Rupp: From Bill to Law: Legislation Recently Taking Effect

Since the conclusion of the 2010 legislative session, 74 House bills and 32 Senate bills were sent to the governor.  Of those measures, 68 House bills and 30 Senate bills received the governor's signature.  Many of these measures took effect Aug. 28, exactly 90 days after the constitutional last day of session.  I touched on several of these bills in my end-of-session report, found on my Missouri Senate website.

Perhaps one of the most important measures passed last session was meaningful autism insurance reform that provides coverage to thousands of Missouri families. House Bill 1311, which I handled in the Senate, requires coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, including coverage for applied behavior analysis, for up to $40,000 annually, through the age of 18.  Even though the bill took effect Aug. 28, families can begin purchasing coverage on Jan. 1, 2011.

As a pro-life supporter in the General Assembly, I worked to help pass legislation that prohibits your tax dollars from funding abortions in Missouri through the federal health care bill.  Senate Bill 793 contains language that enacts new requirements for women seeking an abortion, such as having the opportunity to hear her baby's heartbeat and view an ultrasound.  The mother also will be told that the baby may feel pain during the procedure, be given an explanation of the financial responsibilities regarding the father of the child, and be informed of available counseling.

In order to help stop fraud, waste, and abuse in our state before it happens, my legislation, Senate Bill 757, was adopted into House Bill 1965, which also received the governor's signature.  The measure establishes a joint committee of House and Senate members to oversee the various grants and contracts awarded by federal stimulus funds.  The bill also requires the governor to submit a daily report of all amounts held from the state operating budget to the Missouri Accountability Portal, as well as out-of-state travel expenses for state employees or elected officials.

As a co-sponsor of the Health Care Freedom Act, which was included in House Bill 1764, voters were allowed to make their voice heard in this year's August primary elections and decided for themselves whether or not they want federal law to require them to purchase health insurance.  With an overwhelming 71 percent of the vote, Missourians made themselves loud and clear on this issue — citizens should be able to choose their own health care products and services.

To see a complete list of legislation delivered to the governor this year, visit the Missouri Senate website (www.senate.mo.gov), click on Session Information, and then on the Truly Agreed Bills link.

If you have any questions or comments about these measures or any other topic regarding state government, please visit my website, e-mail me, or call my office toll-free at (866) 271-2844.