Torpey: First District Day Approaches

A Special Note

As spring hits Missouri, legislative session is in full swing (complete with morning and afternoon sessions). As my office plans for group visits and our First Annual District Day, we are also fielding phone calls and emails on various issues. I truly appreciate the contact that constituents are making this year. I hope that if you have any questions or concerns, you email or phone my office with the hopes that I can answer your questions and do what I can to aid in solving your concerns.

2011 Legislative Session continues

Passes through the House this week:

• HB 677, sponsored by Rep. Wells, would remove the June 30, 2012 expiration date of the provisions requiring every child enrolling in kindergarten or first grade in a public school to receive one comprehensive vision examination. This bill passed 146-2.
• HB 546, sponsored by Rep. Diehl, would require the Missouri Housing Development Commission's executive director or chief executive officer to reside within 40 miles of Jefferson City. This bill passed 128-28.
• HB 641, sponsored by Rep. Franz would change the laws regarding controlled substances. Many new drugs are being marketed as bath salts and air fresheners. This bill passed 145-12.
• HB 656, sponsored by Rep. Brandom, passed by a vote of 99-57. The bill changes the laws regarding unsecured loans of $500 or less, commonly known as payday loans.
• HSS SCS SB 113, sponsored by Senator Parson, modifies provisions of the Animal Care Facilities Act (ACFA) and the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act. This bill passed through the House on Wednesday by a vote of 85-71. I had many constituents call on this piece of legislation and other similar legislation. It is important for me to point out that this bill does NOT repeal Prop B, but adjusts a few provisions to ensure the constitutionality of the law. For more detailed information on this bill, visit the Senate's bill page by clicking here. For information on the original form of Proposition B, click here.

For more information on current legislation in the Missouri House of Representatives, please contact our office or visit the House website.

Committees:

Small Business met Wednesday to hold executive session.

• HB 741, sponsored by Rep. Bernskoetter, will add an eligible energy-saving enterprise to the list of entities that are eligible to receive a linked deposit loan. This bill passed out of committee unanimously.

Fiscal Review met Monday and today to hold executive session.

• HJR 5, sponsored by Rep. Pollock, proposes a constitutional amendment guaranteeing citizens the right to hunt, fish, trap, and harvest wildlife using traditionally approved devices or methods. This bill passed out of committee with a vote of 8-0.
• HB 223/231, sponsored by Rep. Wallingford, will establish the Nursing Education Incentive Program and authorizes a nonrenewable advanced placement grant to any recipient of financial aid under the A+ Schools or Access Missouri programs. This bill passed out of committee with a vote of 9-0.
• HB 555, sponsored by Rep. Grisamore, changes the laws regarding individuals with disabilities. This bill passed out of committee with a vote of 8-0.
• HB 291, sponsored by Rep. Denison, would require window stickers to show current motor vehicle registration instead of license plate tabs. This bill passed out of committee with a vote of 7-1.
• HCS HB 840, sponsored by Rep. Jones (117), will establish the Aerotropolis Trade Incentive and Tax Credit Act to encourage foreign trade by authorizing the St. Louis City Mayor or the executive officer of certain counties to designate a gateway zone. This bill passed out of committee with a vote of 8-0.

For more information on these bills, or any that have been filed in the Missouri House of Representatives, please visit the House Bill information page by clicking here.

Word of the Week

We often hear of vetoes when it comes to the federal government; the President has the power to veto any legislation passed by both houses of Congress. In Missouri state government, the Governor is also able to veto (go against/refuse to endorse/disapprove of) any legislation passed by the General Assembly.

Veto: An action of the Governor in disapproval of a measure that has passed both houses. After a veto, the bill is returned to its house of origin with written objections. A Governor's veto may be reconsidered by both houses, and if it is again passed by two-thirds of the members present, it is considered overridden and becomes law. It is reconsidered upon a motion from the floor, and must be reconsidered at the very next legislative session following the veto. In Missouri, the legislature holds a 'Veto Session" in Autumn, following the previous legislative session.

In Other News

Our first annual 52nd District Day is fast approaching, on April 19th. We are gearing up to host 70+ constituents here in the Missouri House of Representatives! Please email or call our office if you are attending and wish to see a tentative schedule.