Torpey: Partial List of Truly Agreed Bills

At left: My wife Julie and sons, Hayden and Dawson, were able to join me for the end of my first session in the Missouri House.

A Special Note

It’s hard to believe that session has already come to an end. After hitting the ground running as a freshman legislator, I have come to realize that time in Jefferson City seems to run on a completely different schedule. It seems as though we put in endless hours on the floor, while only churning out a few pieces of passed legislation. As I continue my time in the House next session, I truly hope that we can continue to pass meaningful legislation for the state of Missouri and the great people who reside here.

With tremendous bipartisan effort and countless hours of debate and conference meetings, we were able to garner huge support for the FY 2012 Balanced Budget, with no tax increases, and pass Redistricting in historic fashion. I am so proud off all the efforts put forth to make this year’s session a success. Both sides of the aisle worked diligently to make this happen and all deserve credit. Missourians should be proud of the leadership displayed to the entire state by our elected legislators.

2011 Legislative Session continues

Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed

At right: It is a longstanding tradition for legislators to throw all of their papers in the air once session has ended on our final day.

• HB 73, which would require certain applicants for and recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program benefits to be tested for illegal drug use and the benefit card to include a photo of the recipient or payee.
• HB 213, which would specify that no late-term abortion of a viable unborn child can be performed or induced except in certain specified situations.
• HB 214, which would change the laws regarding human trafficking, creating harsher penalties for offenders.
• HB 641, which would change the laws regarding controlled substances.
• HJR 2, which proposes a constitutional amendment guaranteeing a citizen’s right to pray and worship on public property and reaffirming a citizen’s right to choose any or no religion.
• HB 294, which would change the laws regarding firearms, ammunition, and concealed carry endorsements.
• SB 3, which would establish photo identification requirements for voting and requirements for advance voting.
• SJR 2, which would allow enabling legislation for advance voting and photographic identification for voting.
• SB 54, which would create the Amy Hestir Student Protection Act and establish the Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children.
• HB 89, which would change the laws regarding deposits into the State Park Earnings Fund, notice requirements of the Clean Water Commission, and certain water pollution control fees.
• HB 458, which would establish the Missouri Farmland Trust Act to receive donated land to preserve it as farmland and provide beginning farmers an opportunity to farm through low and variable cost leases on the land.
• HB 101, which would allow any winery, distillery, manufacturer, wholesaler, or brewer or designated employee, to provide beverage samples on certain licensed retail premises for tasting purposes.
• HB 151, which would authorize an individual or corporation to designate all or a portion of his or her income tax refund to the Organ Donor Program or to send a separate check with the payment of his or her taxes.
• HB 412, which would define “legend drug” as it relates to regulating wholesale drug distributors.
• HB 223, which would establish the Nursing Education Incentive Program and authorize a nonrenewable advanced placement grant to certain recipients of financial aid under the A+ Schools or Access Missouri programs.
• HB 300, which would establish the Interscholastic Youth Sports Brain Injury Prevention Act which requires the Department of Health and Senior Services to develop guidelines on the risk of concussion and brain injury.
• HB 344, which would establish the Farm-to-Table Advisory Board to increase awareness of local agriculture and promote the incorporation of locally grown agricultural products into school and state institution cafeterias.
• HB 431, which would change the laws regarding foster care and adoption and establish the Missouri State Foster Care and Adoption Board and a task force on foster care recruitment, licensing, and retention.
• HB 555, which would change the laws regarding individuals with disabilities.
• HB 1008, which would allow 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.
• SB 118, which would modify provisions relating to loans available for sprinkler system requirements in long-term care facilities.
• SB 187, which would modify the laws regarding nuisances and junkyards.
• SB 320, which would modify provisions relating to domestic violence.
• SB 282, which would move the presidential primary from February to March.
• SB 62, which would allow providers to include any retrieval fee for outsourced records storage service in the fee for release of medical records.
• HB 45, changes the laws regarding the Big Government Get Off My Back Act which provides an income tax deduction for certain small businesses that create new full-time jobs.

This is a highlight of bills TAFP, not a complete list. For a complete list of bills passed by the House, visit the Missouri House of Representatives, information page by clicking here.

Actions This Session: By the numbers

# House Bills Filed: 1,060
# House Bills Reported Do Pass: 214
# House Bills Reported Do Pass with Consent: 100
# House Bills Perfected: 207
# House Bills Third Read: 111
# House Bills Reported Do Pass in the Senate: 161
# House Bills Third Read in the Senate: 72
# House Bills Truly Agreed and Finally Passed 102

Word of the Week

Special Session: A convening of the Legislature called by the Governor or a majority of the members of the Legislative Assembly, at a time other than during a regular session. Typically, special sessions of the Legislature are called for the purpose of addressing a specific state problem or issue. The Missouri House of Representatives will be meeting for a special session in September, also known as Veto Session.

In Other News

At right: We were sad to say goodbye to my 2011 legislative intern, Stephanie. We wish her much luck in the future as she plans to study abroad in the Netherlands.

Although I will be in district nearly all of the summer months, you are more than welcome to visit my office in Jefferson City. My legislative aide, Amanda, will be in town to aid you in tours, scheduling, and so on. Please feel free to call my office to schedule a visit or if you have any questions.

If you know anyone who would be interested in receiving this Capitol Report, they can click the “Capitol Report Signup” button on my member home page at www.house.mo.gov and enter the appropriate information to receive the Capitol Report.

Serving you as always,
Noel Torpey