Capitol Perspectives: The legacy of Missouri’s 2023 legislative session

by Rudi Keller, Missouri Independent

Gov. Mike Parson on Thursday signed the tax cut he said a week earlier was responsible for his decision to veto most of the 201 spending items he cut from the state budget.

The bill, exempting Social Security benefits and public pension payments from income tax, would reduce state general revenue by an estimated $309 million annually. It would also allow counties to hold a vote on whether people 62 or older should be exempt from increases in their annual property tax bills.

The bill passed with broad bipartisan support – only two House members voted against it – but not without some misgivings among Democrats, said Rep. Peter Merideth, D-St. Louis. 
Under current law, exemptions allowed for retirement income are phased out for single taxpayers earning more than $85,000 and married couples with incomes above $100,000.

“I was not thrilled with it,” Merideth said. “But honestly, to me, it was the best of the options presented.”

The Republican House leadership was pushing for a $1 billion cut in corporate and income taxes. The bill’s property tax language began as a cap on increases in assessments for all property owners. 

“Many of us agree that there is a real problem with seniors right now that are on fixed incomes dealing with inflation and property taxes are a big part of that,” Merideth said.

Homeowners around the state, especially in metropolitan areas, are seeing massive increases in their assessments due to the recent rise in real estate prices. And while provisions in the constitution require rates to be rolled back when overall assessment increases exceed inflation, individual property owners could still see big increases if their property assessment went up more than the general average.

Parson’s decision to cite the tax cut for retirement benefits as a reason to veto spending items is not playing well with lawmakers. Budget leaders from both chambers said this week they will consider overrides, and said fiscal policies pushed by the governor, more than the retirement exemption, are doing more to reduce state revenues.

“Maybe the governor’s concerned about what possible, further tax reductions that the legislature may be looking at, but that’s not necessarily how, in my opinion, you build this budget,” Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, said in an interview this week.

Missouri took in $13.2 billion in general revenue in the year that ended June 30. The state was also holding surplus funds of nearly $8 billion. Parson vetoed $555 million in spending, including $365 million in general revenue appropriations, from the $16 billion in general revenue items in the budget.

Growth in state revenue slowed, however, to 2.7% during fiscal 2023 and is expected to be just 0.7% in the current fiscal year. It is a large income tax cut passed last year, not the retirement exemptions, responsible for slowing growth, Merideth said.

“It’s one thing to blame this tax cut,” Merideth said, “but really, the real tax cut that’s gonna be costing us money is the other one.”

State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville and sponsor of the bill, could not be reached Friday morning for comment.

Automobile sales tax
Tucked into a bill that will ban texting while driving for all motorists is a provision requiring automobile dealers to begin collecting sales tax at the time of a purchase.

​​At a February hearing, Missouri Association of Auto Dealers lobbyist Jay Reichard estimated that up to $60 million in auto sales taxes were delinquent. The dealers are paying an extra administrative fee for the new computer system, estimated to cost $120 million, and the system is designed for dealers to collect the tax.

Every motorist on the road knows if a fellow driver has paid the sales tax on a vehicle by looking at their license plate. If it is a paper temporary tag, the tax is still due because it must be paid at the state license office at the time a person registers their ownership of the vehicle.

“We think this is a great thing for our customers,” Reichard said in a May interview. “They want to go to one place and get the job done.”

Auto dealers are the only retailers who do not collect sales tax at the time of sale, he noted.
For an article in May, The Independent found a half-dozen temporary tags in a short period in Columbia, including one that had expired on Christmas Day.

The texting provision, which currently applies only to drivers under 21, will take effect on Aug. 28. 

​A driver could not be cited for a violation, however, unless the officer stops the car for another reason. That is similar to the law governing seat belt violations.

After two years of drama and gridlock, the Missouri Senate showed up in January determined to put the conflict between the conservative caucus and GOP leadership in the past. 
Submerged but ever-lurking, factionalism finally torpedoed the apparent comity in the session’s final week, and the Senate sank into the depths of filibusters and procedural hijinks.
More than 3,000 non-budget bills were introduced during the 2023 session of the Missouri General Assembly. Only 43 found their way across the finish line. 
But while a host of big-ticket policy proposals died in the session’s waning days, lawmakers did manage to sign off on the largest budget in state history, promising historic investments in infrastructure projects, public education and the state’s social safety net. 
So who were the big winners and losers of the legislative session? 


WINNERS

Lincoln Hough​No one had a bigger impact on the state’s $50.7 billion budget than Sen. Lincoln Hough. 
The Republican from Springfield took over as chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee this year. And after the House made massive cuts to the governor’s proposed budget, a bipartisan parade of lawmakers found their way to Hough’s fourth-floor office with hat in hand. 
Not only did Hough restore nearly all the money the House removed, he tripled the funding to rebuild Interstate 70. Then for good measure, in one of the rare moments when the conservative caucus wasn’t killing bills in the final week, Hough decided he’d take a turn by upending a virtual schools bill that many saw as a vehicle for more sweeping education measures. 
Hough just won re-election to a second term. That means he could be shaping the budget for the next three years — a lifetime in the age of term limits. 


Missouri DemocratsWith less than a third of legislative seats and no statewide office, Missouri Democrats couldn’t have asked for a better legislative session.
The budget pumped money into a host of programs Democrats championed — expanded pre-kindergarten programs, raises for direct care workers, increases in child care subsidies and more. On the policy side, a years-long effort to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to one year finally came to fruition. 
In the Senate, Democrats got to sit back for the third year in a row as Republican infighting killed a host of bills they hated. Changes to the initiative petition process, a corporate tax cut, state control of the St. Louis police department, education bills targeting “critical race theory” and a host of others fizzled out despite being priorities for the GOP supermajority. 


‘Gray market’ slot machinesAs video lottery machines proliferated in convenience stores, truck stops and other locations across the state, the companies that owned them made high-profile enemies. 
The Missouri Gaming Commission deemed the machines gambling devices, which are prohibited outside of licensed casinos. The state highway patrol considers them illegal. And in the Missouri Senate, the president pro tem and appropriations chair —Dave Schatz and Dan Hegeman — vowed to legislate them out of the state. 
But term limits drove Schatz and Hegeman out of office last year, and debate this year over these slot-machine-like games was focused on how to establish regulations instead of whether they should be allowed at all. 
That debate once again became latched to the push to legalize sports wagering, dooming both proposals and leaving the status quo in place. Sen. Caleb Rowden, the current president pro tem of the chamber, said as the session ended that a host of priority bills met their demise because a small group of legislators “want slot machines in gas stations.”
With few local prosecutors willing to bring illegal gambling charges, and the attorney general’s office recusing itself from litigation filed by a gray-market gaming company, the question of the machine’s legality seems unlikely to resolve any time soon.


Heavy constructorsHighway contractors were already in line for years of work under the limited plan for I-70 proposed by Gov. Mike Parson but the $2.8 billion for widening the highway statewide, plus a study in preparation for doing the same on Interstate 44, promise decades of work. 
There’s also money for building construction projects that include a $26 million state warehouse in Jefferson City, a $43 million veterinary hospital at the University of Missouri and a $300 million psychiatric hospital in Kansas City.


Kansas CitySometimes the best bet is to fly under the radar. 
Republican ire this year was focused like a laser on St. Louis. Efforts to return to state control of the city’s police and allow the governor to appoint a special prosecutor to step in for the city circuit attorney continued to pick up steam as the session wore on. 
The only thing that stopped the bills was Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner’s decision to resign. 
Meanwhile, fresh off a Chiefs Super Bowl victory, Kansas City saw $50 million added to the budget for improvements at Arrowhead Stadium in advance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. There was also $300 million appropriated to replace an aging psychiatric hospital in the city. 
When the push to usurp local control of the St. Louis police was set aside, it cleared the path for legislation containing Blair’s Law — a longtime priority of Kansas City lawmakers that bans celebratory gunfire and is named after a local girl who was killed by a stray bullet in 2011. 


LOSERS

LGBTQ+ communityNo issue garnered more legislative attention this year than the push to limit access to puberty blockers, hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgeries for transgender minors. 
Multiple marathon committee hearings, along with impassioned — and at times ugly — debate in both the House and Senate ended with legislation making its way to the governor’s desk. Lawmakers also mandated student athletes compete as their sex assigned at birth. 
As debate raged, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey launched an investigation into clinics that provide gender-affirming care and pushed for an emergency regulation that would block access to care for children and adults. 
While most didn’t pass, Missouri led the nation in the number of anti-LGBTQ bills introduced this year, causing advocates to label 2023 “the most dangerous legislative session in recent history.”
Democrats are already sounding the alarm for next year, with Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo of Independence proclaiming on the session’s final day: “When you throw red meat to rabid people, they don’t stop being hungry.”


Tort reformersRepublican efforts to enact changes to the judicial system have historically run into a wall of Democratic opposition. But with GOP supermajorities, those Democrats rarely held off legislation for long. 
But this year, when a bill seeking to modify the statute of limitations came up for debate in the Senate, a handful of Republicans joined the opposition. 
Trial attorneys have had GOP legislative allies in the past. But in recent years, they’ve begun supporting more Republicans, especially those aligned with the conservative caucus, who have found common ground defending the 7th amendment of the U.S. Constitution protecting the right to trial by jury.
“Some people say we’re for trial attorneys,” Sen. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, said during Senate debate earlier this year. “No, we’re for people. They should have a chance for redress.”


MoDOT employeesFor the third year in a row, lawmakers rejected the Department of Transportation’s request to implement a market-based pay system to stem turnover. A decision in a court case filed by the Highways and Transportation Commission asserting it has authority to implement raises even without legislative approval has been pending since February 2022.
While the court mulls the question, lawmakers pushed for a constitutional amendment stripping the Highways and Transportation Commission of its long-standing control of the multibillion-dollar state road fund. The effort faltered, but if the court sides with MoDOT it could give the proposed amendment renewed momentum.


‘School choice’ advocatesLast year saw lawmakers create a scholarship program for private schools and a funding increase for charter schools. 
Most anticipated supporters would build on those wins this year, and those expectations grew after the school testing data showed Missouri students doing worse across the board from pre-pandemic scores. 
But even a modest open enrollment bill barely squeaked out of the House before stalling in the Senate. And a bill seeking to fix the state’s virtual school law ran into a buzzsaw of opposition.
Proponents aren’t going anywhere, are well funded and are eyeing 2024 legislative elections. But 2023 proved resistance hasn’t softened, and any changes to the state education system faces an uphill fight. 
The Independent’s Rudi Keller contributed to this story. 

