on the issues surrounding a piece of legislation, and supporting or opposing additional animal related legislation proposed by others,
attending and testifying before committee hearings,
providing supporting documentation,
meeting with legislators,
issuing action alerts to our supporters for their help.

We are the only non-profit organization in the state that has a lobbyist working on behalf of animal welfare. We can do this because of our 501(c)(4) status!