JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Blind Missourians receiving state benefits would have one less hurdle to clear in order to stay eligible under legislation approved by the Missouri House Monday night. Sponsored by state Rep. Elijah Haahr, HB 1835 was passed by the House by a vote of 147-0.
Currently under Missouri law, individuals who receive blind pension benefits must be examined every five years in order to retain eligibility. Haahr’s bill would simply eliminate the need for the re-examinations for individuals who have been deemed by medical professionals to have no usable vision.
“This is a simple, common sense change that makes the process of receiving blind pension benefits less burdensome for the visually impaired,” said Haahr, R-Springfield. “I am happy that my colleagues have come together to support this change so that we can end these unnecessary re-examinations and simplify the process.”
Haahr’s legislation was approved by the Missouri House as a consent bill, which means it is non-controversial in nature and more likely to move quickly through the legislative process. It now moves to the Missouri Senate for consideration.
