Kraus: Bills Become Law

Governor Fails to Sign Three Bills That Become Law

The deadline has passed for the governor to sign or veto bills passed by the General Assembly– it was last Thursday, July 14. Legislation not receiving action automatically becomes law on its effective date, typically Aug. 28 – this is sometimes referred to as a “pocket signature.” Gov. Nixon allowed three bills passed by the General Assembly to become law in this manner.

Two of these bills, HB 213 and SB 65, ban late-term abortions after 20 weeks of gestation unless the mother’s life is at risk or she faces a risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function. This legislation was passed by large bi-partisan majorities in both chambers.

The third, HB 423, authorizes Missouri to adopt the provisions of the Health Care Compact to improve health care policy within the state by returning authority to regulate health care to the state legislatures. It would require the consent of the U.S. Congress to return that authority to the states.

The next legislative action occurs on September 14, when the General Assembly reconvenes during its annual veto session to consider overriding any gubernatorial vetoes. We may also be looking at holding a special session at around the same time. I’ll keep you informed in this newsletter.

Please Come to Town Halls

Don’t forget our town hall meetings next week. I would love to see large crowds at each of them and hear your feedback and ideas.

Lee’s Summit

When: Monday, July 25, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Who: Sen. Kraus and Reps. Jeff Grisamore Mike Cierpiot, Gary Cross
Where: Lee’s Summit City Hall, City Council Chambers (220 SE Green St., Lee’s Summit)

Reps. Jeff Grisamore (House District 47), Mike Cierpiot (House District 56), and Gary Cross (House District 48) and I will be in attendance, so it is a great chance for you to talk with your elected state officials. We will be there to discuss this year’s legislative session and answer any questions that you might have about state government.

Blue Springs

When: Tuesday, July 26, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Who: Sen. Kraus, Rep. Sheila Solon, Mr. Ron Fowler, and Mr. Grant Bowerman
Where: Moreland Ridge Middle School (900 SW Bishop Drive, Blue Springs)

Rep. Sheila Solon (House District 55) and I will be available to discuss this past legislative session and address any questions that you might have about state government. In addition, Blue Springs City Council members Ron Fowler and Grant Bowerman will be available to answer questions about local government.

Legislative Activities

My summer schedule includes a number of interim committee meetings. I met with the Senate Urban Agriculture committee last week. In the coming weeks, I will be in Springfield and Jefferson City to meet with the Senate Interim Emergency Response Subcommittee. I also took part in a recent meeting to discuss Early Site Permit legislation for the construction of nuclear power plants. I’ll have more information on that in a later report.