As the 2023 legislative session wrapped up Friday afternoon, lawmakers from both chambers left Jefferson City with a long list of accomplishments. During the session that began in January, House and Senate members worked on numerous policy proposals ranging from tax relief for seniors to improved access to health care to enhanced support for Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens. In total, the legislature gave final approval to more than 60 pieces of legislation.
 
The General Assembly officially adjourned on Friday, May 12, which concluded the portion of the legislative session when bills can be passed. The governor will now have the opportunity to act on the various bills sent to him. He has the option to sign bills into law or veto legislation he finds problematic. The legislature will return in September for an annual Veto Session in which members could potentially override any vetoes made by the governor.
 
Bills of Interest Passed During the 2023 Session Include:
 
Providing Tax Relief to Seniors – SB 190 will provide substantive tax relief to Missouri’s older population. The legislation will eliminate the state income tax on social security benefits. It will allow all seniors regardless of their adjusted gross income or filing status to deduct 100% of their social security benefits.
 
The House handler of the bill said, “Missouri is one of only 11 states in the country that still taxes social security. With the rising cost of consumer goods, it’s more important now than ever to put money back in the pockets of Missouri’s seniors, particularly those on fixed incomes. It’s time for Missouri to join the other 39 states that have already eliminated the tax on social security.”
 
Saving Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act - SBs 49, 236 & 164 is legislation supporters say will protect Missouri’s children from unnecessary and harmful sex change drugs and surgeries. The SAFE Act would prohibit health care providers from performing gender transition surgery on young people under the age of 18. Until August 28, 2027, it would also prohibit a health care provider from prescribing or administering cross-sex hormones or puberty-blocking drugs to a minor for a gender transition, unless the minor was receiving such treatment prior to August 28, 2023. A violation of the provisions would be considered unprofessional conduct and would result in the revocation of the health care provider's professional license.
 
One supporter of the bill said, “This is not against transgender people. This is just to make sure that children do not make decisions that could affect the rest of their lives, that they may not have all the information, that all of us may not have all of the information, and we want to make sure that they get that information.”
 
Promoting Fairness for Female Student Athletes – SB 39 is meant to promote fairness in competition and opportunity for female student athletes. The bill would prohibit a private school, public school district, public charter school, or public or private institution of postsecondary education from allowing any student to compete in an athletics competition designated for the opposite sex, as determined by the student's official birth certificate. The bill clarifies that biological sex is only correctly stated on birth certificates if it was entered at or near the time of birth or modified to correct scrivener's error. The bill also makes it clear a female student may be allowed to compete in an athletics competition designated for male students if there is no such athletics competition for female students offered.
 
The bill’s handler said the legislation is important because, “Biological males are bigger, they are stronger, and they are faster. The majority of women simply cannot compete. Years of competing against biological males will wipe out female sports as we know it. We must protect the gains women have made in the last 50 years.”
 
Developing Missouri’s Workforce - HB 417 will help employers develop and retain skilled workers. The bill creates a competitive grant program that will be administered by the Department of Economic Development to reimburse employers who help their employees earn short-term certificates or credentials in vital areas for Missouri’s economy. Examples of short-term credentials that would be eligible for reimbursement through the program include manufacturing technology, cybersecurity, welding, certified nursing assistant and HVAC certification.
 
The sponsor said, “It gives businesses the chance to grow their own workers.” He noted that many businesses are having a hard time finding the workers they need and the workers they do have may not have the skills a business would like. The bill would give companies the opportunity to “grow their own by using a program through the Department of Economic Development where they can send them to upskill their credentials.”
 
Encouraging Businesses to Recruit and Train Interns and Apprentices – HB 417 will encourage employers to train the workers of the future by offering paid internships and apprenticeships. The bill would create the Intern and Apprentice Recruitment Act to incentivize businesses to increase the number of internships and internship opportunities in the state.
 
Under the act, employers would qualify for a tax credit of $1,500 for each intern or apprentice hired at a pay rate equal to or greater than minimum wage. Interns would have to work a minimum of 60 hours per month for two consecutive months to qualify. Apprentices would need to complete a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of technical instruction. An employer could not receive more than $9,000 in tax credits in a single year and the program would have a total cap of $1 million in tax credits each year.
 
The House sponsor of the provision noted Missouri is already a national leader in new apprenticeships and completed apprenticeships. However, the state continues to be an exporter of potential workers as Missouri loses approximately 20,000 undergraduates to jobs outside the state each year. He said the legislation will further promote a job training system that will help keep more of the talent produced by Missouri’s universities in the state.
 
Attracting Economic Activity to Missouri - SB 94 would help attract revenue-generating film and entertainment projects to the state. Dubbed the “Show MO Act,” the legislation would establish tax credits for film projects starting at 20 percent of specified costs, with opportunities for additional credits as other criteria are met. The bill would allow film productions additional credits when at least half of filming is done in Missouri; at least 15% takes place in rural or blighted areas; at least three of a project’s departments hire a Missourian ready to advance in their field; or the project positively portrays the state or something in it. The film tax incentives would expire at the end of 2029 unless the legislature votes to extend them. 
 
The House handler said that because Missouri currently lacks incentives to attract film and television projects, “there is great business leaving this state.” He said that by passing the bill, “We’re going to be an economic driver. There’s going to be a bunch of money coming into this state, and I believe [this bill] is a long time coming and we’re going to join the club of growth and economic opportunity.”
 
Bringing Music Industry Dollars to the State - SB 94 aims to bring more music industry dollars to the state by authorizing credits for rehearsal and tour expenses for live tours and associated rehearsals. The credits would be for 30% of tour or rehearsal expenses, capped at $1 million if expenses are less than $4 million. No taxpayer could get a credit greater than $2 million for expenses between $4 and $8 million; nor greater than $3 million for expenses exceeding $8 million. Combined credits are limited to $8 million per fiscal year. The tour and rehearsal credits would expire at the end of 2030 unless extended.
 
The House handler explained, “There must be at least $1 million spent with Missouri music vendors, they’ve got to rehearse in a qualified facility for a minimum of ten days, they also have to then do two concerts within the State of Missouri.”
 
Expanding Access to Physical Therapy - HBs 115 & 99 and SB 51 promote individual choice in health care decisions through the elimination of unnecessary and burdensome regulations to allow patients to have direct access to physical therapy. The legislation would allow physical therapists with a doctorate of physical therapy or five years of clinical experience to evaluate and initiate treatment on a patient without a prescription or referral from an approved health care provider. The bills also state physical therapists must refer to an approved health care provider patients with certain conditions, including those with conditions beyond the scope of practice of physical therapy, as well as any patient who does not demonstrate measurable or functional improvement within ten visits or 30 days, whichever occurs first.
 
The House sponsor of the provision said, “This legislation allows Missourians to have direct access to physical therapists. Currently, patients must visit a physician before they can make an appointment with a physical therapist. This costs the patient additional money and delays them from returning to their life before the injury.”
 
Helping People off of State Assistance - SB 106 and SBs 45 & 90 authorize a transitional program meant to help people get off of state assistance gradually as their income increases. Supporters say the state’s assistance programs for low-income Missourians trap people in poverty because if they accept a raise that puts them above a program’s limits, they could lose more in state benefits than they gain from a raise. 
 
One supporter of the measure said it will let people incrementally transition off of state assistance. He said, “Trying to create this transitional system that encouraged people to work, that encouraged people to take those raises and to start to work their way up the income ladder and to hopefully, once this goes into effect, actually reduce the number of people receiving benefits in the state.”
 
Empowering Missourians with Disabilities - SB 106 and SBs 45 & 90 could allow individuals with disabilities to finally be able to advance in their careers without worry of losing state assistance. The bills authorize changes to the state’s Ticket to Work health insurance program that would increase the limit to how much a person can earn before they lose benefits, and would not count up to $50,000 of a spouse’s income toward that limit. The legislation would also direct state agencies to have policies to recruit and keep employees with disabilities and create competitive ways to integrate them into workforces.
 
“These are people who are actually begging us to work, who want to work, who want to get promotions, who want to seek new jobs,” said one of the measure’s supporters. She went on to say the provision addresses “the fiscal cliff, making sure that you don’t have to do quite as much of a tap dance that too many people in our state are doing, where you’re allowed to make so much money but only to a certain point.”
 
Extending Post-Partum Care Coverage – SB 106 and SBs 45 & 90 would extend post-partum coverage under MO HealthNet or Show-Me Healthy Babies from 60 days to a year. MO HealthNet coverage for low-income women in the program will include full Medicaid benefits for the duration of the pregnancy and for one year following the end of the pregnancy.
 
The sponsor of the provision said, “In 2019, 75-percent of pregnancy-related deaths in Missouri were determined to be preventable; those deaths that were attributed to things like embolism, hemorrhage, infections, concerns with cardiovascular health, chronic health conditions, and there’s one common denominator that can save these women’s lives, and that’s healthcare access.”
 
Ensuring Access to Life-Saving Exams – SB 106 ensures coverage for diagnostic breast examinations and supplemental exams will not have a copay or deductible in an effort to ensure women have access to these life-saving exams. The bill specifies that any health carrier or health benefit plan that offers or issues health benefit plans that provide coverage for diagnostic breast examinations, coverage for supplemental breast examinations, low-dose mammography screenings, breast magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasounds, or any combination of such coverages cannot impose any deductible, coinsurance, co-payment, or similar out-of-pocket expense with respect to such coverage.
 
“If we do not offer diagnostic testing without a copay, we will not receive the benefits of early cancer diagnosis. Diagnosing breast cancer early benefits us all. First and foremost it saves the lives of women that we care about and the mothers of our children. It reduces overall cost of healthcare,” said the House sponsor of the provision, who noted a study found the national cost savings with early diagnosis would be $26 billion each year.
 
