HB 528 -- PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

This bill designates the third Friday of September of each year
as "POW/MIA Recognition Day."

HB 528 -- PUBLIC HOLIDAYS (Chrismer)

This bill designates the third Friday of September of each year
as "POW/MIA Recognition Day."  The people of the state of
Missouri and the educational, commercial, political, civic,
religious, and fraternal organizations of the state of Missouri
are requested to devote a portion of the day to solemn
contemplation on the plight of those Americans who were held,
and those who may still be held, as prisoners of war throughout
U.S. history.  The bill also reaffirms the state of Missouri's
commitment to continue efforts to obtain the fullest possible
accounting for every American, especially every Missourian,
missing in service to the country.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

HB 528 -- PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

CO-SPONSORS:  Chrismer, Ross, Miller, Gaskill, Boucher,
Reynolds, Merideth, Reid

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee
on Governmental Organization and Review by a vote of 10 to 0.

This bill designates the third Friday of September of each year
as "POW/MIA Recognition Day."  The people of the state of
Missouri and the educational, commercial, political, civic,
religious, and fraternal organizations of the state of Missouri
are requested to devote a portion of the day to solemn
contemplation on the plight of those Americans who were held,
and those who may still be held, as prisoners of war throughout
U.S. history.  The bill also reaffirms the state of Missouri's
commitment to continue efforts to obtain the fullest possible
accounting for every American, especially every Missourian,
missing in service to the country.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this day will be the same day
the nation sets aside to honor POW/MIAs.  A day of recognition
will help many people deal with the pain of losing family
members.  The POW/MIAs paid a high price while serving our
country and there may still be persons held as POWs.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Chrismer, Ross,
Boucher, and Ward; American Legion; Veterans of Foreign Wars;
Viet Nam Veterans of America; American Veterans of Missouri; and
Disabled American Veterans.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Steve Bauer, Legislative Analyst

HB 528 -- Public Holidays

Co-Sponsors:  Chrismer, Ross, Miller, Gaskill, Boucher,
Reynolds, Merideth, Reid

This bill designates the third Friday of September of each year
as "POW/MIA Recognition Day."  The people of the state of
Missouri and the educational, commercial, political, civic,
religious, and fraternal organizations of the state of Missouri
are requested to devote a portion of the day to solemn
contemplation on the plight of those Americans who were held,
and those who may still be held, as prisoners of war throughout
U.S. history.  The bill also reaffirms the state of Missouri's
commitment to continue efforts to obtain the fullest possible
accounting for every American, especially every Missourian,
missing in service to the country.