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Daily Updates: The House

During the penultimate week of session, The Missouri Times will be bringing you daily updates of all the floor activity of each chamber. Below is all the floor activity for the House.

May 8, 2014

The House took on the Budget today, successfully getting through each bill. Many thanks were all around from Budget Committee Chairman Stream and several committee members. Regulars to vote against the budget bills included Reps. Nick Marshall, Michael Frame, Margo McNeil, and Jeffery Pogue.

 

Bills in Conference

CCR SS HB1361 – Changes the laws regarding insurance

“It doesn’t impact a whole lot of people, but it is a path of business to Missouri,” said Rep. Gina Mitten.

  • Successfully adopted

 

Bills Carrying Request Messages

HCS SB662 – Requires the Department of Revenue to notify affected sellers of certain decisions modifying sales tax law

  • Grants conference committee

HCS SB614 – Modifies the county description of Jefferson County in provisions of law which allow the county to prosecute certain violations in a county municipal court and provisions of law regarding judicial personnel

  • Grants conference committee

HCS SB621 – Modifies various provisions of law regarding garnishments, criminal procedure, prosecutors’ retirement system, judicial resources, court surcharges, and crime prevention

  • Grants conference committee

 

Bills in Conference

CCR SCS HCS HB2002 – Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the State Board of Education and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

“I wish that we could fund education based off of more than lottery and games of chance,” said Rep. Genise Montecillo during her inquiry of Budget Chairman Rick Stream.  Stream explained the increases in education funding, mostly towards unaccredited and provisionally accredited districts, from general revenue, as opposed to sin taxes.

  • Third read and passed.

CCR SCS HCS HB2003 – Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Higher Education

“It will be difficult going forward after 2017 to go back to where we were. This is a nice step. We will have two years to make improvements before we strangle,” said Rep. Margo McNeil, D-Florissant.

  • Third read and passed

CCR SCS HCS HB2004 – Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Revenue and Department of Transportation

Representatives on both sides of the aisle, as well as from both rural and urban areas, stood up and supported the bill for various reasons, ranging from increases needed for levy repair,

“These are important things for our commerce, our businesses, and individuals, so that we can transport ourselves, our goods across the state,” said Rep. Bart Korman. “This allows us to improve our levees, our highways, and improve transportation across the state.”

  • Third read and passed

CCR SCS HCS HB2005 – Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Office of Administration, Department of Transportation, and Department of Public Safety

There was much discussion of the Fulton State Mental Hospital during debate.

Despite bipartisan support, concerns were drawn over the administration of the allocated funds.

“We have had good bipartisan support and I am glad that the Governor has worked with us on this to get it across the line,” Rep. Sue Allen said.

“This is also state funding that has no oversight, no state regulation. This is the wrong way to appropriate funds,” Rep. Stacey Newman said.

  • Third read and passed

CCR SCS HCS HB2006 – Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources, and Department of Conservation

The Ozark National Riverways was brought up during the debate of this bill, with Rep. Jill Shupp, highlighting that the funding was continued to keep the park management as is. Further discussion praised the work done for biodiesel.

  • Third read and passed

CCR SCS HCS HB2007 – Appropriates money for the expenses and distributions of the departments of Economic Development; Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration; and Labor and Industrial Relations

“There is very little general revenue in this bill, the programs are well organized and well presented. One small item I wish were in it is a program for disadvantaged kids and I hope that it makes it next year,” Rep. Chris Kelly said.

  • Third read and passed

CCR SCS HCS HB2008 – Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Public Safety

“Public safety is one of the high expectations that our citizens have our state,” said Rep. Marsha Haefner.

  • Third read and passed

CCR SCS HCS HB2009 – Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Corrections

Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Corrections

“Included in this budget is something that cruelly, sadly ends human lives. I will be voting no on this budget bill and this budget bill alone because of that,” Rep. Jeremy LaFaver said.

  • Third read and passed

 

House Bills with Senate Amendments

SCS HB1136 – Changes the laws regarding elections

Rep. Tony Dugger, bill sponsor, and Elections Committee member Rep. Stacey Newman touted the need for the cleanup language that this bill provides, as well as the noncontroversial nature of the bill.