Protecting Missourians from Unauthorized Medical Exams - SB 106 and HB 402 and SBs 45 & 90 would ensure Missouri patients are not subjected to invasive medical examinations performed while they’re unconscious and without prior knowledge or consent. Legislators were told that medical students and residents have been allowed and even directed to perform anal, prostate, or pelvic examinations on unconscious patients as part of their instruction, sometimes without those patients’ consent. The legislation would specify that such exams on unconscious patients may only be conducted when that patient or their authorized representative has given consent; the examination is necessary for medical purposes; or when such an exam is necessary to gather evidence of a sexual assault. 
 
Removing Financial Barriers to Adoption - SB 24 would expand Missouri’s adoption tax credit, which offers a nonrefundable tax credit for one-time adoption-related expenses such as attorney fees, up to $10,000 per child. That credit is capped at $6-million a year. SB 24 would remove that cap, makes the tax credit refundable, and would have the per-child limit adjust with inflation.
 
Supporters say more than 2,200 Missouri children are awaiting adoption and the bill will help remove financial barriers to allow more families to afford the cost of adoption.
 
The House handler of the bill said, “We’re just saying, ‘Hey, we’re here to make sure that we invest in these kids and these families, help get them across the line, get them out of the system, get them building their futures together as a family.’”
 
Combating the Opioid Epidemic – SB 189, SB 186, SB 24, and HB 402 would allow Missourians to have an easily accessible means to ensure their medications aren’t contaminated with the highly dangerous opioid, fentanyl. Currently in Missouri, fentanyl test strips are not legally available to test drugs or pills for the deadly substance. The legislation will allow the test strips to be legally available as they are in many other states. Supporters say the state has seen an increase in the number of overdose deaths from synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, more than 2,000 drug-related overdoses occurred in the state in 2021, with approximately 70% of those involving a synthetic opioid.
 
Improving Protections Against Cyberstalking - SB 189 would create the Cyber Crimes Task Force with the intent of strengthening state law to better protect Missourians who are targeted and stalked online. The task force would be made up of law enforcement, victim advocates, victims of stalking, and forensics experts. The group will work to develop best practices regarding the treatment of victims of cyberstalking or harassment and actions to stop cyberstalking and harassment when it occurs.
 
Cracking Down on Distracted Driving - SB 398 creates the "Siddens Bening Hands Free Law" to prohibit a number of uses of electronic communication devices while operating motor vehicles. Current Missouri law bans texting while driving for anyone under the age of 21. SB 398 would prohibit individuals over 21 from texting while driving. The bill would also prohibit drivers from holding an electronic communication device, making any communication on the device, using the device to search online, or using the device to watch a video or movie. The penalty for violating the ban would be a fine, but a driver could be charged with a felony if they kill someone while driving and improperly using a cell phone. Drivers would still be able to use their voice-activated or hands-free functions on their devices. The bill specifies that law enforcement cannot stop a driver solely for using their phone.
 
Simplifying Vehicle Sales Tax - SB 398 simply states that licensed motor vehicle dealers would collect and remit sales tax on all motor vehicles sold. The sponsor of the bill noted that vehicle sales tax is the only sales tax not collected at the point of sale. He said his legislation would put Missouri in line with the other 47 states who require dealerships to collect the vehicle sales tax.
 
The sponsor said, “The way the process will work is that you will go into the dealership, you’ll do all of your paperwork. You will leave with a temp tag, but that will start the ball rolling for the Department of Revenue to issue your plates and you will receive them in the mail.”
 
Closing Remarks

In closing I would like to encourage my readers to continue to be involved in the affairs of government. Thomas Jefferson once stated that liberty is best preserved by the people themselves stating that they are the “only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty”. I whole heartedly agree with Thomas Jefferson on this issue. It is always my intent to keep my constituents informed and to retain open transparency. If you have any questions or concerns please contact my office at any time. You can reach my office by calling 573-751-1487 or via email at jeff.coleman@house.mo.gov
​

This is an editorial: An editorial, like news reporting, is based on objective facts, but shares an opinion. The conclusions and opinions here have been derived by the guest contributor and are not associated with the news staff.

​House and Senate Give Final Approval to the State Operating Budget (HBs 1-13)
 
The House and Senate have reached final agreement on a fiscally responsible state spending plan that provides record funding for K-12 education, makes major investments in the state’s infrastructure, provides strong support for law enforcement and public safety, and boosts funding for state programs that serve the state’s most vulnerable citizens. Ahead of the constitutional deadline, lawmakers gave bipartisan support to the various budget bills that make up the Fiscal Year 2024 state operating budget.
 
The budget as it left the House in March appropriated approximately $45.6 billion. The Senate then added several additional spending items to bring the total price tag of the plan to roughly $49.9 billion. The final version approved by the two chambers cuts the Senate total by more than $1 billion to bring the total funding allocated in the budget to nearly $48.8 billion.

Record Funding for K-12 Schools  
Included in the budget is more than $9.8 billion in funding for K-12 public schools in Missouri. That total includes $3.6 billion to provide full funding for the school foundation formula, which determines funding levels for public schools across the state. The funding for public education also includes an additional $233 million to provide a total of $347 million to fully fund school transportation for the second time in as many years. The House and Senate also agreed to provide an additional $29 million to raise the minimum public school teacher salary to $38,000 annually. Additionally, the two chambers agreed to allocate $50 million in funding for Close the Gap grants that will help Missouri families address the learning loss that occurred as a result of the pandemic.

Increased Support for Higher Education  
Lawmakers also expressed their ongoing support for higher education with their funding decisions in the budget. The finalized version of the spending plan allocates more than $1.4 billion for higher education and workforce development. Included in that figure is a 7% funding increase for the state’s public colleges and universities. The FY 2024 budget also includes full funding for the state’s scholarship programs such as Bright Flight, Access Missouri, and the A+ Scholarship Program. Legislators also approved $38.3 million for MoExcels workforce development projects on college campuses.

Funding Increases for I-70 Expansion and Infrastructure Improvements  
The House and Senate also addressed one of the major spending items requested by Governor Mike Parson, who had originally called for the legislature to spend $859 million to expand Interstate 70 to six lanes in several areas between Kansas City and St. Louis. The final version of the budget expands that proposal to provide sufficient funding to widen Interstate-70 to at least three lanes in both directions from Blue Springs near Kansas City to Wentzville near St. Louis. The budget plan checks in with $2.8 billion in funding for the project, which includes $1.4 billion in general revenue and $1.4 billion from bonds.
The House Budget Committee Chairman said, “This represents the single greatest investment into our transportation network in the state’s history.”
Lawmakers also included $25 million for environmental studies for Interstate 44 and U.S. Route 63, and $50 million for safety improvements at railroad crossings.

Strong Support for Law Enforcement and Public Safety Another point of emphasis in the spending plan is support for law enforcement and public safety. The budget provides a 20% pay increase for the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Capitol Police. It also includes $50 million for school safety grants for Missouri schools to make physical security investments on their campuses, develop safety plans, establish school resource officer programs, and increase active threat trainings. Additionally, the budget provides $2 million to the Missouri National Guard to assist with recruitment.

Improved Care for Missouri’s Vulnerable Population House and Senate members also approved several spending items that will improve health care outcomes and improve services for some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens. The budget includes $300 million to build a new mental health hospital in Kansas City. Lawmakers also approved $171 million to boost pay for workers who provide residential and other support services to Missourians with developmental disabilities. The funding increase will bring their base pay to approximately $16 an hour. The budget also provides a $33.3 million funding increase for the state’s Children’s Division, which manages the state’s foster care system and investigates allegations of child abuse and neglect. The additional dollars will boost staffing levels by 134 employees.
The bills that make up the budget now head to the governor’s desk for his consideration. Gov. Parson has the option to sign the bills into law or to use his authority to issue line item vetoes to reject certain spending items in the budget.
​
Items of note in the budget:

• $3.6 billion to provide full funding for the school foundation formula for K-12 public schools
• $233 million increase to provide a total of $347 million to fully fund school transportation for the second time in as many years
• $29 million to raise the minimum public school teacher salary to $38,000
• $69.3 million in total funding for the Career Ladder Program to boost pay for experienced teachers doing extra work
• $56 million to expand pre-kindergarten options
• $50 million in school safety grants
• $1.3 million for a Statewide Curriculum Transparency Portal to allow parental and public access to all school district curriculum and library materials
• $50 million for Close the Gap grants
• Nearly $1.8 billion in funding for higher education and workforce development
• 7% funding increase for the state’s public colleges and universities.
• $38.3 million for MoExcels workforce development projects on college campuses
• Full funding for state scholarship programs such as Bright Flight, Access Missouri, and A+
• $2.8 billion to widen Interstate-70 to at least three lanes in both directions from Blue Springs near Kansas City to Wentzville near St. Louis
• $25 million for environmental studies for Interstate 44 and U.S. Route 63
• $50 million for safety improvements at railroad crossings
• $300 million to build a new 200-bed psychiatric hospital in Kansas City
• $112 million in funding to support Missouri’s veterans homes
• $86.2 million in new funding for nursing home rate increases to help ensure homes can continue to provide quality care to some of the state’s most vulnerable Missourians
• $33.9 million for home and community based services
• $171 million to boost pay for workers who provide care to people with developmental disabilities
• $78 million to expand childcare access, improve facilities, and help employers increase staff wages
• $33.3 million to increase staffing in the Children’s Division by 134 employees
• $4.3 million to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to implement its new maternal mortality plan
• $1.3 million for grants to increase access to drug addiction treatment
• $10 million for autism research
• $50 million to help Jackson County Sports Authority organize the 2026 World Cup in Kansas City
• $43 million to build a veterinary medical diagnostic laboratory
• $25 million to build a meat laboratory
• $1.6 million to fight Missouri’s black vulture problem
• $2 million to help with Missouri National Guard recruitment
• 20% pay increase for Missouri State Highway Patrol officers to deal with staffing shortages
• $4.6 million in funding restored for the state’s libraries
• $247.7 million to continue broadband expansion efforts

Missouri House Approves Bills to Support Working Missourians and New Mothers (SB 106)
 
This week the members of the Missouri House and Senate gave final approval to a Senate Bill containing proposals that would assist Missourians with disabilities, as well as individuals with low income and new mothers on state assistance.
 
One of the provisions included in SB 106 is a transitional program meant to help people get off of state assistance gradually as their income increases. House members say the state’s assistance programs for low-income Missourians trap people in poverty because if they accept a raise that puts them above a program’s limits, they could lose more in state benefits than they gain from a raise. 
 
