JEFFERSON CITY – Before completing its floor work for the week, the Missouri Senate today (2-7) gave its final approval to three measures, effectively moving them to the House of Representatives for similar consideration. 

Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Sen. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg, removes the waiting period between when a school district’s accreditation is removed and when the State Board of Education takes over the school district.  Currently, state statute requires a two-year timeframe between when the district loses its accreditation and the state takes over the school district.  Senate Bill 7 would also require the State Board of Education to review how and when it would govern the school district after the loss of accreditation. 

In addition, Senate Bill 7 would require the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to hold two public hearings regarding the accreditation status of the district, providing an opportunity to convene community resources that may be useful or necessary to support the school district as it attempts to return to accredited status.  The legislation passed with an emergency clause, meaning the bill would immediately become law upon receipt of the governor’s signature.

Two measures sponsored by Sen. John Lamping, R-Ladue, also move to the other chamber for consideration.  Senate Bill 47 would add adoptive parents to the list of qualified legal guardians of a child who receives subsidies.  And Senate Bill 33 would give individuals with mental disabilities the right to be accompanied by a guide, hearing or service dog without paying an extra charge to access certain areas, provided the individual is liable for any damages done to the premises or facilities by the service dog.

Both Senate Bill 47 and Senate Bill 33 would take effect Aug. 28.

To see a complete list of Senate bills filed for the 2013 legislative session, visit www.senate.mo.gov.