JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Show-Me State officially has a designated professional football team: the Kansas City Chiefs.
On Tuesday, as part of a bevy of bill signings, Gov. Mike Parson added his signature to SCR 4, championed by Sen. Kiki Curls, making the lone NFL team in Missouri the official team. The Chiefs, which have resided in Missouri for nearly six decades, is the only NFL team in Missouri since the Rams left St. Louis several years ago.
“For over 50 years, the Kansas City Chiefs have played an important role in the city and the state,” Parson said in a statement. “Sports are a big part of Missouri’s heritage, and we are proud to have the Chiefs represent our great state in the NFL.”
Arrowhead Stadium, home to the Chiefs, also had its funding extended.
Parson signed HB 677, championed by freshman Rep. Jon Patterson, which extends state appropriations for the Truman Sports Complex and Bartle Hall as funding is set to expire. The bill also includes funding for improvements to the Enterprise Center in St. Louis.
Under the measure, the Truman Sports Complex — home to the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs stadiums — will continue to get $3 million for operations annually through 2029. Bartle Hall will continue receiving $2 million in state funding, and the Enterprise Center — home of the St. Louis Blues — will get $3.5 million for 20 years for improvements.
The Senate added a clawback provision that allows the state to recuperate investments if the Blues ever relocate.
Lyndon’s Law
Parson also signed legislation touted as improving safety for Missouri highway and utility workers and emergency responders.
Lyndon’s Law, HB 499 sponsored by Rep. Aaron Griesheimer, authorizes the Missouri Department of Revenue to revoke the driver’s license of anyone who hits a highway or utility worker in a work zone or an emergency responder in an emergency zone.
The measure was inspired by Lyndon Ebker, who was a 30-year employee of the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) when he was struck and killed in a Franklin County work zone by an inattentive motorist in 2016.
“On behalf of the MoDOT men and women who put their lives on the line every day to design, build, operate, and maintain Missouri roads and bridges, I’d like to thank the Missouri General Assembly for passing House Bill 499 and Gov. Parson for signing it into law,” said Michael Pace, chair of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. “It’s a fitting tribute to our fallen worker Lyndon Ebker, whose tragic death in the line of duty was the catalyst for this important change.”
The bill includes a provision increasing vehicle fees.
A provision within the bill will increase annual licenses from $3.50 to $6; biennial licenses from $7 to $12; transfer of title from $2.50 to $6; instruction permits, nondriver, chauffeur’s, operator’s, and driver’s license from $2.50 to $6; and notice of lien processing from $2.50 to $6.
Other bills
Parson also signed four other bills covering a wide range of topics including transportation and nuisance properties.
- SB 203: modifies nuisance actions in certain cities and counties
- HB 926: modifies provisions relating to dealer license plates
- SB 368: enacts provisions relating to transportation
- SB 297: allows individuals 75 years of age or older to be excused from jury duty
Earlier on Tuesday, Parson signed 11 measures related to public safety and criminal justice reform.
Parson signs bevy of criminal justice, public safety bills: ‘We have to do a better job’
Alisha Shurr was a reporter for The Missouri Times and The Missouri Times Magazine. She joined The Missouri Times in January 2018 after working as a copy editor for her hometown newspaper in Southern Oregon. Alisha is a graduate of Kansas State University.