The sponsor of the measure said it would let people incrementally transition off of state assistance. He told his colleagues, “Trying to create this transitional system that encouraged people to work, that encouraged people to take those raises and to start to work their way up the income ladder and to hopefully, once this goes into effect, actually reduce the number of people receiving benefits in the state.”
 
One of the supporters of the provision said it is the result of years of work and that it has “been a bipartisan effort to essentially wean folks off of assistance, whether it’s TANF or SNAP, and make it easier for Missourians to get what they need to be successful working citizens while at the same time making sure that all of their needs are being met.”
 
The House also voted to add language to SB 106 that could allow individuals with disabilities to finally be able to advance in their careers without worry of losing state assistance. 
 
The changes to the state’s Ticket to Work health insurance program within MO HealthNet would increase the limit to how much a person can earn before they lose benefits, and would not count up to $50,000 of a spouse’s income toward that limit. It would also direct state agencies to have policies to recruit and keep employees with disabilities and create competitive ways to integrate them into workforces.
 
“These are people who are actually begging us to work, who want to work, who want to get promotions, who want to seek new jobs,” said one of the measure’s supporters. She went on to say the provision addresses “the fiscal cliff, making sure that you don’t have to do quite as much of a tap dance that too many people in our state are doing, where you’re allowed to make so much money but only to a certain point.”
 
The same supporter said the benefits that individuals stand to lose often enable them to have a job in the first place. She noted, “A personal care attendant, your health insurance, your additional services and equipment that you receive through the state that allow you to work. This would address and allow you to make more money, put that money back into the economy because if you make more money you’re going to spend more money.”
 
Also included in the bill is a bipartisan plan to extend post-partum coverage under MO HealthNet or Show-Me Healthy Babies from 60 days to a year.
 
The sponsor of the provision said, “In 2019, 75-percent of pregnancy-related deaths in Missouri were determined to be preventable; those deaths that were attributed to things like embolism, hemorrhage, infections, concerns with cardiovascular health, chronic health conditions, and there’s one common denominator that can save these women’s lives, and that’s healthcare access.”
 
Supporters of the measure said it is an important pro-life provision. One supporter said, “We who talk about being pro-life, I don’t know how we do that and then cut off the most vulnerable of our society after 60 days.” He added, “I believe if we’re ever going to spend money [on benefits programs] it ought to be for those most vulnerable among us. Those very ones that we fought for them to be able to be born. We have to take care of them.”
 
SB 106 now moves to the governor’s desk for his consideration.
 
House Once Again Supports Tax Relief Package (SB 247)
 
As the Missouri General Assembly heads into the final week of the legislative session, House members have once again given their approval to a legislative package that would reduce the tax burden on Missouri families and businesses. The House approved SB 247 with several changes that would reduce personal income tax, phase out corporate income tax, exempt social security benefits from taxation, and protect vehicle owners from excessive property tax assessments.
 
The House had previously approved similar measures in the form of House Bills that were sent to the Senate. However, the other chamber has failed to take substantive action on the tax relief measures sent to it by the House. With the final day to approve legislation rapidly approaching, the members of the House expanded SB 247 in the hope of giving the Senate another opportunity to approve a tax relief package.
 
The bill, as modified by the House, would reduce the state income tax burden on Missouri taxpayers. Under the bill, the state’s top personal income tax rate of 4.95% would drop to 4.5% on January 1 of next year. The bill preserves triggers put into place when the General Assembly approved a tax relief package last year. If revenues grow at a healthy rate and all triggers are met, the top tax rate would be reduced to 4.05%.
 
The bill also includes a reduction for the corporate income tax that currently stands at 4%. The bill would drop the rate to 2% beginning January 1, 2024. The plan includes additional triggers that could eventually phase out the corporate income tax entirely if state revenues grow at a robust rate.
 
Another provision in the bill would exempt social security benefits from state tax.
 
The House also added a provision that would change current state law that requires assessors to determine vehicle values by using the National Automobile Dealers’ Association Official Used Car Guide. The bill would repeal that requirement and instead have assessors use the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for all vehicles for the original value of all motor vehicle assessment valuations. The bill establishes a 10-year depreciation schedule that would be applied to the MSRP to develop the annual and historical valuation guide for all motor vehicles.
The House handler of the legislation told his colleagues, “It’s a great tax cut bill of the people’s money we’re giving back to them.”
 
The bill is now in conference where members from both sides will work to iron out any differences and reach a final agreement. The legislature has until Friday, May 12 to give the bill final approval.
 
Show MO Act Approved to Attract Economic Activity to Missouri (SB 94)
 
Legislation is now on its way to the governor’s desk that would help attract revenue-generating film and entertainment projects to the state.
 
The House handler said that because Missouri currently lacks incentives to attract film and television projects, “there is great business leaving this state.” He said that by passing the bill, “We’re going to be an economic driver. There’s going to be a bunch of money coming into this state, and I believe [this bill] is a long time coming and we’re going to join the club of growth and economic opportunity.”
 
Missouri last had a tax incentive program for film and entertainment projects in 2013. In the years since, Missouri has seen major motion picture and television productions bypass the Show-Me State for states with better incentive packages – even productions that are set in Missouri.
 
SB 94 would establish tax credits for film projects starting at 20 percent of specified costs, with opportunities for additional credits as other criteria are met. Dubbed the “Show MO Act,” the House handler of the bill said the program is well thought out.
 
He told his colleagues, “Investments have to be made inside the state before the credits are handed out. The Department of Economic Development will kind of have the final say in whether or not the credit goes out if it meets the program.”
 
Improved film tax credits have been considered by Missouri legislators for years. Supporters have noted that when the 2014 movie Gone Girl was filmed in Missouri it brought $7.8 million to the state while providing employment for more than 110 Missourians and more than one thousand more who appeared as extras. 
 
However, other states have frequently won out on productions of stories that take place in Missouri because they have better incentive packages. The Netflix series Ozark, even though it unfolded around the Lake of the Ozarks, was filmed in Georgia. Even scenes taking place in the Missouri State Capitol Building were filmed in Georgia’s Capitol building.
 
The House handler said, “When film producers call the State of Missouri, call the state film office to say ‘We want to film this movie here,’ and they ask the next question, ‘What’s the incentive program in Missouri look like?’ and when our film office has to then say, ‘We’ve got really great locations,’ because they can’t answer the question on whether or not there’s incentives in Missouri, there’s great business leaving this state.”
 
One supporter said the bill is long overdue. He said, “This would be a fantastic economic driver for our state, and I don’t know about everyone else in here, but I’m tired of watching a television show and at the end seeing that Georgia peach emblem knowing that could have been shot in Missouri.”
 
SB 94 would allow film productions additional credits when at least half of filming is done in Missouri; at least 15% takes place in rural or blighted areas; at least three of a project’s departments hire a Missourian ready to advance in their field; or the project positively portrays the state or something in it.
 
The bill also aims to bring more music industry dollars to the state by authorizing credits for rehearsal and tour expenses for live tours and associated rehearsals. 
 
Legislators laid out limits for these credits as well. The House handler explained, “There must be at least $1 million spent with Missouri music vendors, they’ve got to rehearse in a qualified facility for a minimum of ten days, they also have to then do two concerts within the State of Missouri.”
 
Those credits would be for 30% of tour or rehearsal expenses, capped at $1 million if expenses are less than $4 million. No taxpayer could get a credit greater than $2 million for expenses between $4 and $8 million; nor greater than $3 million for expenses exceeding $8 million. Combined credits are limited to $8 million per fiscal year.
 
The film tax incentives would expire at the end of 2029 unless the legislature votes to extend them. The tour and rehearsal credits would expire at the end of 2030 unless extended.
 
The bill now moves to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.
 
Other Legislation Given Final Approval
 
HB 131 allows the salaries of state employees to be paid in biweekly installments, as designated by the Commissioner of the Office of Administration. Supporters say the bill allows for flexibility in pay structure by state agencies which will be an incentive for workforce attraction. The bill is common sense and promotes fiscal responsibility, helping struggling state agencies and employees.
 
SCR 7 creates the America 250 Missouri Commission. The Commission's principal purpose shall be to plan, promote, and implement public celebrations and commemorations of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America.

SCR 8 designates Campbell, Missouri, as the Peach Capital of Missouri.

HB 402 modifies several provisions relating to health care, including: (1) Rare Kidney Disease Awareness Month; (2) do-not-resuscitate orders; (3) patient examinations; (4) health care advisory committees; (5) health professional loans and grants; (6) the Missouri Parkinson's Disease Registry Act; (7) voluntary non-opioid directive forms; (8) licensing of certain health care professionals; (9) prescription labeling requirements; (10) pharmacy settlements; (11) rural emergency hospitals; (12) at-risk behavioral health patients; (13) surgical smoke plume; (14) county or township-owned nursing homes; (15) supplemental welfare assistance; (16) fentanyl testing; (17) mental health services for vulnerable persons; (18) notarization requirements for certain mental health detentions; and (19) lead poisoning.
 
SB 24 creates the "Missouri First Responder Mental Health Initiative Act." The bill expands the voluntary caner benefits pool to allow other first responders, specifically emergency medical technician-basic, emergency medical technician-paramedic, and telecommunicators, to have access to benefits through the pool for exposure to a diagnosable trauma stress event, or diagnosable cumulative post-traumatic stress injury over the course of a career. The act creates new provisions relating to communications during peer support counseling programs for certain first responders. With certain exceptions, detailed in the act, a communication made by a first responder or peer support advisor in a peer support counseling session, as well as any oral or written information conveyed in the peer support counseling session, shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed by any person participating in the peer support counseling session or released to any person or entity.
 
HB 15 is a supplemental appropriations bill that authorizes more than $2 billion spending for the Fiscal Year 2023 state operating budget.
 
HB 17 re-appropriates nearly $431 million in funding for state parks around Missouri.
 
HB 18 appropriates nearly $778 million for maintenance and repair of state property.
 
HB 19 allocates approximately $606.3 million for capital improvement projects.
 
HB 20 appropriates nearly $3.3 billion in funding from the American Recovery Plan Act.

