Several Senate Bills Now Set to Become Law

JEFFERSON CITY — Twenty-five measures endorsed by the Missouri Senate, nine of which originated in the upper body, received the governor’s signature today (7-10), adding to the list of legislation that is slated to become law.

Senate Bill 755, sponsored by the Senate President Pro Tem, creates the crime of disturbing a house of worship if a person intentionally and unreasonably disturbs a building used for religious purposes by using profanity, rude or indecent behavior or making noise within the house of worship or so close to the building that the services are disturbed.  The bill also makes it a crime if he or she intentionally injures, intimidates or interferes with any person exercising the right to religious freedom or who is seeking access to a house of worship.

The legislation makes the first offense a Class B misdemeanor, a second offense a Class A misdemeanor and a third or subsequent offense a Class D felony.  Senate Bill 755 is set to take effect Aug. 28.

Missourians who were issued a firearms safety training certificate prior to the date concealed carry endorsement standards were increased can now receive a concealed carry license without having to retake a training course.  Sen. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, sponsored Senate Bill 489, which addresses the training required for concealed carry endorsement applicants, which were increased through legislation (House Bill 294) passed by the General Assembly in 2011.  The legislation also limits the prohibition of the possession, manufacture, transport, repair or sale of a switchblade knife when such uses violate federal law and makes the crime a Class C felony. 

House Bill 489 contained an emergency clause, allowing the law to take effect immediately upon receipt of the governor’s signature.

Senate Bill 625, sponsored by Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, addresses several provisions relating to retirement, including transfers between the Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System (MOSERS) and the Missouri Department of Transportation and Highway Patrol Employees’ Retirement System (MPERS).  The legislation also changes the interest rate of employee contributions to MOSERS and clarifies certain benefits found within the County Employees’ Retirement System.  The legislation will take effect Aug. 28.

Also slated to take effect Aug. 28 is Senate Bill 485, sponsored by Sen. Jane Cunningham, R-Chesterfield, which changes the law that governs liens in the state.  The legislation, among other provisions, removes the filing of a financial statement for property held as inventory for sale or lease by a person in the business of leasing certain goods. 

Senate Bill 769, sponsored by Sen. Will Kraus, R-Lee’s Summit, modifies and creates provisions relating to state and local standards.  This omnibus legislation prohibits any state law from imposing a fine or penalty on a health care provider, hospital, or healthcare system if they fail to participate in a health information organization; addresses residential construction regulatory systems; and requires certain safety markings on anemometer, or wind speed testing towers, among other provisions.  Along with most measures signed by the governor, Senate Bill 769 is scheduled to become law on Aug. 28.

Other Senate bills that received the governor’s stamp of approval today included Senate Bill 480, an omnibus transportation bill that addresses the Uniform Commercial Driver’s License Act, hauling of radioactive waste, sales tax exemptions for certain vehicles, and the prohibition of certain collegiate specialty license plates, among other provisions; Senate Bill 599, an omnibus education measure that includes provisions regarding gifted education, standards for agricultural education and cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Senate Bill 665, which authorizes the governor to transfer certain pieces of real estate located throughout the state of Missouri to the State Highways and Transportation Commission; and Senate Bill 729, which modifies provisions relating to county purchases, specifically in Boone and Greene counties.

Certain sections found within Senate Bills 599 and 665 contain an emergency clause and have already taken effect; Senate Bills 480 and 729 will take effect Aug. 28.

Numerous House bills, all of which were carried through the upper chamber by members of the Senate, also were signed into law today.  To see a complete list of the bills delivered to the governor, visit www.senate.mo.gov and click on the “Truly Agreed Bills” link under the “Legislation” tab.  To contact the Senate Newsroom, call (573) 751-3824 or email: newsroom@senate.mo.gov.