SCS/SB 789 - This act modifies the classification of counties. The assessed valuation necessary to qualify as a first class county is increased from the current $450 million to $600 million. The assessed valuation necessary to qualify as a second class county is increased from the current $300 million to $450 million. No county will move to a lower classification than its current classification as a result of the changes in the assessed valuation requirement, however, such a county may move to a lower classification after five years at a level below the requisite amount for the county's current classification. This act modifies Section 48.030, RSMo, to allow any county that has the requisite assessed valuation to become a first class county to choose to do so upon an affirmative vote of the county's governing body, even though the county has not had such valuation for five successive years as required under current law. This act has an emergency clause. This act is similar to SCS/SB 199 (2003). SUSAN HENDERSON