Tim Jones: Majority Minute: Senate Yet To Respond On Redistricting

Following a weekend of typical Missouri weather, winter one day and spring the next (!), we returned to the Capitol City to complete our final month of Session, the four week sprint to the finish…

Today in the House: Monday, April 18, 2011

Today the House was in technical session. We are currently awaiting response from the Senate concerning Congressional Redistricting. The Senate rejected the House proposal [HB193] and then has thus far not responded to a request to go to conference to work out a compromise. We await the Senate’s response on this important matter that affects every Missouri citizen.

Later this Week for Debate on the House Floor
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

House Bills for Perfection

HCS HB 366, sponsored by Rep. Ryan Silvey (R-38), is scheduled to be perfected this week. This bill authorizes tax incentives for technology business facilities and for data storage centers and server farm facilities.

HB 466, sponsored by Rep. Shane Schoeller (R-139), is scheduled to be perfected this week. This bill allows an employer or labor organization to obtain political contributions through a payroll deduction if the employee or member consents to the contribution in writing.

HCS HB 473, sponsored by Rep. Tishaura Jones (D-63), is scheduled to be perfected 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.

HB 491, sponsored by Rep. John Diehl (R-87), is scheduled to be perfected this week. This bill changes the requirements regarding when funds can be released from escrow accounts under the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.

HCS HB 562, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Grisamore (R-47), is scheduled to be perfected 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, sponsored by Rep. Keith Frederick (R-149), is scheduled to be perfected 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 perfected 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.

HB 661, sponsored by Rep. Don Wells (R-147), is scheduled to be perfected this week. This bill changes the laws regarding debt adjusters.

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

HB 708, sponsored by Rep. Paul Curtman (R-105), is scheduled to be perfected this week. This bill changes the laws regarding violations of the public policy of Missouri when decisions are based on foreign law or legal code.

HCS HB 828, sponsored by Rep. Barney Fisher (R-125), is scheduled to be perfected this week. This bill revises the definition of "construction" as it relates to prevailing wages on public works projects and abrogates the ruling in Utility Service Co., Inc. v. Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

HB 1008, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Long (R-134), is scheduled to be perfected this week. This bill allows the Highways and Transportation Commission to enter into infrastructure improvement agreements to reimburse funds advanced for the benefit of a county, political subdivision, or private entity.

House Bills for Third Reading

HB 656, sponsored by Rep. Ellen Brandom (R-160), is scheduled for third reading this week. This bill changes the laws regarding unsecured loans of $500 or less, commonly known as payday loans.

House Joint Resolutions for Third Reading

HCS HJR 5, sponsored by Rep. Darrell Pollock (R-146), is scheduled for third reading this week. This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment guaranteeing citizens the right to hunt, fish, trap, and harvest wildlife using traditionally approved devices or methods.

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.