Davis: Benefits For Active Duty Spouses, Midwifery Bill Debated

After the cold and snow over the first two weeks of February, beautiful weather has returned to our Capitol. My committees were busy discussing legislation this week.

Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. –Ronald Reagan

In Veterans we voted do pass on HCS [HB] 136 and HB303. HCS136 allows the spouse of certain active military members to be eligible for unemployment benefits and to receive a temporary courtesy license to practice his or her occupation or profession in this state. HB303 requires any state agency or board that regulates an occupation or profession to establish rules for the issuance of a courtesy license to a nonresident spouse of certain active duty military members. HCS136 contains HB303 but HB303 was still filed separately, just in case there is an issue with the fiscal note on HCS136.

In The Utilities Committee, we voted do pass HB 338 and HB 339. HB 338 specifies that a telecommunications company will not be required to comply with rules established by the Missouri Public Service Commission which are already mandated by federal rules. House Bill 339 changes the laws regarding telecommunications as they relate to the carrier of last resort obligations. Both are good for Missouri and will create jobs.

In Tax Reform we discussed the Fair Tax. HJR8 eliminates the corporate and personal income taxes and shifts them over to a consumption tax. This will be one of the major issues facing the general assembly this year.

This week I also filed HCR 33. It designates the Honor and Remember Flag as the State of Missouri's emblem of service and sacrifice of service men and women who have given their lives in the line of duty.

The House Elections Committee voted do pass HB329, which would establish an advance voting period and requires a voter to present an approved form of personal identification to vote at an election.

HB 301 – Midwifery: This bill changes the laws regarding midwifery. In its main provisions, the bill: Repeals the provision which specifies that anyone who engages in the practice of midwifery other than a licensed physician will be guilty of the unlawful practice of medicine.

The House Health Care Policy Committee voted do pass HB 213, which would specify that no abortion of a viable unborn child can be performed or induced except in certain specified situations.

I look forward to continue serving the people of the 128^th district. Appropriations are getting close to the end, which means the Budget is right around the corner. I am prepared to take on this difficult task, and will always make the best choices for my district and the state of Missouri.