House Members Continue to Stand in Defense of Missouri Taxpayers (HB 1094)
The House has given preliminary approval to legislation that would give Missourians a break on late payment of taxes. The bill comes in response to issues within the Department of Revenue that have resulted in many Missourians owing more income tax or getting smaller tax refunds this year.
 
For months a special House oversight committee has investigated issues within the department. The House Special Committee on Government Oversight found not only that the department had an error in its withholding tables, but also that the department had failed to alert Missourians about how the tax code was changed and what it could mean for them.
 
The bill would block late payment penalties on tax debt owed to the state by individual taxpayers through the end of this year. It would also waive any interest owed on such debt until May 15. For those who might pay penalties before the bill would become law, it would require that those Missourians receive refunds. Supporters of the bill said it’s important to note that while some Missourians could see greater tax bills this year, changes in the federal tax code mean their overall debt is down.
 
The legislation now requires a final vote in the House before moving to the Senate. The Speaker of the House has said the House Special Committee on Government Oversight will continue to investigate what caused the withholding problems and how the department responded.
 
House Approves Bill with Campus Carry Provision (HB 575)
The House has voted to allow individuals with concealed carry permits to carry firearms on college campuses in Missouri. That provision is part of a broader bill that would also allow colleges and universities to designate faculty or staff members as campus protection officers.
 
Supporters say the legislation would help students protect themselves from sexual assaults and other threats on campus. Opponents argued that allowing campus carry would not make college campuses safer. Supporters also said that allowing students to carry concealed guns would make campuses safer from active shooter situations.
 
The legislation also allows higher education institutions to designate and train staff members to be campus security officers who may carry concealed firearms. Other provisions would create a STEM studies enhancement scholarship program, and bar colleges and universities from requiring students other than first-time freshman to live in campus housing.
 
Lawmakers Legislation to Legalize Needle Exchange Programs (HB 168)
The Missouri House of Representatives has passed a bill that would legalize programs already operating in the state that give drug abusers clean needles. Supporters say the programs fight the spread of intravenous diseases and expose drug users to treatment options.
 
Currently, those running needle exchanges in Missouri could be charged with violating the state’s drug paraphernalia law. They are protected only by handshake agreements with local law enforcement who recognize the benefit of the programs.
 
The legislation approved by the House would provide an exemption for needle exchange programs that are registered with the Department of Health and Senior Services. The exemptions would allow such programs to operate legally in Missouri.
 
The sponsor also noted that the CDC has identified 13 counties in Missouri as ripe for an outbreak of Hepatitis C and HIV. She said needle exchange programs can help to prevent an outbreak, which would save lives and save the state money.
 
Supporters say in places with needle exchange programs, drug users are five times more likely to enter treatment. That’s because when users go to get needles, they’re getting them from a health care professional who can tell them about treatment options. The bill is now under consideration in the Missouri Senate.
 
Other Bills Sent to the Senate
HB 584 would increase specified motor vehicle and trailer registration fees. Supporters say these fees have not been increased since 1999. They say that without an increase some of the state’s license bureaus may close.
 
HB 400 would expand the Missouri Returning Heroes Act to include combat veterans that served prior to September 11, 2001 and combat veterans who are eligible to register to vote in Missouri, registered to vote in Missouri, or are current Missouri residents. Additionally, this bill would place a cap of 30% on tuition and fees for qualified combat veterans pursuing graduate degrees, but not professional degrees, for a period of 20 years after an honorable discharge. Supporters say the bill would offer financial assistance to veterans pursuing graduate degrees at public universities in Missouri. Additionally, supporters say the bill would incentivize veterans to move to Missouri to attend public universities and would assist public universities if they are experiencing a shortage of students.
 
HB 485 requires the state board of education to modify accreditation standards for special school districts. Supporters say the special school district is not looking for a "free pass" and has been fully accredited, but the current Missouri state improvement plan does not mesh with the district and a more appropriate assessment should be used.
 
HB 559 specifies that no law, ordinance, or rule may be enacted by any village, town, city or county to terminate, ban, or effectively ban, by creating an undue financial hardship, the job of working animals or animal enterprise in commerce. Supporters say that working animals are inspected and regulated to ensure proper care for the health and welfare of both the animal and the people the animal serves. It is improper for a political subdivision to regulate an industry out of business, which is what is happening. This bill would allow reasonable regulations without terminating legitimate business.
 
