Rep. Steven Roberts, St. Louis Legislator - Missouri's Millennial Leadership

In the Missouri Legislature, millennials have taken leadership roles in the Republican Caucus, Democratic Caucus and the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus.

"You have this new generation of leaders that believe in themselves and have the confidence to go forward and reach for their greatest ambitious," said Rep. Steven Roberts Jr.

Within the Missouri General Assembly, those that fit the "millennial" definition in leadership roles include Rep. Elijah Haahr, Speaker of the House; Sen. Caleb Rowden, Senate majority floor leader; Rep. Crystal Quade, House minority leader; Rep. DaRon McGee, House assistant minority floor leader; Rep. Steven Roberts, black caucus chairman; and Rep.-elect LaKeySha Bosley, black caucus secretary.

Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis - Personal Privacy Protection

Rep. Steven Roberts Jr.  of St. Louis is committed to standing up for the rights of others – and to utilizing his role as state legislator to advocate for fairness, equality and justice on behalf of those without the means to stand up for themselves. 

To that end, Roberts recently co-sponsored HCS HB 1358 – legislation designed to eliminate any requirement of personal online account access by landlords, employers and educational institutions.

HB 1358, as Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. of St. Louis knows, bans the requirement of personal account access as a condition of anything from residency and college enrollment to employment. It also protects private users from retaliation from employers or other entities once such a request has been denied.

Though HB 1358 does eliminate this access requirement, it does not prevent employers, landlords or public education institutions from accessing public information. This bill originated in the House’s Special Committee on Innovation and Technology.

Rep. Steven Roberts, St. Louis Legislator - Working to Help At-Risk Youth

Missouri State Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. represents constituents throughout portions of St. Louis City – a district that covers a section of the city from the central corridor northwest to the riverfront. 

As such, Roberts works hard to sponsor and support legislation that makes a difference for those throughout his community – particularly those facing significant struggles and disadvantages.

During the most recent session of the Missouri General Assembly, Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. of St. Louis was proud to sponsor and testify on behalf of HB 1321 – a bill that would have required the Adjutant General of the Missouri National Guard to officially establish the Youth Challenge Academy. 

The Academy, if/when in place, would provide school-aged, at-risk youth a resource of support – positive interventions that proponents argue would lead to positive, meaningful results.

HB 1321 made significant progress last session – though the last movement on the bill was its referral to the House Committee on Legislative Oversight.

Rep. Steven Roberts, St. Louis Legislator - Recent Sponsorship of HB 2218

Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. – a state legislator who represents portions of St. Louis City – works hard to advocate for positive change and solutions that benefit people throughout Missouri. 

During the 2018 Session of the Missouri State Assembly, Roberts sponsored a number of bills he believed to be in the best interests of his constituents and his fellow citizens – including a bill that eliminates the death penalty.

The bill in question – HB 2218 – would not only repeal all provisions that allow courts to issue the death penalty as punishment, but would also require courts to change the sentencing on anyone currently facing the death penalty (those sentenced prior to August 28, 2018). HB 2218 was similar to proposed 2017 legislation (HB 135).

As Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis knows, HB 2218 was referred to the House Committee on Crime Prevention and Safety near the end of the 2018 legislative session. 

Rep. Steven Roberts, St. Louis Legislator - The Death With Dignity Act

Rep. Steven Roberts Jr.  of St. Louis works hard to do what’s best for the people of his district – and for residents throughout the state of Missouri. 

First elected in 2016, Roberts strives to advocate for and sponsor legislation that not only address important issues affecting his constituents, but that also provides real, lasting solutions for all Missourians.

This includes his recent sponsorship of HB 1319 – a bill that, if passed, would establish the “Missouri Death With Dignity Act.” 

As Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. knows, the Death With Dignity Act provides qualified adults both throughout St. Louis and across the state the opportunity to obtain medication that would end his or her life – given, of course, that the patients in question are Missouri residents, are capable, are coping with a terminal disease and are making a voluntary request to die.

The last action taken on HB 1319 was a referral to the House Health and Mental Health Committee near the end of the 2018 Session.

Rep Steven Roberts St Louis - Better Understanding Existing Gun Laws

Rep Steven Roberts St Louis has long been a proponent of common-sense gun laws – those essential not only to preventing gun accidents in the home, but also in terms of tackling and eliminating gun violence and gun-related deaths currently affecting families and communities across the country.

An advocate of common-sense gun regulation, Rep. Roberts knows how important it is to know and adhere to existing national gun laws. Some of the basic gun laws now in effect include:

·     Minimum age requirements. Individuals must be 18 years of age to purchase rifles, shotguns and ammunition anywhere in the United States. States are unable to lower these minimum requirements. 

·    Controlled substance convictions. Anyone who has been convicted of a controlled substance violation may not purchase a firearm for one year.

