Senate Resolution No. 984 proposes an amendment to Senate Rule 96 governing conduct and technology use in the Missouri Senate chamber. The resolution keeps existing provisions on laptop use by senators and staff, restrictions on photography in the Senate Gallery, limits on smoking in Senate spaces, and the ability of the President Pro Tem to designate handicap-accessible space in the chamber for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.
The main substantive change is a new requirement that the Senate provide an audio and video feed of its proceedings on the Senate website no later than January 1, 2027. The resolution also specifies that the Senate may not stop its proceedings if the feed fails to operate properly. In effect, the measure creates a public livestreaming obligation for Senate floor proceedings while preserving the chamber’s ability to continue business if technical problems occur.
Impact
If adopted, SR984 would amend internal Senate rules rather than state statutes, so it would affect legislative procedure and chamber operations instead of the Missouri Revised Statutes. It would require the Senate to establish and maintain an online audio-video broadcast of proceedings by a fixed deadline, likely involving website infrastructure, streaming equipment, and administrative oversight. The resolution also reinforces existing chamber rules on device use, photography, smoking, and ADA-related access accommodations.
Sentiment
The available record suggests a generally procedural and administrative tone, with the resolution framed as an internal rule change rather than a controversial policy bill. Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, there is no direct evidence of debate or opposition in the supplied materials. The bill caption indicates a straightforward goal of increasing public access to Senate proceedings through online audio and video streaming.
Contention
The most likely point of contention is the new transparency requirement: some senators may support public livestreaming as improved access and accountability, while others could raise concerns about cost, logistics, privacy, chamber decorum, or the possibility of technical failures. The resolution also preserves restrictions on photography and limits on lobbying in designated accessible areas, but no specific objections to those provisions are documented in the provided materials. Since no transcripts or votes are included, the record does not identify named supporters or opponents.