Black History Month Highlight: Rep. Marla Smith

Representative Marla Smith won her first election in 2024 to represent part of St. Louis County (District 74) as a Democrat in the Missouri House of Representatives. In the 103rd General Assembly, Smith is an active member four committees: Those on Ethics, Government Efficiency, Judiciary and Local Government.

Among the bills Smith is sponsoring is HB 441, which would legally require employers to provide employees a 30 minute lunch break for an 8-hour work period, establishing in state law a workplace standard which helps reduce wage theft.

Rep. Smith has been a resident of Pagedale for almost 50 years. She carries forward a strong sense of public service and legislative leadership as she served as a former Alderperson for the City of Pagedale from 2005-2017. She is a retired senior clerk of almost 30 years for the St. Louis County 21st Circuit Court, which further underscores her commitment to the public service of the residents of District 74.

Outside her legislative duties, Rep. Smith cherishes time with her children: LaDontè, Makayla, and Bryce. She is also the proud grandmother to ten grandchildren.