Torpey: Accountability Portal Expanding To Cover Schools, Local Governments, Governor's Plane Trips

A Special Note

On Monday, we had Boy Scout Troop 347 (of Independence, Missouri) visit the Capitol. Even though they were here to meet the Governor on behalf of a few of the scouts receiving their Eagle Scout awards, we were happy to host them in our office with drinks and a tour of the beautiful building we work in. We enjoyed speaking with the scouts and look forward to another visit from the troop in the future. In the next coming months, our office will be receiving visits from elementary students across our district. If you would like to set up a visit for you or your group, please contact my Legislative Aide, Amanda, at 573-751-3623 or amanda{dot}petelin{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.

2011 Legislative Session continues

House Bill 209, sponsored by Rep. Casey Guernsey, received approval from the General Assembly this week. The bill protects farmers from recurring lawsuits. It also specifies the exclusive damages that may be awarded to a claimant for a private nuisance originating from property used for farming, agriculture, crop, or animal production purposes. A permanent nuisance judgment cannot exceed the fair market value of the property.

House Bill 139, sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith, passed and was sent to Fiscal Review. If turned into law, it requires the Office of Administration to maintain public school and county government accountability information on the Missouri Accountability Portal. The Office of Administration must also maintain travel accountability information detailing the Governor's travel information on the portal which includes, but is not limited to: the departure date, departure time, arrival date, arrival time, accompanying passengers, duration of the trip, purpose of the trip, destination, and detailed travel expenses. Municipal government accountability information must also be maintained by the Office of Administration on the portal. Find more information about the accountability portal at http://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/.

Committees

Fiscal Review Committee met this week to discuss two bills sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith. The first bill, House Bill 107, would require special elections to fill vacancies in statewide elected offices. The second bill, House Bill 139 (see above), would require school districts and local government financial information to be included on the Missouri Accountability Portal. Both bills passed the committee by an 11 to 0 vote and will be heard on the floor again as early as next week.

On Thursday, March 24th, Senator Will Kraus and I will be holding an open Legislative Forum for our constituents of the 52nd House District and the 8th Senatorial District. The event will be held at the Midwest Genealogy Center (3440 S. Lee's Summit Road, Independence, MO 64055) from 7 to 9 pm. We very much look forward to speaking with you and answering your questions. Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions about this event. If you would like to learn more about the Genealogy Center, visit the website by clicking HERE.

Also, do not forget to RSVP for the first annual 52nd District Day (April 19th) by calling or emailing our office. I look forward to hosting my constituents here in the Missouri House of Representatives.