Closing Remarks

In closing I would like to encourage my readers to continue to be involved in the affairs of government. Thomas Jefferson once stated that liberty is best preserved by the people themselves stating that they are the “only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty”. I whole heartedly agree with Thomas Jefferson on this issue. It is always my intent to keep my constituents informed and to retain open transparency. If you have any questions or concerns please contact my office at any time. You can reach my office by calling 573-751-1487 or via email at jeff.coleman@house.mo.gov

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson made improving access to child care a major part of his 2023 legislative agenda, declaring during his annual State of the State address in January that “early childhood care is essential to our state’s success.”

Since then, lawmakers have worked to enact his recommendations, but the proposals have faced roadblocks on their way to his desk. 

The Missouri General Assembly adjourns for the year at 6 p.m. on May 12. Here are where Parson’s major child care priorities stand: 

• $56 million to expand pre-k to all four-year-olds eligible for free or reduced-price lunch: The House’s version of the budget removed this funding — some lawmakers raised concerns school districts wouldn’t be ready to host pre-k, or that it was too costly, and others argued a universal program would be fairer. The funding was restored by the Senate, and most expect it to remain as lawmakers finish up their work on the state’s $50 billion budget this week.

 

• $78 million to increase child subsidy rates: The House also removed this from its budget only to see the Senate restore it. Critics of the increase argued the rates had been improperly set. This funding is also expected to remain in the budget when it heads to the governor for his signature.

Parson has also pushed to create tax credits to “improve child care facilities, support employers who support their workers with child care assistance, and allow more of our dedicated child care workers to earn a pay increase.”
Unlike his budget proposals, the tax credits face a more uncertain future due to opposition from conservative lawmakers in the Senate. 

• A child care contribution tax credit, which would allow donors to child care providers to receive a credit equal to 75% of a qualifying donation, up to a $200,000 tax credit. 

 

• Employer-provided child care assistance tax credit, which would allow employers to receive tax credits equivalent to 30% of qualifying child care expenditures.

 

• Child care providers tax credit, which would allow child care providers to claim a tax credit equal to the provider’s employer withholding tax and up to 30% of a provider’s capital expenditures on costs like expanding or renovating their facilities. 

 

• The Supporting Use of Child Care for Economic Stability and Security (SUCCESS) Tax Credit, while not a part of Parson’s agenda, was added onto a bill that includes the other three credits. It’s sponsored by Rep. Hannah Kelly and would provide parents up to $1,800 per year, per child, in child care refunds. ​

This is an editorial: An editorial, like news reporting, is based on objective facts, but shares an opinion. The conclusions and opinions here have been derived by the guest contributor and are not associated with the news staff.


Budget Bills Head to Conference (HBs 2-13, 15)
 
With just a little more than a week before the constitutional deadline to approve a state operating budget, key members of the House and Senate are now headed to conference to work out the final details for the spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year.
 
It was on March 30 that the House gave its stamp of approval to the appropriations bills that make up the state budget. The plan as approved by the House checked in with a funding total of $45.6 billion. The Senate then took the House plan and spent the last few weeks making several key changes. The version of the budget approved by the Senate increases state spending by more than $4 billion. As it returned to the House the Senate-approved plan checked in at a total of approximately $50 billion.
 
Budget leaders from the House and Senate will now meet in conference committees to iron out the differences in the two spending plans. One of the key differences in the two plans is funding for the expansion of Interstate 70. The House opted not to include funding for the plan in the state operating budget, but instead placed the $859 million requested by the governor in a separate capital improvements project bill that also included another $180 million for other road projects. The Senate plan allocates more than $2.8 billion for the Interstate 70 project and utilizes bond debt to provide $1.4 billion of that funding. The two chambers will now need to work to reach an agreement on the total amount allocated to the project and whether to issue bonds to provide a portion of the funding.
 
The Senate made several other changes to the House budget that members from both chambers will discuss. Among other items, the Senate added nearly $462 million to raise rates paid to agencies that care for individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as $300 million to build a new psychiatric hospital in Kansas City. Additionally, the Senate authorized $29 million to boost the minimum school teacher salary to $38,000. The members of the Senate also added $43 million to build a new veterinary hospital and $25 million to construct a research slaughterhouse at the University of Missouri.
 
House and Senate members will conference on the budget next week to iron out the final version of the state spending plan. The two chambers have until Friday, May 5 to give final approval to the bills that make up the state operating budget.
 

Legislation to Provide Direct Access to Physical Therapy Signed into Law (SB 51)

Governor Mike Parson has signed Senate Bill 51 into law. The legislation allows Missourians more direct access to physical therapy services. A signing ceremony was held in Governor Parson's office at the State Capitol this week where he was joined by the sponsors of the bill.
"We are all about streamlining processes and making it easier for Missourians to receive the services they need without unnecessary government burdens," Parson said. "SB 51 will make access to physical therapy care easier for more Missourians, while reducing patient costs and protecting their quality of care. We are proud to sign this good piece of legislation into law and look forward to more being sent to my desk soon."
Under the provisions of SB 51:

• Qualified physical therapists may treat patients without a prescription or referral from a physician;
• Qualified physical therapists may provide certain educational information, fitness or wellness programs, screenings, and consultations without a prescription or referral from a physician; and
• Physical therapists are required to consult with an approved health care provider after every 10 visits or 30 days, whichever occurs first, before continuing therapy.

Senate Bills Approved and Amended by the House
 
SB 187 modifies various provisions relating to financial affairs. Under current law, the state treasurer is permitted to invest in linked deposits in an amount up to $800 million at any one time. This act increases that threshold to $1 billion. Furthermore, the act modifies the total deposit for linked deposits that may be used for different borrowers. This act requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to convene a work group to develop and recommend academic performance standards relating to the one-half unit of credit in personal finance required for high school graduation. This act establishes the Show-Me MyRetirement Savings Plan, which creates new provisions relating to retirement savings plans for private-sector employees. This act modifies various provisions relating to the regulation of certain financial institutions. This act creates the "Commercial Financing Disclosure Act". Under this act, any person who consummates more than 5 commercial financing products, as defined in the act, to a business located in this state in a calendar year is required to make certain disclosures to the business with regard to the product. This act adds to the offense of property damage in the first degree if such person knowingly damages, modifies, or destroys a teller machine or otherwise makes it inoperable. A number of additional provisions were added to the bill during discussion on the House floor.
 
SB 127 enacts provisions relating to the designation of infrastructure. This act adds Perry County to the region designated as the "German Heritage Corridor of Missouri". This act establishes the "Stars and Stripes Historic Region of Missouri". This act specifies that the signs designating "Marine LCPL Jared Schmitz Memorial Bridge" in St. Charles County shall be placed along Interstate 70 as close to the bridge as practicable. This act modifies the portion of State Highway 30 in St. Louis County designated as "Officer Blake Snyder Memorial Highway". This act designates the "Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Highway" in Poplar Bluff in Butler County. This act designates the Missouri portion of the new bridge on State Highway 51 crossing over the Mississippi River in Perry County to the Missouri/Illinois state line as the "Don Welge Memorial Bridge". This act designates the "Police SGT Herschel Turner Jr. Memorial Bridge" in St. Louis County. This act designates "James W. Brooks Memorial Highway" in St. Louis City and St. Louis County. This act designates the "SGT James L. Shipley Memorial Highway" in Moniteau County. This act designates the "Representative Tom Hannegan Memorial Highway" in St. Charles County. This act designates the "Police Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans Memorial Highway" in Jackson County. This act designates the "Det. Antonio Valentine Memorial Bridge" in St. Louis and Jefferson Counties. This act designates the "CPL Ben Cooper Memorial Bridge" in Newton County. This act designates the "Officer Timothy Nielson Memorial Bridge" in Newton County. This act designates the "CPL Homer Hoover Schultz Memorial Highway" in Pulaski County. This act designates the portion of Business Highway 61 in Pike County from its intersection with Airport Road continuing south to its intersection with Missouri Route 161 as "John Walter Basye Memorial Highway". This act designates the portion of State Highway A from State Highway 42 continuing west to Boeckman Bridge Road in Miller County the "Officer Walter W. Farrow Memorial Highway". This act designates the portion of State Highway F from Gaylord Drive continuing east to Westminster Avenue in the City of Fulton in Callaway County the "Sam Santhuff Memorial Highway". This act designates the portion of Interstate 70 from Salisbury Street continuing south to its intersection with St. Louis Avenue in the City of St. Louis as "Ethel Hedgemon Lyle Memorial Highway". This act designates the bridge on Telegraph Road passing over Interstate 255 in St. Louis County the "Kaitlyn Anderson Memorial Bridge". This act designates the portion of State Highway 210 from CST Diamond Parkway continuing east to CST Choteau Trafficway in Clay County as "Officer Daniel Vasquez Memorial Highway". A number of additional provisions were added to the bill during discussion on the House floor.
 
SB 186 modifies provisions relating to public safety. This act provides that if the Governor determines that a threat to public safety and health exists in a jurisdiction that has a certain number of homicide cases as provided in the act, he or she may appoint a special prosecutor for that jurisdiction for a period of up to 5 years. This act provides that if the juvenile court finds that a child has engaged in conduct that would constitute a felony if committed by an adult, the court may retain jurisdiction over the child for the purpose of depriving the child of access to a firearm. This act provides that non-apportioned motor vehicles may be issued "Back the Blue" license plates by the Department of Revenue. When a judge or judicial officer sets bail or conditions of release in all courts in Missouri for any offense charged, he or she shall consider whether: • A defendant poses a danger to a victim of crime, the community, any witness to the crime, or to any other person; • A defendant is a flight risk; • A defendant has committed a violent misdemeanor offense, sexual offense, or felony offense in this state or any other state in the last 5 years; and • A defendant has failed to appear in court as a required condition of probation or parole for a violent misdemeanor or felony within the last 3 years. This act repeals provisions relating to certain offenses which have mandatory prison terms and provides that all classes of felonies shall have minimum prison terms except those felony offenses relating to controlled substances. This act adds to the offense of property damage in the first degree if such person knowingly damages, modifies, or destroys a teller machine or otherwise makes it inoperable. This act modifies the offense of burglary in the second degree by adding a person commits such offense if he or she enters unlawfully into a motor vehicle with intent to commit any felony or theft. This offense shall be a Class C felony. This act adds that the offense of stealing shall be a Class C felony if the property stolen is a teller machine or the contents of a teller machine including cash regardless of the value or amount stolen. This act modifies the minimum prison terms for the offense of armed criminal action. This act provides that a person who is a school officer commissioned by the school board does not commit the offense of unlawful use of weapons when he or she brings a firearm into a school or on a school bus. This act establishes "Blair's Law" which specifies that a person commits the offense of unlawful discharge of a firearm if, with criminal negligence, he or she discharges a firearm within or into the limits of a municipality. This act provides that a person commits the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm if the person is in possession of a firearm and was adjudicated delinquent for an offense that would be a felony if committed by an adult. This act provides that a person commits the offense of tampering with a judicial officer if the person disseminates through any means the judicial officer's personal information as provided in the act. This act provides that a person commits the offense of unlawful disclosure of personally identifiable information if he or she knowingly releases or publicly discloses the name, home address, Social Security number, telephone number, or other personal information of an elected officer or his or her family members with the purpose to harass or cause death or bodily injury. This act creates the offenses of delivery of a controlled substance causing serious physical injury which shall be a class C felony. This act also creates the offense of delivery of a controlled substance causing death which shall be a class A felony. This act establishes the "Peace Officer Basic Training Tuition Reimbursement Program" within the Department of Public Safety. A number of additional provisions were added to the bill during discussion on the House floor.
 
