JEFFERSON CITY – The state’s spending plan for Fiscal Year 2014 was finally approved by the Missouri Senate, one day before the budget’s constitutional deadline.  Lawmakers in the General Assembly also sent to the governor this week more than 40 bills, 14 of which originated in the upper chamber.

Senate and House Bills Advance to Governor

Approximately $24.7 billion will fund the state’s critical departments and programs with passage of the 13 budget bills that make up Missouri’s spending plan for FY 2014.  Some of the highlights from this year’s budget, which was carried through the Senate by Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia,  include:

• $66 million in increased funding for the state’s K-12 school foundation formula, making the amount available to Elementary and Secondary Education $3 billion total.
• $25 million increase in funding for Missouri’s public higher education institutions.
• An additional $85.5 million in federal funds for disaster funding for the state.
• $73.2 million to provide funding for Missouri’s seven veterans’ homes
• $43.7 million increase in funding for the Departments of Mental Health, Health and Senior Services for utilization of its programs and services.
• $66.2 million in additional funding to maintain Missouri’s Medicaid program.
• $500 annual salary increase for all state employees beginning January 2014.

The Missouri Senate this week also gave its approval to three supplemental bills, House Bills 17, 18 and 19, which allocate money for capital improvement projects, some of which would be used for maintaining, repairing, replacing and improving state buildings and facilities.  The final passage of these bills took place the same week lawmakers and citizens celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the State Capitol’s groundbreaking on May 6, 1913. 

The Senate’s Daily Audio/Video Clips for May 8 feature Sen. Schaefer and Sen. Paul LeVota, D-Independence, discussing HB 17, 18 and 19, supplemental bills sent to the governor this week.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale, is now on its way to the governor’s desk for his signature.  Senate Bill 159 would prohibit physical therapy visits from costing more than the copayment, coinsurance or office visit deductible charged for the same covered service provided by a patient’s licensed primary care physician.  Additionally, the bill requires an actuarial analysis of the cost impact of the new standard established by the legislation.  A report of the actuarial findings would be submitted to the Senate President Pro Tem, Speaker of the House and chairs of the Senate and House standing committees regarding health insurance matters by Dec. 31, 2013.

Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Sen. John Lamping, R-Ladue, would add adoptive parents to the list of qualified legal guardians of a child who receives subsidies.  A qualified relative is anyone who is related to the child by blood or affinity, as well as any non-related person whose life is so intermingled with the child that the relationship is similar to a family relationship.

Another measure originating from the upper chamber that has been sent to the governor is Senate Bill 126, sponsored by Sen. David Sater, R-Cassville.  The legislation prohibits any licensed pharmacy in Missouri from being required to carry or maintain inventory for specific prescription or nonprescription drugs or devices.

Senate Bill 230, sponsored by Sen. Dan Brown, R-Rolla, would establish “Chloe’s Law,” which requires every baby born in Missouri to be screened for critical congenital heart disease starting Jan. 1, 2014.  In addition to the screening, informational material, reporting and referral for treatment, if necessary, would be provided to the parents.  The bill outlines procedures for those newborns who are delivered outside of health care facilities and provisions in the legislation would not apply to those who have religious objections to the testing.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Wayne Wallingford, R-Cape Girardeau, would create an income tax return check-off program on Missouri individual and corporate income tax forms to provide funds for CureSearch for Children’s Cancer.  For all tax years, beginning Jan. 1, 2013, Senate Bill 35, also known as “Sahara’s Law,” would allow taxpayers to donate to the newly created Pediatric Cancer Research Fund by designating a portion of their income tax refund.  The amount of the donation must be at least $1 on an individual return or at least $2 on a combined return.

A measure sponsored by Sen. Will Kraus, R-Lee’s Summit, that would change how uniformed military and overseas voters request, receive and send voter registration applications for absentee ballots has been sent to the highest member of the executive branch for his approval.  Senator Kraus, a service member in the U.S. Army Reserve, knows the lengthy process for Armed Forces members to receive their mail, taking up to two or three weeks to send a request for a ballot through the postal system.  Senate Bill 116 would allow servicemen and women to go online and request an absentee ballot to cast their vote.  The Missouri Secretary of State would be required to establish an electronic transmission system that would allow a covered voter — a uniformed service voter who is registered to vote in Missouri, has a voting residence in the state, and who satisfies Missouri’s voter eligibility requirements, as well as overseas voters who are otherwise eligible to vote in Missouri — to apply and receive voter registration material and military-overseas ballots. 

