Legislation Promotes Exercise and Good Health
This week, I presented my bill, HB 1691, on pedestrian and bicycle days to the Tourism Committee. This Committee was as enjoyable as touring the great state of Missouri! This legislation requires the governor to issue annual proclamations for a Walk and Bike to School month and day in October and Bike to Work month, day, and week in May.
The highlight of this hearing was the presentation of testimony by 13-year-old Jonathan Hugh, who accompanied his father, Brent, to Jefferson City to testify on behalf of "kids who walk and bike to school." I always like to see young people learn about and be involved in the legislative process, and Jonathan did himself proud as he presented his position to the Committee members. He pointed to the benefits of the bill for children as "exercise and a better mood." Walk and Bike to School days are also an opportunity for schools to organize safe passage for kids to walk to school.
Jonathan shares a love of cycling with his father, who is the Executive Director of the Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation. In his testimony in favor of the bill, Brent pointed out that Missouri is #15 in childhood obesity. Special days, while costing the state nothing, serve as a rallying point around which to organize events that can address problems such as obesity. In creating enthusiasm and comradeship for healthy exercise, the events can in turn lead to positive physical and mental health benefits.
In agreement, Jim Farrel of the American Heart Association testified that days such as this can promote health and well-being around the state. I see this as a win-win situation in that, while taxpayers are not called upon to support yet another program, promotional efforts can result in better health habits of Missourians, and thereby save us all some pain and money in the long run.
I asked that this bill be allowed "Consent Status." Consent status is given when a bill has no fiscal impact, is non-controversial, and contains no penalty provisions. Passage of the bill becomes much smoother. Already this bill has been voted out of the Tourism Committee by consent; I hope that it continues to move forward to the benefit of both Missouri's young people and its adults.
House Passes Bill to Reduce Phone Access Fees
In other Capitol news, the House of Representatives gave final approval last week to legislation, HB1750, that would gradually reduce the access fees many Missourians pay each time they make a long distance phone call within the state. Currently, when a customer in one part of the state calls a customer in another part of the state using a different phone company, a per minute access fee is charged. While the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates the access rates for interstate calls, the state regulates access fees for long distance calls made within the state.
Missouri's intrastate access rates are some of the highest in the country, and this legislation, if signed into law, should improve that standing. Over a 10-year period, access fees will be reduced, which will benefit Missourians in the form of lower prices and greater flexibility in choosing services.
Insurance Coverage for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
In other significant legislation passed last week, state-regulated group insurance policies would have to provide coverage for children with autism spectrum disorders.
Autism affects one of every 110 children in America and an estimated 34,000 children in Missouri. This bill, HB 1311 & 1341, balances both sides of the issue: the costs that a requirement for insurance coverage incurs to businesses against the growing need for coverage for children with autism. In the bill, the insurance companies would be required to cover children up to 18 years of age and cover up to $36,000 per year in costs for treatment. Missourians with individual insurance policies would not be mandated to obtain a policy with autism coverage.
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
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