SB 222 modifies provisions relating to political subdivisions. This act establishes the "Protecting Missouri's Small Businesses Act" which provides that any political subdivision that implements any shutdown order and the business closes solely due to such shutdown order for at least 21 consecutive days or 45 cumulative days shall waive the fee for a business license during the period of the shutdown order and reduce the real and personal property tax liability of the business as provided in the act. This act prohibits library boards from overruling the recommendations of a county planning commission or a township planning commission relating to county or township improvement plans. This act provides that no county, municipality, or political subdivision shall impose or otherwise enforce a moratorium on eviction proceedings unless specifically authorized by law. This act modifies the definition of "video service" for provisions of law relating to video service providers and such definition now specifically excludes streaming content. The act authorizes the board of trustees of a consolidated public library district to change the dates of the fiscal year. This act provides that no political subdivision shall require an owner of residential property to have a home inspection conducted prior to the sale of the property, unless such inspection requirement is for new construction or occupancy permits. A number of additional provisions were added to the bill during discussion on the House floor.
 
House Bills Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed
 
HB 1 is one of the appropriations bills making up the state budget. It allocates funds to pay state debt.
 
House Bills Sent to the Senate
 
HB 817 designates the month of January each year as "State Legislator Remembrance Month" in memory of all state legislators who died while in office. Supporters say legislators sacrifice a lot to serve the people of this state. Some have lost their lives while serving and we need to remember and honor them for their contributions to our state.
 
HB 777 modifies several provisions relating to certificates of need. It modifies the definitions of rural and urban areas, as specified in the bill. This definition of urban areas only applies to the counties of Clay, Jackson, St. Charles, St. Louis, and the City of St. Louis. In determining whether a certificate of need should be granted for certain facilities applying in a designated urban area, no consideration shall be given to facilities or equipment of any other health care facility located more than 10 miles from the applying facility. Likewise, for certain applying facilities in a rural area of the state, no consideration shall be given to the facilities or equipment located more than 20 miles from the applying facility. In determining whether to grant a certificate of need for any beds for an applying facility, the same rule applies for licensed beds located more than 10 miles from an urban applying facility and 20 miles from a rural applying facility. In determining whether to grant a certificate of need for additional beds for any intermediate care facility or nursing facility, the health facilities review committee shall base its decision on the service area's need, as specified in the bill. Supporters say reform is vital for the industry, as they are not entirely a part of the free market and cannot set their own prices for certain things. Medicaid rates have been underfunded, and state reimbursement has been lacking, both of which have impaired staffing for LPNs, CNAs, and nurses. Additionally, following the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, occupancy rates have declined and the state is 10-15% below the national average. Additionally, other states have repealed or substantially modified their own certificate of need laws, and this could mean decreased hospital beds and access to services such as CT scans for rural or lower-income communities.
 
HB 1109 raises the aggregate amount that the state treasurer may invest in linked deposits, such that the total amount deposited at any one time does not exceed $1 billion. Currently, the cap is $800 million. The bill specifies that the aggregate deposits shall be used for linked deposits to eligible small businesses in addition to the businesses currently allowed. Currently, there is a maximum dollar amount that can be deposited in linked deposits applicable to the various businesses, this bill changes the maximum to a percentage of the aggregate deposit. Supporters say last year there was $1.4 billion in deposits and 781 loans were made of which 42 loans were to women owned businesses, agriculture, small business and industry. The needs of small businesses and agriculture has grown. Businesses need the ability to have loans to improve Missouri's economy. This bill is helpful to all participants and is important to borrowers and farmers and ranchers. Further, the risk is with the lenders and not the State Treasurer.
 
HB 669 modifies provisions to the Rap Back system. Currently, qualified entities receive Rap Back notifications for individuals as long as the individual has had a Missouri and national criminal record review completed within the previous six years. This bill eliminates the six-year limitation such that a qualified entity will continue to receive Rap Back notifications for individuals as long as the individuals have at some point had a Missouri and national criminal record review completed. Supporters say Rap Back is a database of fingerprints accessible to certain qualified entities. It does not give the agency or entity the right to fire; the agency or entity just gets the updated information so the agency or entity can tell if the person who is applying or is employed has any changes in criminal record. Currently, fingerprints have to be renewed every six years. This bill removes that provision. We are the only state that has the six-year renewal, and the feds do not even require that renewal. Everyone else has a one-time enrollment. The six-year requirement is a hurdle some members of the professional industry do not want to overcome.
 
HB 929 adds the definition of "human and pet cemetery" to the provisions relating to cemeteries in the state, which would allow for the creation of cemeteries in which both human remains and the remains of other creatures could be interred and memorialized at the discretion of the lot holder and according to the rules of the human and pet cemetery. Supporters say the bill allows human and pet remains to be buried together, assigning certain plots of lands to be set aside for this purpose. An increasing number of citizens are electing to be buried and memorialized with their pets. This bill simply tweaks endowed care law to make clear that human and pet burials will be subject to endowed perpetual care, giving a heightened level of protection and surety.

Closing Remarks

In closing I would like to encourage my readers to continue to be involved in the affairs of government. Thomas Jefferson once stated that liberty is best preserved by the people themselves stating that they are the “only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty”. I whole heartedly agree with Thomas Jefferson on this issue. It is always my intent to keep my constituents informed and to retain open transparency. If you have any questions or concerns please contact my office at any time. You can reach my office by calling 573-751-1487 or via email at jeff.coleman@house.mo.gov
​

This is an editorial: An editorial, like news reporting, is based on objective facts, but shares an opinion. The conclusions and opinions here have been derived by the guest contributor and are not associated with the news staff.

by Rep. Jeff Coleman, MO District 32
​
Lawmakers Approve Funding for Critical Infrastructure Projects (HB 17, HB 18, HB 19, and HB 20)
     House members this week approved four bills that appropriate more than $5.4 billion in funding for vital infrastructure projects and programs across the state.   
     Lawmakers approved HB 17 to re-appropriate funding for state parks around Missouri. In total the bill contains nearly $431 million in funding. House members also gave their stamp of approval to HB 18 to continue ongoing funding that will keep state facilities maintained and repaired. The bill allocates a total of more than $588 million for that purpose.
     With the approval of HB 19 legislators authorized more than $1.7 billion in funding for crucial capital improvement projects. Included in that total is $859 million in funding to widen and rebuild the I-70 corridor. The plan is a priority of Gov. Mike Parson who called for the funding to expand the highway to six lanes from St. Louis to Warrenton, Kansas City to Odessa, and extending both East and West from Columbia. The governor said the expansion would improve inter and intrastate travel for Missourians, visitors, and goods and services as well as reduce traffic injuries and deaths.
     House members also authorized $100 million in funding for maintenance and repair for the state’s minor and low volume roadways. The additional funding will help provide much-needed upgrades to overlooked roadways in the state’s rural areas.
     The bill also works to improve public safety in Missouri by investing more than $30 million in funding for new facilities and training for law enforcement. It also prioritizes improving access to health care by allocating more than $26 million for construction and expansion of vital health care facilities across the state. Additionally, the bill appropriates $10 million to help address the lack of housing for the homeless in Springfield.
     The House Budget Chairman said HB 19 provides vital funding to important projects across the state but also requires buy in at the local level. He said, “We’re doing a lot of good things here with this bill, investing heavily into our infrastructure and getting local participation in many cases.”
    The final budget bill approved by the House, HB 20, re-appropriates approximately $2.7 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for various programs and projects.
All four bills now move to the Senate for consideration. The two chambers must reach final agreement on the bills by Friday, May 5.

House Approves Legislation to Protect and Strengthen Second Amendment Rights (HB 282)
     The Missouri House has approved legislation that would expand the rights of concealed carry permit holders. By a vote of 102-45, House members approved HB 282 to allow law-abiding citizens the right to defend themselves on public transportation.
     The legislation allows a concealed carry permit holder to lawfully carry firearms on public transportation. Anyone with a permit may also carry a firearm while traveling by bus. The bill does not apply to property of Amtrak or any partnership in which Amtrak engages.
     “Violence and crime don’t discriminate,” said the sponsor of the bill. “We all have the potential of running into situations where we have to utilize self-defense to protect ourselves and those we love. Prohibiting lawful citizens from carrying concealed is like putting all the sheep in a pen and telling the wolf where they’re at.”
      He added, “I believe that this legislation will discourage criminal activity on our public transportation systems, but most importantly it will ensure that we maintain our constitutional right to self-defense.”
     HB 282 also allows a person with a valid concealed carry permit to lawfully carry firearms in churches and other places of worship. Additionally, the bill lowers the age requirement from at least 19 to 18 years of age or older for concealed carry permits. The bill also removes the ban on eligibility for a concealed carry permit or a Missouri lifetime or extended concealed carry permit if the applicant has pled guilty to or entered a plea of nolo contendere of certain crimes.
     The bill’s sponsor concluded his remarks on the legislation by saying, “I stand by the constitution. I stand by my constituents and I stand by the would-be victims and the victims who simply want to be able to defend themselves against the perpetrators of violence and crime.”
     The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
 
Other Bills Sent to the Senate
     HB 183 is meant to promote fairness in competition and opportunity for female student athletes. The bill would prohibit public school districts and charter schools from allowing students grade six to 12 and public and private postsecondary educational institutions from allowing any student to compete in an athletics competition designated for the opposite sex, as determined by the student's official birth certificate. The bill clarifies that biological sex is only correctly stated on birth certificates if it was entered at or near the time of birth or modified to correct scrivener's error. The bill also makes it clear a female student may be allowed to compete in an athletic competition designated for male students if there is no such athletic competition for female students offered.
     The bill’s sponsor said the legislation is important because, “Biological males are bigger, they are stronger, and they are faster. The majority of women simply cannot compete. Years of competing against biological males will wipe out female sports as we know it. We must protect the gains women have made in the last 50 years.”
     The legislation specifies that any school district, charter school, or private school that violates the provisions of the bill will have a portion of their state funding withheld by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Any public postsecondary educational institution that violates the provisions of the bill would have to remit a fine in the amount of 25% of their current fiscal year state operating appropriation for a first violation, 50% for a second violation, and 100% for subsequent violations. The bill also allows postsecondary education institutions to be fined up to $1 million by the Coordinating Board of Higher Education.
 