Senate Bill 240, sponsored by Sen. Brad Lager, R-Savannah, would allow gas corporations to recover from customers 90 percent of the increase in net write-offs, upon decision by the Public Service Commission.  If there is a decrease, gas corporations would have to return 90 percent of the decrease to customers.   This recovery and return process could not exceed five years.  The legislation would also implement a five-year period in order to allow gas corporations to collect Infrastructure System Replacement Surcharges, commonly referred to as ISRS, as long as the corporation is issued a rate proceeding decision within the last five years from the PSC.  ISRS allows electric companies to pass along surcharges to their customers in order to pay for infrastructure updates.  This legislation would increase the amount a gas corporate may recover through infrastructure system replacement surcharges from 10 percent of the gas corporation’s base revenue level to 13 percent.  Certain provisions of the bill contain an emergency clause, meaning they will become law upon receiving the governor’s signature

Legislation that would prohibit Missouri or any town, city or county from implementing policy recommendations that infringe on private property rights was sent to the governor this week.  Senate Bill 265, sponsored by Sen. Brian Nieves, R-Washington, relates to Agenda 21, adopted in 1993 by the United Nations that is a non-binding voluntary implemented action plan relating to sustainable development.  The bill also bans the state from entering into an agreement with, expending money for, receiving funds or contracting services from, or giving financial aid to any organization accredited and enlisted by the United Nations in order to assist in the implementation of Agenda 21.

Also sponsored by Sen. Nieves, Senate Bill 267 would create the Civil Liberties Defense Act, mandating any court, arbitration, tribunal, or administrative agency ruling would be unenforceable if based on a foreign law which is inconsistent with the Missouri or U.S. constitutions.  The legislation would also require that a court hear a case in Missouri if a state resident brings the case and if the court finds that not hearing the case in the state violates or would likely violate the rights of the Missourian who brought the case.

Senate Bill 350 is now on the way to the governor for his executive approval.  The legislation, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, would eliminate the renter’s portion of the Senior Citizens Property Tax Credit, commonly referred to as the Circuit Breaker Tax Credit.  This tax credit is currently given to certain senior citizens and 100 percent disabled individuals for a portion of the real estate taxes or rent they have paid for the year.  The credit is for a maximum of $750 for renters and $1,100 for owners who own and occupy their home.  The actual credit is based on the amount of real estate taxes or rent paid and total household income, both taxable and nontaxable.

Senate Bill 350 would require the Department of Revenue to calculate how much of the renter’s portion of the Senior Citizens Property Tax Credit was redeemed in Fiscal Year 2012, and beginning in FY 2014, deposit this amount into the newly created Missouri Senior Services Protection Fund.  Money in this fund would be used to provide services such as mental health care, nursing homes and home-based health and living services for low-income seniors and disabled citizens.  Those against the bill say low-income seniors who are on a fixed income would be affected and larger tax credit reform bills still need to be addressed.  Senators in support of the legislation say there are other state programs that provide support for low-income housing, and seniors who currently benefit from the tax credit would receive beneficial services through the measure. 

Several House bills were also delivered to the governor this week, including House Bill 34 (similar to SB 30, sponsored by Sen. Brown, and SB 301, sponsored by Sen. Ryan McKenna, D-Crystal City), a bill that would modify Missouri’s prevailing wage laws by establishing the School Construction Act, which would exempt construction and maintenance for work done for certain school districts from the prevailing wage rate requirement upon the school board’s approval; House Bill 303 (provision found in SB 176 & 192, sponsored by Sen. Schmitt and Sen. Lamping, respectively), which would name several highways and bridges located in Missouri, including the new bridge on I-70 crossing the Mississippi River at St. Louis as “Stan Musial Memorial Bridge”; and House Bill 68, which would designate the month of November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in Missouri.