  • Truly agreed to and finally passed

 

Rep. John Diehl moved to suspend House Rule 57(C) to continue with budget debate due to a technical issue with distribution of CCR SCS HCS HB2006 and 2010. Rep. Jeff Roorda brought a point of order forth earlier in debate, which he stood by in light of the motion by the Majority Floor Leader Diehl. Diehl disagreed with Roorda’s reasoning, pushing that the bills had been distributed in multiple ways previously despite the computer glitch, especially considering many of Roorda’s Party have persisted that paper copies not be left on their desk because of environmental concerns. The Constitution requires that bills be distributed to all members in Article III, Section 24 says, “No bill shall be considered for final passage in either house until it, with all amendments thereto, has been printed and copies distributed among the members. If a bill passed by either house be returned thereto, amended by the other, the house to which the same is returned shall cause the amendment or amendments so received to be printed and copies distributed among the members before final action on such amendments,” which the technical issue prevented. The motion was approved and debate continued.

 

Bills in Conference

CCR SCS HCS HB2010 – Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Mental Health, Board of Public Buildings, and Department of Health and Senior Services

“We’ve had individual and groups who need more – more help, more services, and more funding. And we have groups who want more – more help, more services. What we have done in this bill will better serve those who need those services,” Rep. Sue Allen said.

Democrats mentioned that they would be voting against it because both HB2010 and HB2011 fail to include Medicaid expansion.

  • Third read and passed

CCR SCS HCS HB2011 – Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, and distributions of the Department of Social Services

Despite the lack of funding to expand Medicaid, funding for Missouri HealthNet and various children’s programs were increased, which pleased many Democrats.

Several representatives spoke about their disappointment of the lack of Medicaid expansion

“We have a chance to make a bad law a little bit better,” Rep. Noel Torpey said regarding the new Affordable Health Care Act provisions.

“It is important that we deal with this issue,” Torpey pleaded in hope that the issue is addressed in future sessions. Several Democrats applauded Torpey’s discussion on the bill.

Stream mentioned that this bill is responsible for 45% of the allocations.

“Our job in the legislature is to look at our money and find ways to spend our money better,” said Stream.

Forty-five representatives voted no on the bill, more than any of the appropriations bills.

  • Third read and passed

CCR SCS HCS HB2012 – Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of statewide elected officials, the Judiciary, Office of the State Public Defender, and General Assembly

  • Third read and passed

CCR SCS HCS HB2013 – Appropriates money for real property leases and related services

  • Third read and passed

 

Waiting for the Senate to go through the budget bills, the House decided to explore resolutions and discuss their related issues.

 

House Concurrent Resolutions

HCR19 – Recognizes March 2014 as “Missouri Whole Child Month”

  • Adopted

HCR22 – Urges the United States Congress and the President of the United States to reauthorize the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program

  • Adopted

HCR48 – Strongly urges the Army Corps of Engineers to not proceed with the Jameson Island project unless excavated soil is deposited outside the meander belt and not into the Missouri River

“The project where this is at is by far some of the best farmland in the United States of America and they’re basically going to ship all of that soil down the river,” Rep. Joe Don McGaugh, resolution sponsor, said.

“God bless the sturgeon,” Rep. Ed Schieffer said.

  • Adopted

 

House Bills with Senate Amendments

SCS HCS HB2021 – Appropriates money for purposes for the several departments and offices of state government for planning and capital improvements

  • Truly agreed to and finally passed

 

House Concurrent Resolutions

HCR49 – Designates the week of May 18th – 24th “Missouri Safe Boating Week”

 

The House stands adjourned until 3:00pm, Monday, May 12

 

May 7, 2014

It was an exciting day in the House, with Rep. Wanda Brown, R-Lincoln, outcrying about the hatefulness of a certain Democrat, and other Republicans resorting to jumping up and down in an attempt to be recognized. Many points of order were called and many bills left the House in a seemingly seamless manner.

Senate Joint Resolutions for Third Reading

SCS SJR27 – This proposed constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, provides that a person’s electronic communication and data are protected from unreasonable searches and seizures performed by the government. The amendment specifies that prior to issuance, a warrant must describe the data or communication to be accessed and be supported by probable cause.

  • Third read and passed

HCS HJR75 – Proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting state appropriations in any fiscal year from exceeding certain limits

  • Third read and passed
  • Reported to the Senate and first read

 

House Resolutions

HR1016 – Strongly encourages the Executive Branch to adopt true statewide standards and strategies across all departments and institutions of higher education to consider stronger collaboration with the state

  • Adopted

 

Senate Bills for Third Reading

HCS SB693 – This act modifies provisions relating to taxation, fire sprinklers, and merchandising practices.