    HJR 20 would allow voters to decide if the rights of hunters and anglers should be enshrined in the Missouri Constitution. If approved by both the House and Senate and by the voters of Missouri, the measure would guarantee the right of hunters and anglers in the state to engage in hunting and harvesting wildlife and fishing by legal means, subject to duly authorized powers of the Conservation Commission.
     The sponsor of the legislation said, “This preserves the right of folks in our state to hunt and fish. The same rights we enjoy now, it intends to preserve those rights.” He added, “More than 25 states have adopted an amendment similar to this as a result of the similar concern that some groups across the country might want to detract from this fundamental right that we enjoy to hunt and fish.”
     If approved by both chambers, the proposed change to the state constitution will appear on the November 2024 ballot for voter approval.
 
     HB 894 modifies the Motor Vehicle Franchise Practices Act (MVFP Act). The bill prohibits certain entities from engaging in the business of selling motor vehicles, except as permitted by the MVFP Act, and specifies parties that will have standing to enforce the prohibitions. The bill requires every licensed motor vehicle dealer to collect and remit sales tax on all motor vehicles sold. The Director of the Department of Revenue may promulgate rules and regulations for the administration of this bill. The bill also requires that used motor vehicles get an inspection at the seller's expense no more than 60 days prior to a sale. The inspection is not required for vehicles having less than 40,000 miles for the three-year period following the model year of manufacture.
 
    HB 424 establishes the "License Office Distribution Fund", which consists of certain moneys collected by motor vehicle registration fee offices, and used solely for the purposes specified in the bill. Beginning after December 31, 2024, but no later than February 15, 2025, equal quarterly disbursements will be made from the fund to the fee offices awarded contracts under this section, except as provided in the bill. The bill increases several fees authorized to be charged by motor vehicle registration offices.
 
    HB 782 changes the law regarding advertisements and orders of publication in newspapers. Currently, in order to qualify as legally acceptable to run public notices and advertisements, a newspaper must have been published regularly for a period of three years or must be the successor newspaper to a defunct newspaper and have begun publication no later than 30 days after the termination of the prior newspaper. This bill reduces the time period of regular publication from three years to one year, and increases the time period from 30 days to 90 days within which a successor newspaper must begin publication. The bill also allows a newspaper that has been purchased or newly established by another newspaper that satisfies these conditions to qualify. Supporters say the publication of public notices in newspapers is a vital component to transparency and good government. The relationship between local papers and political subdivisions is symbiotic, helping the former survive and the latter better serve their constituents. Shortening the time a paper must operate before it can start publishing public notices will bring Missouri in line with other states and allow the benefits of public notices to occur more quickly for small communities. Lengthening the time period for successor newspapers will give them more time to become established before taking on a large workload and public responsibility.

     HB 1207 adds any earthen basin constructed to retain and settle nontoxic, nonmetallic earthen materials to the activities excluded from construction permits. Supporters say that due to recent statutory changes, earthen basins at quarries to retain earthen materials may have to conform to requirements for basins holding effluent. This bill would ensure that quarries can meet the same construction standards as they always have and not be subjected to stricter requirements.
 
     HB 471 provides for personnel payments to be made according to specific, written criteria, predetermined and approved by the department director in writing, at least one year prior to the exceptional employment achievement. The payments authorized by the bill shall not exceed 20% of the employee's base wages or salary and are awarded upon the completion of the retention period in question and not more frequently than annually. Supporters say the bill would help recruit and retain talent in the state employee workforce.
 
     HB 37 specifies that a record for the sale of a catalytic converter must include the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed. Supporters say the bill addresses the growing problem of catalytic converter theft.
 
     HBs 1108 & 1181 is a wide-ranging public safety bill that will help protect Missourians and especially children. The bill ensures further protections for children and the mentally disabled from the sex offenders who committed these offenses against them. The bill requires people who have committed offenses against these groups of victims, the vulnerable population, to be lifetime registrants on the sex offender registry. It also requires background checks for those working in a marijuana facility. The bill decriminalizes the possession of brass knuckles. The bill prohibits a court from issuing an arrest warrant for a person’s failure to respond, pay a fine, or appear in court for a motor vehicle equipment violation citation classified as an infraction. Includes language for ATM theft. Additionally, it removes residency requirements for St. Louis police department personnel as well as for any employee of the City of St. Louis.
 
     HB 155 creates the "Show-Me MyRetirement Savings Administrative Fund", which is a multiple-employer retirement savings plan treated as a single plan under Title I of The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) under 401(a), 401(k), and 413(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, in which multiple employers may voluntarily choose to participate regardless of whether any relationship exists between and among the employers other than their participation in the plan. Supporters say over 40% of Missouri workers have no access to retirement savings through their employers. In addition, the workers may not have a pension or retirement pension plan. Lumping businesses together to make it affordable to offer the savings plan through the State Treasurer's Office (STO) also achieves economies of scale and reduces expenses to the employer. The STO would administer the Plan. This bill seeks to provide for more Missourians to take personal responsibility for their future and to save for retirement.
 
     HB 934 modifies provisions relating to employee benefit plans. Currently, the General Assembly and the governing body of a county are prohibited from appropriating funds into the Sheriffs' Retirement System. The bill reverses this provision and allows the General Assembly and the governing body of a county to appropriate funds for deposit into the Sheriffs' Retirement System. Supporters say the bill addresses a recent court ruling that has had the result of removing any funding mechanism for sheriff's pensions. It is estimated that in nine years the Sheriff's Retirement System will become insolvent. The State and various counties have an obligation to support retired sheriffs who have relied upon the guarantee of their retirement system throughout their careers. The bill also contains multiple provisions relating to retirement systems and employment benefit plans.
 
     HBs 45 & 1066 specifies that, any cosmetologist holding a license to practice certain categories of cosmetology, as described in the bill, may register with the State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners for a personal service registration to provide services to clients who are ill, disabled, or otherwise unable to travel to a cosmetology establishment. An applicant for a personal service registration shall submit to the Board an application, the fee set by the Board, and a copy of the applicant's license. An applicant for a personal service registration may be denied if the applicant has pled guilty or been found guilty of any of the offenses set forth in the bill.  Supporters say this is needed to help individuals with a disability. This provides less restrictions on our licensed cosmetologists in a safe way. The bill changes the definition of "tattoo" in the tattooing requirements under state law to include the insertion of ink or both ink and pigment with the aid of needles or blades using hand-held or machine-powered instruments. The bill also changes the definition of "tattoo" to include a mark made on the face or body of another person for cosmetic purposes or to any part of the body for scar coverage or other corrective purposes by insertion of a pigment, ink, or both pigment and ink under the skin with the aid of needles.
 
     HB 188 establishes the "Immigrant Employment Registration and Taxation Protection Act". As specified in the bill, the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR) is required to maintain a database or registry of qualified immigrant workers. The DOLIR shall provide employers with a mechanism to verify registration of any qualified immigrant workers. Further, upon receiving documentation from a qualified immigrant worker, the employer is required to provide the documentation to DOLIR as indicated in the bill. Supporters say the bill addresses a current deficiency in Missouri law concerning illegal or unclassified workers. There is currently a large number of "unclassified" aliens living and working in the United States, as well as Missouri. The first step to addressing this problem is to shine a light on the illegal and often abusive employment of these aliens. It is important to register the employment of these aliens with the state, and take steps to make employers accountable. There are a number of large commercial developments in Missouri with much of the labor being done by unclassified workers. The Department of Labor is not taking appropriate action. This bill gives the state the tools necessary to address this problem. 
 
     HB 542 establishes the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program within the Department of Health and Senior Services, offering forgivable loans to pay off existing student loans and other education expenses for health care, mental health, and public health professionals. Supporters say the bill would help attract talent to underserved areas of the state. If a medical professional sets up practice in a community, they tend to stay there for the duration of their career. This could encourage new health care professionals to relocate to areas where there are currently not any or far too few health professionals practicing. This could be a lifeline to struggling rural hospitals and assisted living facilities, which must close if they don't have enough staff to operate.
 
     HBs 1082 & 1094 modifies provisions related to mental health care. Currently, a judge may order a pretrial examination of an accused person whom the judge has reasonable cause to believe lacks mental fitness to proceed. The psychiatrist, psychologist, or physician performing the examination shall submit a report with findings, opinions, and recommendations on treatment in suitable hospitals. This bill requires the examination report to contain recommendations as to whether the accused, if found to lack mental fitness to proceed, should be committed to a suitable hospital for treatment or if the treatment can be provided in a county jail or other detention facility approved by the Director of the Department of Mental Health. Additionally, the report shall contain a recommendation as to whether the accused, if found to lack mental fitness to proceed and if not charged with a dangerous felony, murder in the first degree, or rape in the second degree, should be committed to a suitable hospital facility or may be appropriately treated in the community, and whether the accused can comply with bond conditions and treatment conditions. The Director, or his or her designee, shall determine the locations and conditions under which treatment shall be provided to the accused. Supporters say competency restorations on occasion need to be conducted outside of a hospital setting, and several issues, including waiting times for evaluation, and subsequent waits for admittance and treatment, may be relieved by the bill's provisions. For sufferers, symptoms can worsen and may be extremely difficult or dangerous for jail staff to manage, with additional complications resulting from the workforce shortage in these settings. Offenders must be cognitively able to participate in their criminal proceedings, and due process must occur.
 