HB 728 specifies that except if the party in interest is a minor, in any action involving the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or Article I, Section 5 or 7 of the Missouri Constitution, such action must be prosecuted in the name of the real party in interest. Supporters say the bill would require plaintiffs to be named in cases where people want to sue to remove religious symbols because such plaintiffs currently hide behind unknown names. They say the bill would treat claimants the same no matter the viewpoint, which would hopefully reduce the number of frivolous lawsuits.
 
HB 269 authorizes the Secretary of State to use subpoena power for specified investigations. The bill also requires candidates to pay filing fees directly to the treasurer of the appropriate political party committee whenever a declaration of candidacy for a particular office is required to be filed with the Office of the Secretary of State. Supporters say the bill gives appropriate enforcement authority to the Secretary of State which only involves the production of documents and physical items.
 
HB 501 designates the Missouri "Show Me" tartan, as registered with the Scottish Tartans Authority in Pitlochry, Scotland, as the official tartan of the state of Missouri. Supporters say the official tartan is recognized by a majority of the states and Missouri's was created by a Missouri resident based on Missouri symbols and the state flag.
 
HB 229 establishes a rebuttable presumption that child custody arrangements that award equal parenting time are in the best interest of the child. Supporters say that even with the passage of the shared parenting legislation, mothers are still presumed to be the better parent and fathers are not given equal parenting time. All cases should be looked at in the best interest of the child, not in the best interest of each parent.
 
HB 346 would allow the Department of Economic Development under the Missouri Works program to offer industrial development authorities, that have entered into a formal "memorandum of understanding" with an entity of the United States Department of Defense, tax credits for a "qualified military project" in an amount equal to the estimated withholding taxes associated with the civilian and military new jobs located at the facility and directly impacted by the project. Supporters say the bill would allow the United States Department of Defense to be on equal footing as private employers. Also, this would bring Missouri on par with other states that currently use economic development tools to attract the Department of Defense to operate within their boundaries. Supporters also pointed out that this bill has clawback provisions to ensure that agreements are carried out.
 
HB 700 says that grandparents may file a motion to modify a decree of dissolution when they have been unreasonably denied a right to visit their grandchildren for a period of 30 days. Supporters say there are numerous societal problems leading to grandparents raising grandchildren for large portions of their grandchildren's lives and terminating that relationship, or making it difficult, does not benefit the young children. This bill still leaves actual visitation orders up to a judge, but shortens the time at which a family can ask for intervention.
 
HB 761 specifies that any fine received by a political subdivision for failing to timely file an annual financial statement shall not exceed 10 percent of the total sales and use tax distribution for the fiscal year of the statement filed. Supporters say the bill limits the amount of fines a political subdivision will pay for not timely filing their annual financial statement to not more than 10 percent of the total sales and use tax distribution for the fiscal year the statement was filed.
 
HB 563 makes all employees of the Missouri Housing Development Commission and of the Environmental Improvement Energy Resource Authority eligible for membership in the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System. Supporters say the bill is a technical change that allows the commission's and the authority's employees to retire under MOSERS.
 
HB 1061 authorizes a tax exemption for certain transactions with a port authority. Supporters say all of Missouri’s 15 ports will financially benefit from the bill because the sales and leases of both real and personal property by or to any port authority involving the issuance of bonds will be exempt from taxation.
 
HB 265 requires all nonfood items sold in the state capitol to be made in the USA. Supporters say it makes sense for the people's capitol building to sell products made by Missourians, when possible, but to at least be made in the United States. 
 
HB 266 creates the designation of "Missouri Historical Theater" and specifies criteria to apply for and achieve such designation. Supporters say this will be a good vehicle to help promote and recognize Missouri's historic theaters.
 
HB 272 changes the laws regarding the Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board. It provides that all state agencies shall involve affected small businesses in the development of rules. The bill further provides that the Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board shall be an autonomous entity of the Secretary of State's office. Supporters say the Secretary of State is willing to take over this board and provide administrative support to restore it to its original function serving as a voice of and intermediary for small businesses in regulatory matters.
 
HB 374 requires after August 28, 2019, any political subdivision imposing a sales tax increase that requires voter approval to place certain information on every ballot associated with the proposed increase. Supporters say Missouri is currently the 14th highest state in the nation when compared to other states' combined local and state sales and use tax. It was pointed out that Missouri has the 5th most taxing districts when compared to other states. Also, supporters claimed that a cap of 14 percent on the combined sales and use taxes in the state would be appropriate considering there is no taxing district in the state that is currently at 14 percent. Supporters also say this type of tax places the tax burden on individuals with lower incomes.
 
