HJR 43 -- SCHOOL DISTRICT BOND ELECTIONS (Barry)

This proposed constitutional amendment changes the vote required
to approve a school district bond issue from four-sevenths to a
simple majority at general municipal elections and general
elections.

FISCAL NOTE:  Cost to General Revenue Fund of $47,000 in FY 2001.

HJR 43 -- SCHOOL DISTRICT BOND ELECTIONS

CO-SPONSORS:  Barry, Bonner, Fitzwater, Campbell, Fraser,
Kreider, Curls, Graham (24)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Education-Elementary and Secondary by a vote of 18 to 2.

This proposed constitutional amendment changes the vote required
to approve a school district bond issue from four-sevenths to a
simple majority at general municipal elections and primary and
general elections.

FISCAL NOTE:  Cost to General Revenue Fund of $47,000 in FY 2001.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the current constitutional
requirement for a super-majority on bond votes dates from the
1875 Constitution.  Only 9 other states have super-majority
requirements for school bonds.  In the last 5 years, 105 bond
issues have failed with more than a 50% vote.  Super-majorities
contradict the principle of "one person, one vote."

Testifying for the bill were Representative Barry; Margi Cook;
Mehlville School District; Jefferson City School District; Scott
County R-IV School District; Cooperating School Districts of
Greater Kansas City; Missouri Council of School Administrators;
Missouri NEA; Missouri State Teachers Association; Missouri
School Board Association; Missouri Federation of Teachers;
Missouri AFL-CIO; American Institute of Architects of Missouri;
and Cooperating School Districts of Greater St. Louis.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Becky DeNeve, Senior Legislative Analyst

HJR 43 -- School District Bond Elections

Co-Sponsors:  Barry, Bonner, Fitzwater, Campbell, Fraser,
Kreider, Curls, Graham (24)

This proposed constitutional amendment changes the vote required
to approve a school district bond issue from four-sevenths to a
simple majority at general municipal elections and primary and
general elections.