·    State restrictions. Many states have different laws when it comes to carrying and operating firearms, though these can not come into conflict with existing federal regulations.

Rep Steven Roberts St Louis is a former prosecutor and first-term state house representative. He was elected to represent the 77^th District in November of 2016. 

Missouri State Rep. Steven Roberts Jr.: Reasons for Expanding Medicaid

Missouri State Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. is committed to improving lives and building stronger communities. A state representative since 2017, Roberts looks not only to be a voice for the most vulnerable, but also to advocate for change and policies that can make life safer, healthier and a little brighter for the people of his state and his district.

Rep Steven Roberts St Louis is a strong supporter of expanding Medicaid – a program he believes can:

·         Have a positive economic impact on the state of Missouri, providing an infusion of federal funds that can lead to future job creation.

·         Give hospitals and healthcare providers the financial support they need to continue providing the best care possible.

·         Offer workers the preventative care and support they need to stay healthy and productive.

Missouri State Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. is a passionate public servant and leader in the local community. He is now in his first term as representative of the 77^th District – an area that covers parts of St. Louis from the riverside to the central corridor.

For more detail visit: https://www.behance.net/repstevenrobertsst

Missouri State Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. - Common Sense Gun Regulation

Missouri State Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. is a firm believer in common sense gun regulation – as well as to doing anything possible to help stem the epidemic of gun violence and violent crime throughout the city of St. Louis.

As the representative of the 77^th District, Rep. Roberts has taken a real step toward tackling the issue of gun violence with the introduction of House Bill 1326 – legislation that allows gun owners to deduct the costs of firearms safety courses and training from their taxes.

As Roberts knows, gun safety is an important public health issue that not only affects people in the state of Missouri, but also in communities throughout the country.

With the introduction of HB 1326, Rep. Roberts looks to make gun training and safety more affordable – as well as to help reduce the occurrence of gun-related accidents throughout the state.

HB 1322 is the only firearms-related legislation to make it out of both the Committee on General Laws and the Rules Committee with complete support from members of both sides of the aisle. 

Missouri State Rep. Steven Roberts Jr.: A Closer Look at HB 1996

Missouri State Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. takes the opportunity to serve his district and the people of Missouri seriously. As the representative of the 77^th District, Roberts looks forward to advocating for the best interests of all Missourians, and for standing up and fighting for the most vulnerable populations throughout the state.

During the legislature’s most recent session, Rep. Roberts introduced HB 1996 – a bill that would necessitate gender and racial bias training as part of basic peace officer training to include specific instruction on identity and racial profiling. This bill specified that this new training curriculum would take a look at evidence-based protocols, practices and patterns that make up identity and racial profiling – as well as to prescribe any protocols, practices and patterns that help prevent such profiling from taking place.

In addition, HB 1996 would establish the “Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board,” which, in conjunction with the POST commission (Peace Officer Standards and Training), would work not only to eliminate these types of profiling, but to also improve racial sensitivity and diversity in law enforcement.

Rep. Steven Roberts St Louis of Missouri State first introduced this bill on January 9, 2018. It was referred to the Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee in May of 2018.

Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis - Three Ways to Check Your Biases

Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis, Missouri, knows that one of the most important ways to build strong communities where people treat each other respectfully is to check our internal biases toward others.

·         Listen to yourself as you see yourself making snap judgments about people at work, in the street, at the grocery store, and wherever else you happen to be. Ask yourself what your judgment is based on, where it’s coming from, and if it seems truly fair.

·         Take a look at your social circles. Are they diverse? If not, consider ways that you might spend more time with people who don’t look like you, as this is an excellent way to expand your horizons and challenge your unconscious biases.

·         Recognize who you exclude and why. Pay attention to everyone around you and make an effort to involve everyone, regardless of background.

Rep. Steven Roberts was elected to speak for the central corridor east to the riverfront of St. Louis City in 2017.

Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. of St. Louis: Two De-Escalation Tips for Police Officers

Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis, Missouri, knows that police officers are an important part of a strong, healthy community, and he shares that there a variety of ways to de-escalate a tense situation that will help police officers do their jobs safely.:

·   De-escalation comes down to words, and it’s very important that as a police officer, you make genuine contact with the person you are talking with. Knowing the right thing to say in the right moment to make that initial contact is vital.

·   Rather than becoming upset by the cause, focus on what a positive outcome looks like for the particular situation in front of you. While it’s valuable information to know the source of the problem, it’s more important that you deal with the situation at hand quickly and effectively to ensure that no one gets hurt.

Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. was born in St. Louis, Missouri.

Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. of St. Louis - Three Reasons to Expand Medicaid

Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Rep. Steven Roberts Jr.  is dedicated to building strong, vibrant communities, and he knows that expanding Medicaid is one of the ways to do this.: 

• Expanding Medicaid has a positive economic impact on the state, providing large amounts of Federal funds that will create a stimulus effect leading to job creation.
  