HB 723 modifies provisions relating to public employee retirement benefits. Supporters say the bill will allow divorced retired school teachers who elected a joint and survivor option at retirement to remove the ex-spouse from the retirement benefit so that the benefit will pop-up to a normal annuity as long as both parties agree.
 
HB 898 creates a "Back the Blue" license plate which will be available for a $10 contribution to the Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation and a $15 fee in addition to normal registration costs. Supporters say many people are looking for some way to support law enforcement, and this is a good way to do it.
 
HB 841 designates September 9th as "Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Awareness Day” to bring awareness of this childhood cancer. Supporters say there is very little invested in research for this disease and this recognition might help remedy that situation.
 
HB 831 authorizes a special license plate with the official lineman emblem of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives. The license plate requires an annual $25 contribution for emblem use to the association which shall be used for lineman training programs and administrative costs. Supporters say the bill would help support training programs for linemen who work all hours of the day to provide reliable electric service.
 
HB 815 increases the maximum duration of a credit transaction that is subject to regulation under the statutes governing credit insurance. Currently, insurance written in connection with a loan or other credit transaction with a duration of more than 10 years is not subject to regulation. This bill increases the time period from 10 years to 15 years. Supporters say the bill changes the limit for credit life insurance, which will help for an RV purchase or other large transaction by allowing the credit life insurance to be extended to cover the period of the loan, which can often be more than 10 years.
 
HB 160 authorizes the Public Service Commission, during a general rate proceeding, to set a separate, lower fixed charge or customer charge for low-income customers of water corporations and sewer corporations. Supporters say that there are currently programs in place to help low-income customers with gas and electric utilities, but there is not a program to help water or sewer customers.
 
HB 159 exempts the current $250 outdoor advertising fee and biennial inspection fee for certain highway signs when a sign is displayed by a landowner who also owns the business advertised on the sign and where the business has a physical location within 750 feet of the sign. Supporters say the bill will allow reasonable use of one's own property to advertise a small business located in the same area.
 
HB 844 extends the liability waiver of lodging establishments to articles lost from safe deposit boxes. The bill also specifies that any lodging establishment that publishes current rates electronically on a public Internet platform does not have to post a written copy of the rates charged for each guest room. Supporters say the bill addresses an antiquated law that needs to be updated to current practices, both in posting rates and in new security box systems that hotels are utilizing instead of the old large single safe.
 
HB 873 establishes the "Jake Beckley Memorial Highway" in Marion County and the “Waylon Jennings Memorial Highway” in St. Charles County.
 
HB 1127 requires products labeled "Missouri Bourbon" or "Missouri Bourbon Whiskey" to be made using corn grown in Missouri; mashed, fermented, distilled, aged, and bottled in Missouri; and aged in oak barrels manufactured in Missouri. Supporters say the bill will protect Missouri's bourbon industry in a manner similar to other states such as Kentucky.
 
HB 942 allows multiple employer self-insured health plans having a certificate of authority approved by the Director of the Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration to offer such plans to the public. Supporters say the bill will allow insurance brokers to actively market and sell these association self-insured health plans. Currently, they are prohibited from marketing these plans. This will help small businesses to be able to get less expensive health insurance because they will be joining with other small employers making a larger group of insureds thereby sharing the risk with a larger pool.
 
HB 83 exempts short-term major medical policies from several health insurance mandates and allows such policies to have a term of less than one year. Supporters say the bill will exempt short-term policies from many health insurance mandates and increase the term limit from six months to a period of less than a year. This could help families get more affordable health insurance coverage.
 
HB 705 standardizes language regarding physician assistant supervision agreements to be consistent with advanced practice registered nurse collaborative practice arrangements. It also prohibits any licensure board, commission, or committee within the Division of Professional Registration from using any occupational fees for the purpose of offering continuing education classes. Additionally, it requires psychologists to take three hours of professional ethics continuing education classes every two years. The hours can count toward the existing total 40 hours of continuing education required for psychologists.
 
HB 65 adds powdered alcohol to the definition of intoxicating liquor used in state liquor control laws. Supporters say the bill will help prevent alcohol abuse and poisoning in children and young adults. This product can be consumed in various ways and is in need of regulation similar to liquid alcohol products. Many other states regulate powdered alcohol in a similar manner.
 
HB 674 authorizes several cities to levy a transient guest tax upon voter approval.
 