House Bill 253, handled by Sen. Schmitt in the upper chamber, is also on its way to the governor’s desk for his signature.   The bill phases in an individual business income deduction, reducing the tax by .5 percent over a 10-year period, from 6 to 5.5 percent.  In addition, it would implement a 50 percent deduction over five years for business income reported on individual tax returns.  The measure would also reduce corporate income tax rates by three points over 10 years, from 6.25 to 3.25 percent.  House Bill 253 changes how the state collects sales and use taxes, removing this tax from the fees paid to amusement, entertainment or recreation, games and athletic events.  Currently, Missouri cannot require out-of-state companies that do not have “nexus,” or direct connection, with the Show-Me State to collect and remit use tax.  This legislation changes the definition of nexus to collect out-of-state taxes from online sales.  The bill would also create an amnesty program in which penalties and interest would be waived for state taxes due as of Dec. 31, 2013.

The Senate’s Daily Audio/Video Clips for May 8 include Sen. Schmitt and Sen. Sifton, D-St. Louis, debating HB 253 in the Missouri Senate.

Members of the Missouri Senate also delivered to the governor this week a bill that contains several provisions relating to firearms.  House Bill 436, handled by Sen. Nieves, would create the Second Amendment Preservation Act, which lists various declarations of the Missouri General Assembly regarding the U.S. Constitution and the scope of the federal government’s authority.  This provision is similar to Senate Bill 325, also sponsored by Sen. Nieves. 

The House bill would prohibit political subdivisions from banning anyone with a valid concealed carry endorsement to openly carry a firearm; allow schools to designate teachers or administrators as school protection officers who would have to carry a firearm at all times while on school property; make it a crime to publish identifying information about a firearm owner or applicant for a firearm; prohibit health care professionals from being required to ask patients if they own a firearm, document ownership in medical records, or notify other entities about patients’ gun-ownership status; and lower the age for conceal carry from 21 to 19 years old.  The bill would also recognize responsible gun ownership, including parental supervision of minors in proper use, storage and ownership of all firearms, as well as the prompt reporting of stolen firearms. 

Work Continues on Conference Committees

Several lawmakers in the Senate and House were assigned to a conference committee this week to consider differences between the two chambers’ versions of Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Sen. Scott T. Rupp, R-Wentzville.  The legislation addresses Missouri’s insolvent Second Injury Fund by establishing priority for paying fund liabilities and instituting a funding mechanism to bolster the Second Injury Fund when  usual collections are inadequate; defines “occupational disease due to toxic exposure” and creates an expanded benefit for occupational disease due to toxic exposure; and allows insurers the option of submitting rating methodologies that further refine the uniform rating process, giving them the authority to develop, submit and use other rating mechanisms, if approved.  Sen. Rupp; Sen. Mike Cunningham, R-Rogersville; Sen. Mike Parson, R-Bolivar; Sen. Sifton; and Sen. Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, were named to the conference committee.

An omnibus agriculture bill, sponsored by Sen. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg, was also assigned to a conference committee this week.  Senate Bill 9 creates a state and local sales and use tax exemption for farm products at farmers’ markets; establishes the Career and Technical Education Student Protection Act, which creates an advisory council that would be responsible for developing a statewide short- and long-range plan for career and technical education, identifying legislative recommendations to improve career and technical education, and promoting coordination of existing career and technical education programs; and exempts farm work performed by children under the age of 16 from certain child labor requirements, among other provisions.  Those senators serving on the conference committee include Sen. Pearce; Sen. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown; Sen. Sater; Sen. Shalonn “Kiki” Curls, D-Kansas City; and Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, D-University City.

Legislation establishing the Advisory Council on the Education of Gifted and Talented Children, as well as the Career and Technical Education Council, identical to the one noted in Senate Bill 9, also goes to conference.  The conference committee on Senate Bill 17 includes Sen. Munzlinger; Sen. Lamping; Sen. Gary Romine, R-Farmington; Sen. Curls; and Sen. Chappelle-Nadal.