  • Third read and passed

 

House Bills with Senate Amendments

SCS HB1132 – Increases the amount of tax credits for contributions to pregnancy resource centers available in each fiscal year to $2.5 million

  • Truly agreed to and finally passed

SCS HCS HB1631 – Specifies that the Air Conservation Commission shall develop emissions standards and compliance schedules under federal law through a unit-by-unit analysis of each existing source of a designate

  • Truly agreed to and finally passed

 

Senate Bills for Third Reading

HCS SB621 – This act modifies various provisions regarding judicial resources, crime prevention, criminal procedure, prosecutors retirement system, and civil procedure.

  • Third read and passed as amended, eleven amendments added

May 6, 2014

The House recessed after the override of SB509, readjourning at 11:15am.

House Bills for Third Reading

HB2077 – Creates the Surplus Reserve Fund

  • Third read and passed.

HB2063 – Authorizes any Missouri port authority to establish an Advanced Industrial Manufacturing Zone for the development or redevelopment of certain structures

  • Third read and passed

 

Bills in Conference

HB2011 – Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, and distributions of the Department of Social Services

  • Differences exceeded on a voice vote

 

House Bills with Senate Amendments

HB1439 – Establishes the Second Amendment Preservation Act and changes the laws regarding firearms

Bill sponsor Rep. Douglas Funderburk, R-St. Peters, is concerned with Senate amendments that provision law enforcement officers that were not in the House version. He requested a conference committee with the Senate and requested that the House refuse the amendments.

“I don’t want people who are carrying out the duties of law enforcement to ask if they are violating provisions of this bill,” Funderburk said. “That’s why we took those provisions of the House Bill. … Someone needs to explain to me why that was put into the bill.”

  • Refused to adopt SS SCS HCS  and request a conference committee

 

House Bills Carrying Request Message

SB612 – Extends allocation of tax revenues from the nonresident entertainer and athlete tax until December 31, 2020

  • The motion was adopted on a voice vote.

SBs 493, 485, 516, 534, 545, 595, 616, and 625 – School transfer bill

Bill sponsor Rep. Rick Stream, R-St. Charles, touted the difference regarding funding in the Senate version. There seems to be a slight stalemate between the House and the Senate, as both have refused to concur with the other chamber and have requested the other to recede. It sounds like a conference will soon be seen.

  • The motion was adopted on a voice vote.

SB672 – Modifies provisions relating to businesses, political subdivisions, fire sprinklers, investments, hair braiding, garnishments, asphalt shingles, and Sunday sales

“I am shocked the Senate did not accept this bill,” Rep. Caleb Jones, R-California, said of the bill he has sponsored.

  • The motion was adopted on a voice vote.

SB716 – Modifies provisions relating to public health

  • The motion was adopted on a voice vote.

 

Presentation of a resolution to House photographer Tim Bommel.

 

The House recessed from 12:20pm until 2:30pm.

 

House Bills with Senate Amendments

HB1968 – Changes the laws regarding health organizations and risk based capital

“All the Senate did was make some technical changes,” said Rep. Don Gosen, R-St. Charles, who sponsored the bill and supported the amendments from the Senate, which Rep. Jeff Roorda, D-Jefferson Co, says tighten the bill up.

  • Truly agreed and passed

 

Conference committees appointed.

 

House Bills with Senate Amendments

HB1201 – Changes the laws regarding surface mining operations

  • Truly agreed and passed

HB1238 – Extends the expiration date for certain court filing fees in Franklin County

Rep. Gina Mittens, D-St. Louis, inquired sponsor Rep. Dave Hinson, R-St. Clair, regarding the bill, calling it backwards for creating fees without putting it to a public vote. Rep. Hinson referred to it as taking care of his district back home, which is in need of a new courthouse.

  • Truly agreed and passed

HB1490 – Changes the laws regarding academic performance and learning standards in elementary and secondary education

  • Motion agreed to refuse to adopt Senate Substitute for the Senate Committee Substitute

 

Senate Concurrent Resolutions

SS SCR36 – Establishes a Multiple Sclerosis Task Force

  • House has adopted the Senate Substitute

SCR29 – Establishes a Juvenile Justice Task Force

  • House has adopted the Senate Substitute

 

Senate Bills for Third Reading

HCS SB662 – Requires the Department of Revenue to notify affected sellers of certain decisions modifying sales tax law

  • Third read and passed as amended

HCS SB614 – Modifies the county description of Jefferson County in provisions of law which allow the county to prosecute certain violations in a county municipal court and provisions of law regarding judicial personnel.