HB 106 provides that a real estate licensee shall not be liable for the accuracy of any information about the size of a property or improvements on the property, as long as the licensee discloses the source of the information before an offer to purchase is transmitted to the seller, unless the licensee knew the information was false or the licensee acted with reckless disregard as to whether such information was true or false. Supporters say this is an attempt to solve an issue that has existed in the real estate licensing industry. If a licensee uses information from a third party and names the third party, the licensee is immune from liability as long as he or she acted in good faith.
 
HBs 746 & 722 specifies that other persons specially appointed to serve orders of court shall also receive $10 for orders they serve. The additional $10 shall be deposited in the Deputy Sheriff Salary Supplementation Fund. Supporters say sheriffs in the areas that receive money from these funds can barely afford to keep good employees because they cannot afford to pay them a competitive salary, so this fund helps a lot. Many sheriffs were able to get off government assistance because of this fund. In the same areas, most people know the sheriffs, so it can be difficult to serve individuals, which is why private process servers are used. Supporters say it would be very helpful to be able to charge the additional $10 for those, too. 
 
HB 606 authorizes school boards to contract with municipalities to transport high school children for a primary bus route. Additionally, the bill prohibits districts from the use of self-driving or autonomous school buses for transportation of students. Supporters say the bill allows a district a measure of local control over the district's transportation costs. This bill also encourages collaboration between a municipality and a district to save tax dollars in a safe efficient manner. This bill will also help both the city and the school district to develop routes that will benefit students and allow for buses to serve a new population.
 
HB 407 designates Cryptobranchus alleganiensis, also known as the hellbender salamander, snot otter, or lasagna lizard, as the official endangered species of Missouri. Supporters say this is an important endangered indicator species, and not particularly attractive. They would like to promote recognition of this species so that citizens and visitors to Missouri know not to harm or interfere with them if they are encountered in our waterways. 
 
HB 745 requires courts to notify school administrators of any change in a child's custody, where a child is a person under 18 years of age, within one business day of the change, and for the school to acknowledge the change notification within one business day. Supporters say the bill will help prevent child endangerment and ensure that custody orders are enforced promptly to prevent harm. 
 
HB 372 modifies provisions relating to employment security. A claimant may not be determined ineligible for unemployment benefits because of not actively and earnestly seeking work if the claimant is temporarily unemployed through no fault of his or her own and has a definite recall date. This bill changes the definite recall date from eight to four weeks, which the Director of the Division of Employment Security may extend to eight weeks. Supporters say the bill promotes people getting back to work as soon as possible.
 
HB 568 authorizes a political subdivision to hold a vote on whether to cover emergency fire and police telecommunicators, jailors, and emergency medical service personnel as public safety personnel members in the Missouri local government employee's retirement system (LAGERS). Supporters say the bill will authorize political subdivisions to cover emergency fire and police telecommunicators, jailors, and emergency medical service personnel as public safety personnel under LAGERS.
 
HB 112 requires school districts to establish a state-approved gifted program if 3 percent or more of the students are determined to be gifted. Supporters say gifted children deserve specific appropriate programs and that those programs need to be supported. Prior legislation made modifications to gifted funding and since that time districts have cut gifted programs across the state. Supporters say it is a moral imperative to ensure that all students receive appropriate education and this bill would further that goal.
 
HB 287 defines "electric vehicle charging station" and exempts from the definition of "electrical corporation" municipally owned electric utilities, rural electric cooperatives, and any person or corporation that is not engaged in the sale of electricity at wholesale or retail, that owns, operates, or manages equipment that supplies electricity exclusively for the service of charging an electric vehicle as that term relates to the Public Service Commission. The bill also specifies that when municipally owned electric utilities or rural electric cooperatives are providing electric service to structures outside their service boundaries, an electric vehicle charging station reasonably close to the structure is considered a contiguous or adjacent addition. Supporters say the bill reduces uncertainty for those who own and operate electric vehicle charging stations by specifically exempting them from regulation by the Public Service Commission.
 
HCR 6 designates November 7th as Victims of Communism Memorial Day.


Status of House Bills I have Sponsored
HB 532 which authorizes the city of Portageville to levy, upon voter approval, a sales tax whose revenues are dedicated public safety was heard in the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee this week.

I presented my HB 587 which repeals the Missouri Treated Lumber Law in the Senate Agriculture Committee this week.

HB 588 which modifies the plant industries fees and requires periodic reviews of fees charged by the Department of Agriculture was also heard in the Senate Agriculture Committee.

HB 725 which modifies provisions relating to the prescribing and dispensing of nicotine replacement therapy products was voted out of the Health and Mental Health Policy Committee and now heads to the House floor for debate and perfection!