Senator Gary Nodler Recognized by Missouri State Assessors’ Association

Jefferson City — Senator Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, was recently recognized by the Missouri State Assessors’ Association for his efforts during the 2010 legislative session. The award was presented at the Assessors’ Association’s annual conference in Branson on September 9.

“I am honored to be recognized by the Missouri State Assessors’ Association,” said Sen. Nodler. “The role of the assessor is one that fulfills a constitutional obligation in this state, and keeping the assessment system equitable takes the work of our dedicated local assessors throughout Missouri.”

In particular, Sen. Nodler was recognized for his work on Senate Bill 588, which protected local assessors in many counties from facing an unfunded mandate. The bill extends the amount of time local assessors have to meet projected tax liability requirements before they have to provide tax liability notices stating the increased assessed value. With the passage of this legislation, assessors are now able to wait until they receive software from the State Tax Commission, which is necessary to provide such notices.

“Senate Bill 588 ensures that the public will have access to information about their projected tax liability, without placing unnecessary financial stress on our local assessors’ offices,” said Sen. Nodler. “It is an issue of fairness, and I was pleased to help our assessors in this way.”

Nodler: Bills Signed into Law Before Constitutional Deadline

The last day for the governor to sign bills passed by the General Assembly during the 2010 legislative session was July 14. Measures not receiving his signature are automatically enacted on their designated days. Since the last day of session, the governor has signed more than 80 bills.

A measure I drafted was included in Senate Bill 583 this year, which was signed by the governor on July 13. The legislation was motivated by the story of a Jasper County resident who was hit by an uninsured Oklahoma driver. Before the legislation, police could not cite uninsured, out-of-state drivers. Thanks to the provision that was passed by the Legislature, non-residents must adhere to the financial responsibility laws of their state of residence and Missouri law enforcement officials have the ability to take action. This bill takes steps to make sure that uninsured drivers, regardless of their residency, are held responsible in Missouri.

This session, I sponsored a bill that prevented our local assessors from facing an unfunded mandate. Senate Bill 588, which was signed by the governor on July 8, is designed to help local assessors in out-state Missouri be able to meet projected tax liability requirements. This legislation will give local assessors extra time before implementing a law to provide projected tax liability notices with a notice of increased assessed value. Assessors will be able to wait until they receive software from the State Tax Commission, which is necessary to provide such notices. This makes sure that the public will be informed, as was the original intention of the law, without being unfair to local assessors.

Here are some additional bills approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor:

SB 851 - Requires at least four days notice before voting by governing bodies of local governments on tax increases, eminent domain, and certain districts and projects.

SB 940 - Lets bingo parlors open earlier, close later and offer games twice a week. The bill also increases the amount of money bingo operators can spend on advertising.

HB 1311 – Requires health insurance companies to offer coverage for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, including coverage for ABA therapy for those under 21.

HB 1472 – Makes the sale and distribution of K2 illegal in Missouri.

HB 1524 – Streamlines absentee voting and registration for Missouri military personnel serving away from home, allows the Adjutant General to establish the Missouri Youth Challenge Academy for at-risk youth, and creates an exemption for the A+ Schools Program for certain military dependents who move to Missouri.

Most bills will go into effect on August 28, unless they contain an emergency clause.