Rupp: My Goals for the End of Session

Next week, which is the last week of session, will be interesting, as it will determine the fate of several of the bills I have introduced this year. The state’s financial situation and the tremendous adjustments we had to make to balance the budget became our priority throughout the last few weeks, but we were able to complete that process a full week before the constitutional deadline. The chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Robert Mayer, from the 25^th District, personally thanked me on the Senate floor for my work to move Missouri toward fiscal responsibility during these lean times.

The end of session is typically a flurry of activity. While lawmakers consider many measures during the last two weeks, here are some of the bills I will be focusing on.

Autism insurance reform – After the Senate passed SB 618, the Autism insurance reform legislation is making its way through the House. The House added a committee substitute to SB 618, which means it needs to have the Senate’s final approval after it is voted out of the House. The main difference between chambers pertains to the amount of coverage that would be required for autism. I am very hopeful that this important legislation can become Missouri law and provide assistance to those who suffer from this devastating neurological disorder.

Abortion – My legislation that protected Missouri taxpayers from supporting abortions in any health care exchanges, like the ones proposed in federal health care legislation, was enveloped into SB 793, which was passed by the full Senate. Senate Bill 793 is important because it places new requirements on the mother before she can undergo the procedure, including counseling and a chance to see an ultrasound or the baby’s heartbeat. My House counterparts can really strengthen Missouri’s right to life stance by approving this legislation.

Government Accountability – This year’s budgeting process established that we need more accountability as we continue to weather this difficult economy. One of the best ways to do this is my bill to create the Joint Committee on Recovery Accountability and Transparency, SB 757. A team of House and Senate members would oversee the amounts withheld from the state budget, out-of-state travel would be posted on the Missouri accountability website, and county auditors would be required to inventory certain property under this measure. This bill has passed the House budget committee and will hopefully move to the floor soon.

Rewarding education excellence – Work continues on SB 907, which would create the Early High School Graduation Scholarship Program for public high school students who graduate early. This gives the student a major portion of the state funding the student would receive, as well as a portion to the district, so that they can begin their higher education, rather than languishing in high school. This was passed out of the Senate education committee and I’d like to bring it before the rest of my colleagues soon.

Please visit my website for a full view of the legislation I have worked on this year.

Senator Scott T. Rupp’s Legislation Protects Missouri Insurance Customers

Insurance reform measure contains “Health Care Freedom Act”

As hundreds of Missourians rallied for health care freedom at the Missouri Capitol, the Missouri Senate passed legislation that will allow Missourians to vote on whether the federal government should fine them for making certain health care choices.

Missouri Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder commended my work for breaking a filibuster that lead to the passage of House Bill 1764.

“I applaud the efforts of the Missouri General Assembly to ensure that Missourians have the opportunity to vote on a health care bill that I believe is blatantly unconstitutional,” said Kinder. “Washington ignored the will of the people when they passed their intrusive and overbearing health care bill, but now, Missourians will be able to make their voices heard.”

Upon voter approval, HB 1764, as amended, would provide that no federal law will compel a patient, employer, or health care provider to participate in any government or privately run health care system, nor prohibit a patient or employer from paying directly for legal health care services.

I sponsored the bill that includes the health care provision. I took an oath to protect and defend the constitution and to protect the rights and freedoms of all Missourians. I am proud to be the Senate handler of this very important legislation that fulfills that oath.

When passed by the House, voters will have a final say in federal control of health care.

Autism Insurance Reform Measure Moves through the Senate

Families one step closer to receiving insurance coverage for neurological disorder

A bill I handled in the Senate is one step closer to law, as the Senate has approved a House version of autism health insurance reform.

House Bill 1311 is a version that is similar to my original SB 618, which received approval by the Senate earlier this year. The measure requires coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders, including coverage for applied behavior analysis for up to a maximum of $45,000 annually through the age of 18.

The House version also establishes a state Behavior Analyst Advisory Board. The new board would be under the State Committee of Psychologists within the Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration. The new board is charged with establishing licensure and registration requirements for behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts who provide therapies for children with autism spectrum disorders.

I’m very pleased that the Senate has again shown its overwhelming support of this measure that affects so many Missouri families. It is very good to know that we’re that much closer to providing a real substantial impact to how we approach this disorder in Missouri, to move our state forward.

Both HB 1311 and SB 618 currently await action by the Missouri House.

As always, if you have any questions about this week’s column or any other matter involving state government, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach my office by phone at (866) 271-2844.