Tim Jones: Majority Minute: Local Control Bill Due For Perfection

As we enter our sixth full week of Session, warming weather is working hard to eliminate proof of the historic Missouri Blizzard of 2011, which wrapped mid Missouri in a mantle of snow and closed the University of Missouri for three consecutive days for the first time in history.

A Glimpse at the Week Ahead

House Bills for Second Reading

Slated for second read, out of Appropriations, are House Bills 1 through 13. These appropriations are necessary to keep the state running. Also on the schedule for second reading are House Bills 467 through 494. Of interest in the news, HB 471, sponsored by Rep. Joe Aull (D-26). HB 471 gives an exception to the 2010-2011 school year regarding the regulations for making up the days missed due to weather. Some communities in Missouri have missed as much as two weeks of school already. HB 488, sponsored by Rep. Gatschenberger (R-13), has also been of interest lately. HB 488 requires driver’s license examinations to be administered in English only. It makes sense if you are going to be driving in Missouri, you should be able to read the highway and byway signs in English.

House Bills for Perfection

HB 71, sponsored by Rep. Nasheed (D-60), is on the perfection calendar and may see Floor Action this week, time permitting. HB 71 would allow the City of St. Louis to establish and maintain a municipal police force completely under the city's authority.

House Concurrent Resolutions for Third Reading

HCR 9, sponsored by Rep. Barnes (R-114) is commonly referred to as the Repeal Amendment Bill. The Missouri delegation to a federal amendment convention would submit the following amendment for consideration; "Any provision of law or regulation of the United States may be repealed by the several states, and such repeal shall be effective when the legislatures of two-thirds of the several states approve resolutions for this purpose that particularly describe the same provision or provisions of law or regulation to be repealed." If this is successful, it would strengthen state sovereignty for every state in the nation and would help defend our state against unwanted federal mandates, disastrous federal legislation and overreaching federal regulation.

Finally, I want to wish a Happy Valentine’s Day to my three Valentines, Suzanne, Katie & Abby! A wonderful day to you and yours!

Throughout Session, I will continue to send The Majority Minute to my constituents, colleagues and friends across the State. If you ever have any questions, feel free to contact my office at 573-751-0562.

Until our next update, I am, and remain, in your service.