Senate Bill 36, sponsored by Sen. Wallingford, would change certain provisions in state law relating to juvenile offenders who have been certified as adults and found guilty in court of general jurisdiction.  Currently, juvenile offenders under the age of 17 who have been certified as adults are allowed to stay in the custody of the Division of Youth Services, instead of placing these youth in the adult prison population.  Senate Bill 36 would extend this timeframe to 17 and a half and asks judges to consider dual jurisdiction sentences for certified youth.  The bill has been assigned to a conference committee that includes Sen. Wallingford, Sen. Bob Dixon, D-Springfield; Sen. Romine; Senate Minority Floor Leader Jolie Justus, D-Kansas City; and Sen. Joseph Keaveny, D-St. Louis.

A bill designed to address copper theft in the state also goes to conference.  Senate Bill 157, sponsored by Sen. Sater, would strengthen documentation requirements for transactions where junk or scrap metal is sold or traded.  The records for all scrap metal transactions must include the seller’s license plate number, gender, birth date and a photograph of the seller (if the picture is different than the one included on the photo ID required under current law to sell or trade scrap metal), as well as a full description of the metal by weight and purchase price.  Beginning Jan. 1, 2014, these documents must be kept in an electronic format that can be transmitted to law enforcement agencies and is accessible to law enforcement authorities.  The legislation changes violation of documentation requirements from a Class A to a Class B misdemeanor.  Sen. Sater; Sen. Kraus; Sen. Ryan Silvey, R-Kansas City; Sen. Justus; and Sen. Keaveny have been named to serve on the conference committee. 

Legislation that began as a measure that would prohibit larger deductibles, copayments or coinsurance amounts for services using telemedicine compared to the same health care service provided through face-to-face diagnosis, consultation or treatment was also assigned a conference committee this week.  The panel responsible for ironing out differences between the two chambers’ versions of Senate Bill 262, sponsored by Sen. Curls, includes the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Rupp, Sen. Parson, Sen. Wallingford, and Sen. Justus.

After making several amendments to House Bill 1035, the Senate gave its approval to the measure, which has since been assigned to a conference committee.  The bill, handled in the upper chamber by  Sen. Schmitt, addresses how the state collects property taxes by expanding existing state law that allows liens against property to be foreclosed for failure to pay Neighborhood Improvement District special assessments; allowing taxing authorities to amend the form regarding levying a property tax, which must still be considered by the state auditor; and requiring an additional percentage of property taxes to be deposit from all counties into an assessment fund of the county indefinitely.  Those senators serving on the conference committee include Sen. Schmitt; Sen. Pearce; Sen. Dixon; Sen. McKenna; and Sen. Jason Holsman, D-Kansas City.

A measure that creates economic incentives and changes Missouri’s current tax credit programs is under further examination by Sen. Schmitt; Senate Majority Floor Leader Ron Richard, R-Joplin; Sen. Kraus; Sen. Justus; and Sen. McKenna, who were named to serve on the conference committee on House Bill 698.

Also known as the “Right to Farm” measure, the Missouri Senate was granted a conference for a House measure handled by Sen. Parson, which proposes a constitutional amendment affirming the right of farmers and rangers to engage in modern farming and ranching practices.  Upon voter approval, House Joint Resolution 11 & 7 would prohibit the enactment of state law, such as acts approved by initiative petition, that reduces the right of farmers and ranchers to employ agricultural technology, modern and traditional livestock production and ranching practices, unless the law is enacted by the General Assembly.  Since the Senate amended the House joint resolution, the measure must go back to the originating chamber for final approval.  Sen. Parson, Sen. Munzlinger, Sen. Brown, Sen. Justus, and Sen. Sifton were named to the conference committee.

The Senate’s Daily Audio/Video Clips for May 9 include Sen. Parson and Sen. Justus discussing HJR 11 & 7 on the Senate floor.

Bills Go Back to House for Final Approval

Legislation is on its way back over to the House of Representatives that would require a physician who prescribes or dispenses abortion-inducing drugs, such as RU-486, to be present while the drug is administered.  House Bill 400, handled in the upper chamber by Sen. Wallingford, would require the physician inducing the abortion, or a person acting on his or her behalf, to make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the patient returns for a follow-up visit so the doctor can confirm that the pregnancy has been terminated and assess the patient’s medical condition, unless this information has been noted by a doctor prior to the patient leaving.

