By Eli Yokley
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri House of Representatives spent much of their week moving through 35 bills on their perfection calendar, but did manage to pass 18 bills.
Here are some highlights:
HB42: This legislation sponsored by state Rep. Lyle Rowland would prohibit the state from adopting or implementing any part of the “Agenda 21” plan established by the United Nations some 21 years ago. Supporters of the bill saw it is a vote about “property rights.” The vote was split on party lines.
HB631: Legislation that sought to increase teacher standards failed the House Thursday night, despite support from the body’s Republican leadership, including Speaker Tim Jones. The increased standards through a new evaluation standards were part of the state’s effort to seek a waiver from the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The bill failed 55 to 102, one of the first blows to the body’s GOP leadership.
HB47: If you’re younger than 17, legislation sponsored by state Rep. Gary Cross would require your parent to be in person to give written consent to tan. The bill passed the entire chamber on Thursday morning. Supporters, including the Missouri State Medical Association; American Academy of Dermatology Association; Missouri Family Network; and the Missouri Academy of Family Physicians, claimed that tanning beds are a medical risk. Opponents said the legislation was an attack on the tanning industry.
HB533: State Rep. Jeannie Riddle, R-Jefferson City, wants state employees to be able to carry firearms in their vehicles while on state property. Her bill passed the body this week with support from the Republican caucus. The legislation now head to the Senate. Riddle’s bill has been pushed by the National Rifle Association.