  • Third read and passed as amended

 

Senate Joint Resolutions for Third Reading

SCS SJR36 – Modifies constitutional provisions regarding the right to keep and bear arms

Rep. John Diehl, R-St. Louis, is the bill handler for this SJR. His intro and inquiries were based on the mental state.

“Does this continue or allow felons to buy firearms over the internet or in gun show? Are there any protections in this resolution to protect us from criminals?” Rep. Stacey Newman, D-St. Louis, said while challenging her colleagues to find a way to prevent hate crimes. “What we do in here will determine if we are safe outside of this building.”

Newman’s speech started by echoing a tweet the representative had sent out several weeks ago which had received a lot of attention from gun enthusiasts which said, “You fear we’ll take your guns. We fear you’ll take our children.”

Rep. Mike Moon, R-Springfield, asked Newman as to what tendency criminals have to follow the law.

  • Third read and passed.

May 5, 2014

House Joint Resolution for Perfection:

HCS HJR 75 – Proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting state appropriations in any fiscal year from exceeding certain limits.

Representatives on both sides of the aisle came forth to support the resolution, with mild contest.

“The plan is moderate, it is reasonable, and it will take the great dips out of the budget. There is no reasonable argument against the resolution and I am happy to support it,” said Rep. Chris Kelly, D-Columbia

Not all Democrats support the resolution, however, with a couple standing up to speak regarding the need and allegedly related concern of funding the foundation formula.

“This resolution would ensure that we would never ever, ever be able to fund the foundation formula,” Rep. Genise Monticello, D-St. Louis.

“The argument makes sense on the theory that if the pot were to grow we would use the pot to fund the foundation formula, but the facts are that for two generations is that the legislature has had opportunities to do exactly that and both Republican and Democratic legislatures have refused to do that,” said Rep. Kelly, who further explained that funding the foundation formula would need to be done in increments through the annual budget.

“This allows us to function a little bit more like what a business would function,” said Rep. Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia.

“I think that it is reasonable to put money away in the good years to use in the bad years,” said Kelly.

Bill handler Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Springfield, equated the bill to the savings needs of families.

  • The House Committee Substitute was adopted and perfected.

 

Senate Bills for Third Reading:

SCS SB 639 – Requires mammography facilities to provide to patients certain information regarding breast density.

“This is an important legislation that will save lives of the women of Missouri,” said Rep. Sue Allen, R-Town and Country, who is handling the bill.

Another bill with bipartisan support, supporters shared stories regarding breast cancer and mammograms being incremental to breast cancer survival. The bill provides additional information regarding dense breast tissue.

  • This bill was truly agreed to and passed with only 5 noes.

 

SCS SB 892 – Changes the presidential primary election date from February to March

Rep. Tony Dugger, R- Harville, handled this bill. Sen. Will Kraus, R-Lee’s Summit, is the sponsor in the Senate.

  • The bill was third read and passed.

 

SB 796 – Establishes a procedure to obtain a marriage license for incarcerated persons

Rep. Shawn Rhodes, R-West Plaines, handled the bill. Current law requires the parties to the marriage to present an application to the recorder of deeds in person. This act establishes a procedure for a recorder of deeds to issue a marriage license if one of the applicants is incarcerated and is unable to appear in the presence of the recorder.

  • The bill was third read and passed as amended
  • The bill has an emergency clause which was adopted, which Rhoades says is mostly for the purpose of those in the military.

 

SB 859 – Modifies provisions relating to agriculture

This bill changes the name of the Large Animal Veterinarian Student Loan Program to the Dr. Merrill Townley Large Animal Vertinary Student Loan Program, as well as establishing a Missouri Dairy Scholars Program.

  • There was no debate on this bill and it was third read and passed.

 

SB 719 – Modifies the laws relating to school purchases

“This is a very simple bill. We hear that a lot in both chambers, but this one actually is,” said Rep Wood, R-Versailles, who is handling the bill. He explained that spouses of school district officials and employees would be prohibited from doing business with the related school district without public notice or outside of the bidding process.

  • Third read and passed as amended.

 

SB509 – Veto override

  • The House adjourned before a vote could take place.