The Senate’s Daily Audio/Video Clips for May 7 feature Sen. Wallingford and Sen. Justus speaking about the HB 400 on the Senate floor before it received the Senate’s final approval.

House Bill 542, an omnibus agriculture bill, was also returned to the House for its approval.  The measure is identical to Senate Bill 17, sponsored by Sen. Munzlinger.  House Bill 542 would establish the Career and Technical Education Advisory Council to develop a statewide short-range plan for career and technical education, identify legislative recommendations to improve career and technical education, and promote coordination of existing career and technical programs.  The bill also allows the development of Urban Agricultural Zones on blighted areas of land,  imposes additional penalties for violating Missouri’s Livestock Disease Control and Eradication Law, and increases the loan amount issued to individuals for livestock feed and crop input from $40,000 to $100,000, among other provisions.

Senate Bill 106, sponsored by Sen. Brown, would allow certain military training courses to convert into academic credit, give certain members of the Armed Forces the opportunity to keep their professional health-related licenses or certificates while on active duty, and let military members apply their service toward qualifications to receive a professional license or certificate, among other provisions.  If the House approves the measure’s conference committee report, it would move to the governor’s desk for his approval. 

Another conference committee report approved by the Senate pertaining to the military, sponsored by Sen. Kraus, would give those who receive an honorable or general discharge from the military Missouri resident status in order to pay in-state tuition at one of the Show-Me State’s public higher education institutions.  Senate Bill 117 would also prohibit these schools from requiring members of the National Guard or a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces to take any test within 24 hours of returning home from active duty, among other measures.

After passage in the Senate, the conference committee report for Senate Bill 34, sponsored by Sen. Cunningham, was sent to the House for the other chamber’s approval.  The bill would require the Division of Workers’ Compensation to develop and maintain a workers’ compensation claims database that is searchable by an employee’s name and Social Security number.

Upper Chamber Advances Legislation

The Missouri Senate this week gave its final approval to legislation that would require the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to hold public meetings in each congressional district on the Common Core State Standards, a set of academic expectations for English and math that define the knowledge and skills students need to succeed in college or other post-secondary education training and careers.  Other provisions under Senate Bill 210, sponsored by Sen. Lamping, would remove the two-year waiting period between when a school district is unaccredited and the State Board of Education takes up governance, as well as establish a joint interim committee of the General Assembly to study the elementary and secondary education foundation formula.  With this passing vote, the measure moves to the House for similar consideration.

The Senate’s Daily Audio/Video Clips for May 7 include Sen. Lamping and Sen. LeVota discussing SB 210 on the Senate floor before it received initial approval in the Senate.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Pearce that would make changes to many of the state’s financial assistance programs for those seeking to obtain a higher education degree is now in the House for similar consideration.  Senate Bill 378 would make changes to Missouri’s A+ Program, Bright Flight Scholarship Program and the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program.  Starting in the 2016-2017 school year, a provision in the bill would change the eligibility requirements for scores students must receive on Algebra and English assessments.  The bill would also allow eligible students for the A+ and Access Missouri Financial Assistance programs who are unable to enroll or stop attending school because of illness, disability, pregnancy, medical need (these reasons must be verified by a health care provider), or service to a nonprofit organization, service to a state or federal government agency or military service to maintain their eligibility if certain criteria is met, among other provisions. 

The Senate also gave its final approval to a bill that would change the way Missouri funds public higher education institutions by creating a new model for calculating  a state’s public school funding, moving the legislation to the full Senate for possible debate.  Senate Bill 437, also sponsored by Sen. Pearce, would create a higher education funding model, which includes community colleges, to fund institutions based on both costs and outcomes.  This model would calculate schools’ core operational expenditures, dividing the expenditures into six categories: academic, support, institutional support, instruction, public service, research and student services.  

Ten percent of each public higher education institution’s state appropriation would be designated and set aside as performance funding.  A school would receive performance-based funding if it satisfies the performance measures; if it satisfies all of its performance measures, it would receive all of its performance funding.  This funding would reduce by a proportionate amount for performance measures not met by the school.   There is a “stop-loss provision” in the bill that would allocate 98 percent of the previous year’s funding if an institution’s funding through the new model is less than what the institution received under the previous funding method.

