Neth: Proposition B Vote, Five Bills Sent To Governor, Football Helmets Allowed On Hat Day Only If You Can Wear Them

Four more weeks - that is all we have left of this session. We continue to have committee meetings, but most of the house bills will not have much chance to go anywhere. We are starting to get a stream of senate bills in committee that will have a much greater chance of passing the full legislature.

On the floor we had a lot of debate. I had the opportunity to speak on two bills. It was a little different than in past instances where I had just spoken in support or opposition to a bill. This time, I "inquired" of another member to engage them in debate. In both cases, they were members of the minority party. From the feedback I got, I think I did very well and held my own. Compliments from people included being able to be heard and understood, being clear in my thoughts, and overall making good points. I enjoyed being able to be a part of the debate.

We had some light-hearted times this week as well. Wednesday was "hat day". Many of the women wore hats - very stylish ones too. And members of the "Cowboy Caucus" were allowed to wear cowboy hats on the floor. In one debate having to do with sports injuries, one representative had a football helmet as a prop. Props are not allowed on the floor and he was called out of order by the speaker. However, he noted that it was "hat day" so he should be allowed to have it. The speaker allowed it but only if he put it on. He did, but it was a little tight to say the least.

Until next week - have a great weekend!
Myron

Proposition B Vote

This week the House passed the final version of SB 113 which modifies sections of the voter approved Proposition B. I voted No on the bill based on the 68% of the voters in District 34 who supported Proposition B. Although I voted against the changes, I have been open in my views that Proposition B was flawed and note that it did not pass overwhelmingly in the entire state (51%). From here it goes to the Governor's desk where he can sign it, veto it or let it pass into law by doing nothing. If SB 113 is vetoed by the Governor and Proposition B stands, there is still a good chance it would be challenged constitutionally regarding the 50 dog limit.

Floor Action

We are spending more and more time each week on the floor debating a vast array of issues. There are so many topics that instead of providing links to each bill below, I would ask that you click here and search for the legislation on the house home page. Below is a list of the legislation we passed this week.

Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed(sent to Governor)

SS SCS HCS HB 163 was truly agreed to and finally passed by the vote off 138 to 13. This bill, which has now been sent to the Governor for signing into law, allows the state to continue to receive extended federal unemployment benefit funds until August 28, 2013.

SS SCS SB's 113 and 95 was truly agreed to and finally passed by the vote off 85 to 71. This bill is the Senate version designed to address the issues developed in the passage of Prop B. I voted against the bill.

SCS SB 188 was truly agreed to and finally passed by the vote off 93 to 63. This bill deals with the issue of unlawful discriminatory practices. I voted against the House version of this and voted against this bill as well. I believe it will reduce the ability for workers to sue for discrimination and reduce protections for whistleblowers in the workplace. Only nine other members of the majority voted with me as we took a stand against what most of us believe is not good policy and was pushed by special interests.

SS SCS HB 209 was truly agreed to and finally passed by the vote of 110 to 45. This bill deals with the regulations surrounding nuisance lawsuits. There is a clear benefit to farmers and the agriculture industry by protecting farmers from continually being served with nuisance lawsuits. Under this legislation, plaintiffs would be required to prove how they were injured, and damages will be limited to fair market values. If we do not take steps to end the assault on farmer and agribusiness (Missouri's largest industry), the onslaught of regulation and litigation will strangle our farmers into extinction.

HCS HB 174 was truly agreed to and finally passed by the unanimous vote of 151 to 0. This bill changes the composition of the Coordinating Board for Higher Education, the University of Missouri Board of Curators, and the Missouri State University Board of Governors.

Committee Action

Emerging Issues in Animal Agriculture

HB 1003 - Revises the laws regarding private nuisances when it originates from property used for farming, agriculture, crop, or animal production purposes and when a court must visit an alleged affected property VOTED DO PASS

Education

HB 763 - Changes the laws regarding enrollment options for students from school districts that have been declared unaccredited

SB 13 - Requires the Joint Committee on Education to oversee a task force on teacher compensation and effectiveness

SB 243 - Establishes the "Sharing of Services and Increasing Efficiencies Act" to allow school districts and other entities to achieve efficiencies

HB 994 - Changes the laws regarding school accreditation

Elections

SB 282 - Moves the presidential primary from February to March VOTED DO PASS

SJR 2 - Upon voter approval, this constitutional amendment provides that a voter seeking to vote in person may be required by general law to identify himself or herself as a United States Citizen and a resident of the state by producing valid, government-issued photo identification. Exceptions may be provided for by general law. Advance voting may be established by general law from the third Saturday before an election until the first Tuesday before an election excluding Sundays.

This resolution is similar to HJR 64 (2010). VOTED DO PASS

SB 3 - Establishes photo identification requirements for voting VOTED DO PASS