     HB 437 will allow the board of trustees for consolidated public library districts to modify the existing district's fiscal year from July 1 to June 30 to a different set of dates. The budget shall still be approved before the end of the fiscal year set by the board. Supporters say the bill will provide flexibility for the library districts.
 
     HB 1214 modifies the deadlines for filing a declaration of candidacy. The political subdivision or special district calling an election to fill any office must notify the public of the opening filing date, the office to be filled, the proper place for filing, and the closing date for filing before the 16th rather than the 17th Tuesday prior to the election. The bill changes the opening filing date from the 17th to the 16th Tuesday prior to the election, and changes the closing filing date from the 14th to the 13th Tuesday prior to the election. If the closing filing date happens to coincide with a state or federal holiday, the closing filing date shall be 5:00 pm on the next day that is not a holiday. 
 
     HB 836 establishes the "Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, and Operation Allies Refuge Program". This Program would award medallions, medals, and certificates of appreciation to veterans who honorably served on active duty in the United States military service at any time between October 7, 2011, and August 30, 2021, and who were honorably separated and discharged from military service. Supporters say this is another way for us to show our appreciation for those who served our country.
 
     HB 1117 requires that an individual be deceased for five years before they can have a holiday named after them. Beginning January 1, 2024, in order for a day to be designated, the individual to be honored shall be deceased for at least five years. If the individual was killed in combat while on active duty in the military or killed in the line of duty as a first responder, a day can be designated in honor of him or her after one year. Supporters say this would give enough time to vet a potential candidate and make sure he or she is deserving of the day of recognition.
 
     HB 303 modifies provisions relating to police officer retirement systems and allows a surviving spouse to continue receiving retirement benefits notwithstanding the surviving spouse's remarriage. Supporters say the bill seeks to remedy the egregious situation created where a spouse in St. Louis loses all of their benefits when he or she remarries. A surviving spouse in the St. Louis area is treated differently than the surviving spouse in Kansas City. Other employees in the St. Louis government structure receive survivor benefits and there are provisions in place where a surviving spouse in Kansas City continues to receive the pension benefits. The changes in the bill are unlikely to have a material impact on future funding and no retro liability is created on the system.
 
     HB 716 changes provisions relating to education services. Currently, domiciliary school districts must pay costs for educational services rendered by a resident district for any child temporarily in a children's hospital licensed under state law. This bill expands the requirement to include children that are in a psychiatric residential treatment facility. Supporters say adding this language will provide much needed services to children who needs them. This bill will also update our statutes to current practices. The bill also provides that any school board vacancy that occurs in a metropolitan school board outside of the normal election cycle will be filled by appointment by the board for the remainder of the term.
 
      HB 1023 authorizes an income tax exemption for: (1) A percentage of capital gains of up to $6 million per year, as set out in the bill, received by a taxpayer who sells all or a portion of his or her farmland to a beginning farmer; (2) Cash rent income of up to $25,000 per year received by a taxpayer who leases all or a portion of his or her farmland to a beginning farmer; and (3) Income of up to $25,000 per year received from crop share arrangements with a beginning farmer on all or a portion of a taxpayers farmland. The bill also requires the Department of Revenue to report annually to certain committees of the House of Representative and the Senate regarding the cost and benefits regarding the subtraction of capital gains for transactions with beginning farmers. Supporters Missouri has a rich agricultural history and it is important to keep farmland in production agriculture for future generations. However, the biggest threat to agriculture in the state is the aging farmer. The average age of the Missouri farmer is 58 years old and less than 5% of farmers are under the age of 35. Currently, there are state and federal programs to help young farmers. This bill would provide an incentive to aging farmers to sell part or all of their farm to a young farmer.
 
     HB 1034 modifies provisions related to the placement of a child. Currently, when placing a child in the custody of an individual or of a private agency or institution, the court must, whenever practicable, select either a person, or an agency or institution governed by persons of the same religious faith as that of the parents of such child, or in case of a difference in the religious faith of the parents, then of the religious faith of the child or if the religious faith of the child is not ascertainable, then of the faith of either of the parents. This bill requires Children's Division, within the Department of Social Services or any child-placing agency contracting with the state to provide foster care services to also follow the same procedure. The bill also modifies the definition of a "missing child" in the context of law enforcement searches of missing children to include persons under 18 years of age, foster children regardless of age, emancipated minors, or homeless youth. Any agency or placement provider, including the Children's Division, with the care and custody of a child who is missing shall file a missing child complaint with the appropriate law enforcement agency within two hours of determining the child to be missing. The law enforcement agency shall immediately submit information on the missing child to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The law enforcement agency shall institute a proper investigation and search for the missing child and maintain contact with the agency or placement provider making the complaint. The missing child's entry shall not be removed from any database or system until the child is found or the case is closed.
 
     HB 1038 establishes the "Intern and Apprentice Recruitment Act". Beginning January 1, 2024, a taxpayer may claim a tax credit against the taxpayer's state taxes in an amount equal to $1,500 for each intern or apprentice hired at a pay rate equal to or greater than minimum wage, provided that the following criteria are met: (1) The total number of interns or apprentices employed for the tax year that the credit is claimed exceeds the average number of interns or apprentices employed by the taxpayer over the previous three years; (2) Interns shall work a minimum of 60 hours per month for two consecutive months during the tax year for which the credit is claimed, and a copy of each intern's official transcript is submitted; and (3) Apprentices shall complete a minimum of 144 hours of work in a calendar year, and a copy of the qualified apprenticeship program certification is submitted. Supporters say attracting and retaining talented employees is difficult in the post-Covid era. This bill would incentivize employers to take on interns and apprentices. Those who start off as interns or apprentices often lead to full-time employment at the same company, which in turn creates a stronger, more dedicated workforce. This bill will also help to keep graduates of Missouri schools in-state because the average salary of an intern hired to a full-time position is $40,000.
 
Closing Remarks
     In closing I would like to encourage my readers to continue to be involved in the affairs of government. Thomas Jefferson once stated that liberty is best preserved by the people themselves stating that they are the “only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty”. I whole heartedly agree with Thomas Jefferson on this issue. It is always my intent to keep my constituents informed and to retain open transparency. If you have any questions or concerns please contact my office at any time. You can reach my office by calling 573-751-1487 or via email at jeff.coleman@house.mo.gov
​

     The Missouri House Budget Committee will debate a plan for major construction spending that includes Gov. Mike Parson’s full request for money to widen three sections of Interstate 70.
     Rep. Cody Smith, the committee’s chairman, released his revisions to the capital improvements appropriation bills on Tuesday and scheduled a committee debate Thursday on the four bills that pay for building maintenance and new construction.
     Despite calls from some to divert a portion of the money to other projects, Smith included the $859 million sought by Parson for I-70. Smith’s proposal also includes $48 million for an environmental study on the Interstate 44 corridor and to widen a section of that highway in Springfield, as well as $41.3 million for work on several other roads.
     Another big initiative in the budget is $272 million for construction projects on college campuses, either to cover a portion of the unmet cost for projects authorized last year or to fund other construction on a 50-50 match basis.
     The biggest item on that list is $52.3 million for the University of Missouri to move ahead on plans to build a new research nuclear reactor in Columbia capable of producing treatments for cancer and other ailments. The university on Monday issued a call for contractors to bid on the management contract for the project.
     Smith said he included Parson’s funding figure because it is the best estimate of the cost for the three sections of I-70 slated for improvement. The prospects for federal aid to offset the state’s cost is low, Smith said after releasing his plan. 
     The portions of I-70 to be widened are in the Kansas City region, from Blue Springs to Odessa, through Boone County near Columbia and from Warrenton to Wentzville on the east side of the state.
     “I don’t think there’s really any way around getting those three pieces of I-70 done for approximately what we think that cost is,” Smith said.
     The budget plan scrapped Parson’s $44 million proposal to purchase the Department of Transportation headquarters adjacent to the Capitol Building for use by other agencies. The plan for using the building is too uncertain, Smith said, and it is unclear how it will fit into other proposals for expanding space near the Capitol.
     “I don’t think that’s quite clear at this time, so I don’t really see the need to purchase it,” Smith said.
     The House has already passed a $45.6 billion operating budget for the coming fiscal year that is awaiting action in the Senate. The four capital spending bills total $5.5 billion, with about half of that amount being reappropriated for projects authorized in prior years. The budget committee’s ranking Democrat, Rep. Peter Merideth of St. Louis, said he was pleased Smith included the funding for I-70.
     “​There’s going to be some wide agreement that some large expenditure needs to happen on improving infrastructure on I-70,” Merideth said. “Whether it’s this proposal, or I think, the potentially much larger one that the Senate has in mind, I think is still going to be an open question.”
     Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, has said he would like to authorize enough money to widen I-70 across the entire state. He has said he wants to authorize a mix of surplus revenue and borrowed funding to complete the financing.
     The I-70 project makes sense because it is an important route nationally as well as for the state, Merideth said. Democrats will be pushing to fund other transportation needs as well, he said.
     “I’d love to see some real investment in public transit as well,” he said.
     Smith’s proposal for capital spending would increase total general revenue used in the coming fiscal year to $13.9 billion, or about $325 million less that Parson’s budget plan. If revenue projections made in January are correct, Smith’s plan would use about $750 million of the state’s general revenue surplus of about $5 billion.
     The January projection was for revenue to grow 1.4% in the current year and less than 1% in the coming fiscal year. But growth in the current year has remained robust – 11.3% through Monday afternoon. At that rate, the surplus would grow by $1.3 billion by June 30.
     Smith said he is unwilling to dig further into the unspent funds.
     "Im a little less concerned with the state of revenues now and a little more concerned with writing the budget,” Smith said. “And after we get out of this session. We’ll continue to watch that and keep an eye on it for next year.”
     Merideth, however, said the state’s unmet needs should be addressed with the surplus. The capital spending items are needed and he will support most of them, he said.
​     “They’re great, but they don’t address the underlying issue of we need to spend our revenue back into things that grow our state,” Merideth said, “and we need to keep up with the changing economy.”