Lawmakers also advanced Senate Bill 411 to the House for its consideration.  The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, would change Missouri’s commercial motor vehicle law to conform to regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, whose primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.  The bill updates definitions contained in the “Uniform Commercial Driver’s License Act,” including “electronic device,” “mobile telephone,”  “texting,” and “serious traffic violation”; requires applicants for commercial driver’s licenses to obtain an instruction permit at least 14 days prior to completing skills testing; and states members of the military must be regularly employed within the last 90 days in a military position in order for their commercial motor vehicle driving skills test to be waived.  Senate Bill 441 could also disqualify a commercial driver’s license if a person is convicted of texting or using a hand-held mobile phone while operating a commercial vehicle, among other provisions.

Legislation Receives Debate in Senate

Members of the upper chamber spent time this week debating legislation that would create an income tax deduction for the purchase of a new home for the years 2013-2015.  House Bill 194, handled in the Senate by Sen. Parson, would apply to homes constructed between Aug. 28, 2013, and Dec. 31, 2015.  Manufactured homes, modular units, recreational park trailers and recreational vehicles would not qualify for the deduction, which could only be claimed once, and would be limited to the lesser amount of either one-third of the contract sales price or $166,667.  However, before the legislation received a final vote in the Senate, it was set aside for later debate.

Senators this week also spent a considerable amount of time debating House Bills 404 & 614, handled in the upper chamber by Sen. Kehoe.  The bill changes Missouri’s law relating to the Second Injury Fund and occupational disease within the workers’ compensation system. It states that occupational diseases, which can include psychological stress of paid peace officers, are exclusively covered under Missouri’s workers’ compensation laws.  The act defines “occupational disease due to toxic exposure” and creates an expanded benefit for these types of diseases.  The legislative package also prohibits partial disability claims against the Second Injury Fund and establishes priority for paying fund liabilities, among other provisions.  With several amendments added to the legislation this week, House Bills 404 & 614 must go back to the House if passed by the Senate.

Measures Voted Out of Senate Committees

House Bill 320 was considered by members of the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee and approved by the panel this week.  The bill  changes the Missouri Human Rights Act to state a practice is unlawful when the protected trait is a motivating factor in the decision to discriminate, unless in adverse impact cases, which would follow federal anti-discrimination law.  The Missouri Human Rights Act makes it illegal to discriminate in any aspect of employment because of an individual’s race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability or age.  House Bill 320 would bar employers from discharging someone who reports an unlawful act or an act that is believed to be unlawful; a person who reports serious misconduct of the employer or its agent that violates a clear mandate of public policy; an individual who refuses to carry out a directive that would be a violation of law; or someone who engages in conduct otherwise protected by state statute or regulation.  The legislation now moves on to the full Senate for possible debate.

The Senate Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics Committee voted “do pass” several concurrent resolutions this week.  These measures express the opinion of will of both chambers and are adopted by both the Senate and House.  They are used to memorialize Congress on particular matters, ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution, express recommendations and condolences, and request action of state officials and departments.  Depending on the intended purposes, a concurrent resolution may carry the full force and effect of law.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 15, sponsored by Sen. Romine, would establish the Missouri Lead Industry Employment, Economic Development and Environmental Remediation Task Force.  This 11-member task force, which would dissolve in February 2014, would make recommendations to the General Assembly on prompt environmental settlements, ways to promote and develop a clean lead industry, clean lead industry legislative proposals and the economic potential of implementing clean lead industry policies.

Sponsored by Sen. Walsh, Senate Concurrent Resolution 3, would recognize Sept. 26 as Mesothelioma Awareness Day in Missouri.  The day would focus on remembering the victims of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that attacks the lining of the chest, lungs, heart and abdomen; publicizing the dangers of asbestos exposure, in which most people who develop this disease have worked on jobs where they have inhaled asbestos particles or have been exposed to its dust and fibers; offering hope for those approximately 2,500 to 3,000 individuals who are diagnosed with this disease each year in the United States; and focusing on the need for research support and a cure for mesothelioma.

