Tim Jones: Majority Minute: Appropriation Bills Progress, Three Join Resolutions Await Debate

Our thoughts and prayers go forth to all affected by the tornadoes and continued drenching downpours that have battered and soaked our State for the past many weeks and especially this past weekend.  Many of our members are finding it difficult to leave their constituents and family members back home who are dealing with great difficulties and challenges.  Back at the Capitol, we are briskly moving through a heavy load of legislation as we enter the final three weeks of Session…

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The General Assembly was not in Session on Monday in recognition and honor of Easter Monday.  I do sincerely pray that you and your families all had a safe, blessed and joyous Easter Weekend.

TENTATIVE HOUSE SCHEDULE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE WEEK

House Joint Resolutions for Perfection

HJR 15, sponsored by Rep. Don Ruzicka (R-132), is scheduled to be perfected this week. This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment stating a two-thirds majority voter approval be required for any initiative petition relating to harvesting bird, fish, game, wildlife, or forestry resources.

HCS HJR 16, sponsored by Rep. Tony Dugger (R-144), is scheduled to be perfected this week.  This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment changing the number of voter signatures that are required to place an initiative petition or a referendum on a ballot.  The current regulation of 8% for initiative petitions would reduce to 5.25%, and the 5% requirement for referendum petitions would reduce to 3.25% in each Congressional district.

HJR 27, sponsored by Rep. Rick Brattin (R-124), is scheduled to be perfected this week.  This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment specifying that the right of every citizen to possess, purchase ammunition, and any parts or articles for the proper functioning of arms must not be infringed.  A gun is useless if you cannot purchase ammunition.  There are currently restrictions being imposed in other states and Missouri needs to take steps to secure this right for Missourians with an amendment to our Constitution.

House Bills for Perfection - Appropriations

These are additional supplemental budget bills that relate to additional items in our State Budget.  For more information regarding a specific bill, please visit www.house.mo.gov and enter the bill number in the bill search box on the left hand side of the internet page.

HCS HB 17, sponsored by Rep. Silvey
HCS HB 18, sponsored by Rep. Silvey
HCS HB 21, sponsored by Rep. Silvey
HCS HB 22, sponsored by Rep. Silvey

House Bills for Perfection

Although it is growing very late in Session and the likelihood of a House Bill making it all the way through the Senate, back to the House and then to the Governor's desk grows slim, the following bills may still be brought up for consideration. For more information regarding a specific bill, please visit www.house.mo.gov and enter the bill number in the bill search box on the left hand side of the internet page.

HB 138
HCS HB 401
HCS HB 552
HCS HB 597
HCS HB 613
HB 686
HCS HB 688
HCS HB 732
HB 741
HCS HB 773
HCS HB 787
HCS HB 893
HB 924

House Bills for Third Reading

These bills are slightly further along in the process and, if voted out this week, will be off to the Senate for further consideration.

HCS HB 161, sponsored by Rep. Stanley Cox (R-118), is scheduled to be third read this week. This would authorize Pettis County, upon voter approval, to change its transient guest tax from $2 per room, per night to up to 5% and increases the number of members on the Pettis County Tourism Commission.

HCS HB 366, sponsored by Rep. Ryan Silvey (R-38), is scheduled to be third read this week.  This bill changes the laws regarding economic development.  By offering tax incentives for the development and expansion of technology business facilities, data storage centers, and server farm facilities, we will improve the job outlook for Missourians.

HCS HB 473, sponsored by Rep. Tishaura Jones (D-63), is scheduled to be third read this week.  This bill establishes the Missouri Charter Public School Commission and regulates the operation of public charter schools in certain districts.  The idea is to give options to students and help improve school district performance.

HCS HB 523, sponsored by Rep. Chris Molendorp (R-123), is scheduled to be third read this week. This bill changes the laws regarding the Missouri Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association Act, insurance coverage for portable electronics, and residential and home warranty service contracts.

HCS HB 562, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Grisamore (R-47), is scheduled to be third read this week.  This bill changes the laws regarding the Missouri Children's Services Commission and establishes the Missouri Task Force on Prematurity and Infant Mortality

HCS HB 579, E.C., sponsored by Rep. Keith Frederick (R-149), is scheduled to be third read this week.  This bill changes the laws regarding fees for medical records, hospital licensure, MO HealthNet dental benefits, and the Missouri Rx Plan and authorizes permanent sickle cell disease standing committees.

HCS HBs 600, 337 & 413, sponsored by Rep. Rodney Schad (R-115), is scheduled to be third read this week.  These bills change the laws regarding public safety, prohibit all drivers, regardless of age, from text messaging while operating a moving vehicle unless the device being used is equipped with technology allowing for voice-recognition hands-free texting, and expand the crime of making a false declaration with the purpose to mislead a public servant in the performance of his or her duty, respectively.

HCS HB 664, sponsored by Rep. Mike Leara (R-95), is scheduled to be third read this week. This bill changes the laws regarding the Firemen's Retirement System of St. Louis.

House Concurrent Resolutions

Although it is growing very late in Session and the likelihood of a House Concurrent Resolution making it all the way through the Senate, back to the House and then to the Governor's desk grows slim, the following bills may still be brought up for consideration. For more information regarding a specific bill, please visit www.house.mo.gov and enter the bill number in the bill search box on the left hand side of the internet page.

HCR 32, sponsored by Rep. Bernskoetter
HCR 38, sponsored by Rep. Cierpiot
HCR 46, sponsored by Rep. Nolte

Senate Bills for Third Reading

HCS SB 161, sponsored by Rep. Casey Guernsey (R-3), is scheduled to be third read this week.  This bill is the compromise bill relating to SB113, which revised portions of Proposition B.  Nearly all groups on both sides of the issue have come together in support of HCS SB 161.

House Bills with Senate Amendments

SS SCS HCS HB 45, as amended, sponsored by Rep. Denny Hoskins (R-121),
SCS HB 798, HB 141, HB 153, HCS HB 363, HB 415 & HB 813, sponsored by Rep. Brown (85)
HCS HB 108, SCA 1 and SA 1, sponsored by Rep. Smith (150)
SCS HB 307 & HB 812, sponsored by Rep. Gatschenberger
SCS HB 388, sponsored by Rep. Burlison
SCS HCS HB 631, sponsored by Rep. Grisamore

BUDGET BILLS THAT HAVE PASSED THE HOUSE & SENATE

SCS HCS HB 2, sponsored by Rep. Silvey
SCS HCS HB 3, sponsored by Rep. Silvey
SCS HCS HB 4, sponsored by Rep. Silvey
SCS HCS HB 5, sponsored by Rep. Silvey
SCS HCS HB 6, sponsored by Rep. Silvey
SCS HCS HB 7, as amended, sponsored by Rep. Silvey
SCS HCS HB 8, sponsored by Rep. Silvey
SCS HCS HB 9, sponsored by Rep. Silvey
SCS HCS HB 10, sponsored by Rep. Silvey
SCS HCS HB 11, sponsored by Rep. Silvey
SCS HCS HB 12, sponsored by Rep. Silvey
SCS HCS HB 13, sponsored by Rep. Silvey

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,

Tim Jones.