The First Regular Session of the 97th General Assembly has ended, and I would like to take a moment and let you know how some of my priority legislation fared this year.

• Senate Bill 16 was signed by the governor on May 10, 2013. The measure will exempt farm work performed by children under 16 from certain child labor requirements.
• Senate Bill 17 was passed by the Legislature and sent to the governor on May 17, 2013. This legislation would establish the Career and Technical Education Advisory Council and the Advisory Council on the Education of Gifted and Talented Children. It would also remove the sunset on individuals to obtain teacher certification based on certification by the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence. It removes the sunset for the “25 and out” retirement provision for PSRS and extends the sunset on the increase factor for working over 31 years to July 1, 2014.
• Senate Bill 18 passed in the Missouri Senate but never received any debate by the full Missouri House. But, it did pass in the form of House Bill 116. This measure would require agencies to track federal fund usage and the governor to report withholdings. This legislation would also remove the auditor from the Board of Fund Commissioners.
• Senate Bill 42 has been sent to the governor. This measure would modify provisions relating to county sheriffs and create procedures and policies for unpaid debts to county jails.
• Senate Bill 43 is also on the governor’s desk. The legislation would increase the weight allowance for vehicles equipped with idle reduction technology from 400 pounds to 550 pounds to reflect change in federal law.
• Senate Bill 51 awaits the governor’s signature. This measure would modify provisions relating to the regulation of motor vehicles.
• Senate Bill 89 has been sent to the governor. The legislation would allow certain nursing home districts to establish senior housing.
• House Bill 533 is also on the governor’s desk. The measure would change the laws regarding firearms.
• House Bill 542 awaits the governor’s signature. The legislation would change certain laws regarding agriculture. The final version also contains portions of other legislation, including Senate Bills 9, 228, 342 and 373.

The governor has until July 14, 2013, to sign or veto legislation. Most bills receiving the governor’s signature will become law on Aug. 28, 2013.

Now that session is over, I look forward to spending time in the district. There is a lot of planting to do. Like most farmers, I have had to put it off because of the early spring flooding. Hopefully, everybody is on target and we see a good return from our crops this year.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Thank you.