House Concurrent Resolution 7 would direct the State Historical Society of Missouri to develop plans to commemorate and celebrate the State of Missouri’s bicentennial.  This measure is similar to Senate Concurrent Resolution 2, sponsored by Sen. Richard.

The committee also approved House Concurrent Resolution 16, which would encourage the Missouri Veterans Commission to work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to address the needs of women veterans.  The resolution would also formally honor the heroic service of women veterans.

Finally, members of the Senate Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections Committee voted out House Joint Resolution 5.  This constitutional amendment, upon voter approval, would require voters to identify themselves as a U.S. citizen and a resident of Missouri by producing a valid, government-issued photo ID in order to cast a ballot.   This measure is similar to Senate Joint Resolution 6, sponsored by Sen. Kraus.

Senate Panels Conduct Hearings

The Senate Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee heard testimony this week on Senate Bill 473, sponsored by Sen. Lamping.  His legislation would change Missouri’s Health Care Freedom Act by prohibiting the state from implementing a health insurance exchange, banning insurers from accepting remuneration that could result in penalties and assigning duties to the Missouri Attorney General to enforce public policy in the act.  Passed by Missouri voters in 2010, the Health Care Freedom Act amended Missouri law to deny government authority to “penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services.”

Members of the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee also heard testimony this week on House Joint Resolution 26, a proposed constitutional amendment that would guarantee parents the fundamental right to control the care, custody, upbringing and education of their children who are under 18 years old.  This includes all decisions involving their discipline, education, religious instruction, health, medical care, home and general well-being.  In addition, parents would have the right to choose to educate their children in public, private or home schools.  However, this fundamental right would be changed by a court of law if a parent is found guilty or pleads guilty of certain crimes, including child abuse and neglect.

Lawmakers who serve on the Joint Committee of Education met this week to map out its strategy for the remainder for the year, including its potential work on the current foundation funding formula for Missouri’s K-12 public schools.  The 14-member joint committee is responsible for reviewing and monitoring the progress of the state’s public schools and institutions of higher education.

The Senate’s Daily Audio/Video Clips for May 7 include Sen. Holsman and Sen. Pearce, the committee’s vice chair, laying out the groundwork for the joint committee after session concludes.

The Senate Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics Committee held a hearing this week on a measure that is rarely considered by Senate committees and has not been approved by a Senate committee since 1999.  Senate Remonstrance 1, sponsored by Sen. Ed Emery, R-Rogersville, is a formal statement of protest against the governor for the release of personal protected information by the Department Revenue and the Department of Public Safety and strongly condemns the release of this information in violation of Missouri law.

The final legislative week for the First Regular Session of the 97th General Assembly starts on Monday, May 13, at 2 p.m.  Lawmakers must conclude their 2013 legislative session by 6 p.m. on Friday, May 17.

To follow these and other issues before the Missouri Senate, visit www.senate.mo.gov.  Visitors can track legislation considered by the General Assembly during the 2013 session, learn more about their legislative district, and listen to streaming audio of legislative debate as it happens on the Senate floor.

For more legislative news, please visit the Senate newsroom at www.senate.mo.gov/newsroom, where you will find various audio and video programs and other informational services, such as:

• Missouri Legislative Update – A video program produced throughout the legislative session and interim that provides an overview of news in the Missouri Senate and House of Representatives.  The program features news interviews with lawmakers conducted by Missourinet’s Bob Priddy and stories on issues concerning Missourians.
• This Week in the Missouri Senate – A weekly, five-minute audio program that wraps up the week’s news in the Missouri Senate.  Programs are posted online every Friday in .mp3 format.
• The Senate Minute – A condensed, one-minute audio report of current Senate news.  Programs are posted in .mp3 format and are available through podcast.
• Daily Audio/Video Clips – Throughout the year, the Senate Newsroom posts broadcast-quality audio and video highlights from Senate committee hearings, floor debate, press conferences and other legislative events.  Please note: Clips linked to this Capitol Briefing are only available for the legislative week referenced in the publication.