Missouri’s Governor Vetoes Child Advocate Legislation

Legislation requiring Missouri’s Office of Child Advocate to create a safety reporting system for Children’s Division employees has been vetoed by the governor.

Governor Mike Parson vetoed the bipartisan bill from Chesterfield GOP State Representative Bruce DeGroot Friday. In his veto letter, the governor says the provision is unnecessary, duplicates efforts of existing local teams, and fails to strengthen protection for the children served by the Children’s Division.

The Missouri House approved the DeGroot bill by a 154-1 vote in May. It will be up to Representative DeGroot to decide whether or not he will seek a veto override attempt in September.