Tim Jones: Majority Minute: Ratcheting Up Floor Activity

As we enter our eighth full week of Session, the House Floor Calendar is becoming increasingly populated and Floor Activity will greatly ratchet up as we enter the second third of the Legislative Session year…

A Glimpse at the Week Ahead

House Joint Resolutions for Perfection

HJR 14, sponsored by Rep. Cox (R-118), proposes a constitutional amendment changing the laws regarding elections by authorizing provisions relating to advance voting, voter identification, and absentee voting. Part of this amendment, presented to Missouri voters, would call for the same voter identification used to lawfully vote in person would be required for advance voting.

House Bills for Perfection

HCS HB 61, 76, and HB 167, all sponsored by Rep. Jerry Nolte (R-33), will be debated this week.

HCS HB 61 prevents Missouri’s minimum wage from exceeding the federal minimum wage and establishes a $3.63 hourly wage for employees receiving gratuities.

HCS HB 76 reduces, and eliminates over a five year period, the Missouri corporate franchise tax. As of January 1, 2016, the tax would be eliminated.

HB 167 would require the Missouri Driver’s License examination to be given in English.

HCS HB 136, sponsored by Rep. David Day (R-148), would allow the spouse of certain active military members to be eligible for unemployment benefits.

HCS HB 214, sponsored by Rep. Anne Zerr (R-18), strengthens the laws concerning human trafficking.

HCS HB 276, 233, and 274, all sponsored by Rep. Ward Franz (R-151), would strengthen the laws regarding unlawful picketing or protesting of a funeral.

HCS HB 329, sponsored by Rep. John Diehl (R-87), similar to the bill sponsored by Rep. Cox, establishes an advance voting period and requires a voter to present an approved form of personal identification to vote at an election.

HCS HB 116 and 316, all sponsored by Rep. Tom Flanigan (R-127), are related to the collection of monies by the state and the authorization of amnesty for certain penalties assessed on unpaid tax delinquencies.

Finally, HCS HB 213, which I sponsored, will finally and once and for all install into Missouri statutes a true ban on the barbaric practice of late term abortions. We have a responsibility to protect those whom cannot protect themselves and I am happy to report that thus far, this bill has received overwhelming bipartisan support.

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,