• Because healthcare is so expensive in the United States, many hospitals are suffering financially because of uncompensated care, and expanded Medicaid services will help hospitals as well as other providers receive the revenue that they need to continue offering high-quality care.
  
• Expanding Medicaid will help boost the economy by supporting workers to stay healthy and vital, meaning less missed days at work and increased productivity in the workforce.

Rep. Steven Roberts Jr.  is a member of the Missouri Bar and represents the central corridor east to the riverfront in St. Louis.

Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis: Former Certified Law Clerk

Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis previously worked for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office in Compton, California, as a certified law clerk. 

In this role, Rep. Steven Roberts was primarily responsible for conducting preliminary hearings in felony narcotics cases, analysing jailhouse recordings, crime scene videos, police interviews, and medical examiner reports for trial preparation and exhibits in homicide and gang related cases.

Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. of St. Louis Introduces House Bill 1996

Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. of St. Louis is the State Representative for Missouri’s 77th District. In the most recent legislative session, he introduced House Bill 1996, legislation that would require a racial and gender bias training component of peace officer basic training to include specific instruction on racial or identity profiling, as defined in the bill.

Additionally, the bill specifies that training curriculum examine evidence-based patterns, practices, and protocols that make up racial or identity profiling, including implicit bias. The training would prescribe evidence-based patterns, practices, and protocols that prevent racial or identity profiling.

In developing the training, the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) commission would consult with the Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board -established by this bill - whose purpose would be to eliminate racial and identity profiling and improve diversity and racial sensitivity in law enforcement.

"Missouri is a state that continues to struggle with race and discrimination,” states Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. “Racial bias training in the Missouri Legislature will provide an example of what needs to be implemented throughout our state and all institutions. Law enforcement needs racial bias training in order to respectfully protect and serve the districts they patrol."

Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis Introduces House Bill 1995

Rep. Steven Roberts, a Missouri State Representative from St. Louis, introduced House Bill 1995 inJanuary,2018. This legislation would establish the "Joint Committee on Unsolved Civil Rights Cases." 

The joint committee would be responsible for studying issues relating to the investigation and prosecution of unsolved civil rights crimes and cold cases from the civil rights era. In addition, the committee would make recommendations concerning the desirability of a statutory commission or other appropriate means to conduct investigations and prosecutions of civil rights crimes.

Racially motivated violence continues to divide communities and intimidate minorities, and these violent and discriminatory crimes tear at the fabric of our democratic society. Countless African-Americans and civil rights workers involved in the struggle for equality were murdered in deliberate acts of racial intimidation. 

The murder of Emmett Till remains one of the most infamous acts of racial violence in American history, yet his killers were never brought to justice. The US Department of Justice recently reopened the Till case.

"The killers in most of the cases have not been prosecuted or convicted, and today, there are many cases that still cry out for justice,” said State Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis, agreeing with a statement from the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. of St. Louis Introduces House Bill 1326

Missouri State Rep. Steven Roberts Jr., who represents the 77^th District in St. Louis, wants to make sure more gun owners in Missouri receive proper firearms safety training. This year, he sponsored legislation that he believes would help reduce gun-related accidents by making safety training more affordable.

House Bill 1326 promotes safety courses that teach the proper and safe handling of firearms. After successfully completing up to eight hours of a gun safety training course, participants would be eligible for a deduction of up to $150 for course costs.

"Gun safety is a public-health issue that we need to address in Missouri and our nation. The trend in Missouri has been to allow more and more access to firearms, but we have not seen corresponding increased emphasis on ensuring gun owners are taught how to handle these deadly weapons properly," said Roberts Jr. He continued by emphasizing, "I am not anti-gun. I ampro-gun safety."

Rep.Roberts sponsored the only firearm legislation in the House of Representatives that made it out of both the Committee on General Laws and Rules Committee with unanimous support from both Democratic and Republican members.

Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis Introduces House Bill 2218

State Representative Steven Roberts represents Missouri’s 77th District which encompasses the city of St. Louis. As a fierce supporter of criminal justice reform, State Representative Roberts sponsored legislation in January,2018 that would abolish the death penalty in the state of Missouri.

House Bill 2218 would repeal the provisions that currently allow the use of the death penalty and specifies that any person sentenced to death prior to August 28, 2018, must instead be sentenced by the court to life imprisonment without eligibility for probation, parole, or release, except by act of the Governor.

One of the reasons Rep. Steven Roberts introduced the bill is that studies from numerous organizations and universities have found that race and poverty play a significant role in whether a person is sentenced to death.Referred to the Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee in May 2018, State Representative Steven Roberts intends to refile the bill during theGeneral Assembly of 2019.