It was a whirlwind week with the House working late into the evening on Monday and the Senate methodically working through their Perfection calendar. To date, the House has sent the Senate 152 bills, resolutions and joint resolutions for consideration, while the Senate has only sent 74 bills, resolutions and joint resolutions to the House for consideration. Some major issues remaining include Initiative Petition Reform, Public School Open Enrollment, Transgender Issues, Sports Betting and Crime. After today, there are 14 more working days remaining for the 2023 legislative session and the pressure is mounting to race the clock to usher priorities across the finish line.
Broadband Development
On Wednesday, the USDA announced the availability of $20 million to deliver broadband technical assistance resources for rural communities and to support the development and expansion of broadband co-ops. The agency is offering the funding under the new Broadband Technical Assistance Program which supports technical assistance projects such as feasibility studies, completing network designs, and developing broadband assistance applications.
Reentry 2030
On Tuesday, the Department of Corrections announced that it has partnered with multiple state departments to join Reentry 2030, which seeks to significantly improve success for those reentering society after prison. The program aims for 80% of formerly incarcerated Missourians to maintain employment for at least nine months after release. Missouri is that first state to join the national initiative to help those leaving prison find and keep employment and the next step is to form a Reentry 2030 advisor team.
Budget Update
The Senate Appropriations Committee convened this week and completed crafting the Senate version of the FY 2024 budget. The committee worked over two days and added more than $3 billion to the House-approved budget. The House-approved version of the budget had a spend-plan of $45.6 billion, which was $2 billion less than the budget proposed by Governor Mike Parson at $47.7 billion. The fourteen spending bills will be debated in the Senate next week, which will set the stage for negotiations with the House to work through the differences between the two chambers before the constitutional May 5th deadline.
Some of the biggest items added Wednesday were $300 million for the Department of Mental Health to build a new psychiatric hospital in Kansas City and $461 million to increase the rates paid to personal care workers who assist those with developmental disabilities. The committee also restored $4.5 million for public libraries, continued the pay plan and mileage increases for state employees, restored the $82 million Governor’s proposal to increase pre-K programs in school districts, restored the full 7% inflationary funding for higher education institutions, and increased funding to many TANF programs.
The largest item included by the Senate in the budget is the expansion of I-70. The committee has proposed spending $1.4 billion in general revenue and finance additional funding through bonds. The bonding for the other half of the cost of the project would be at the maximum of 15 years, with an annual payment of roughly $132 to $135 million a year which the committee also included in the FY 2024 budget.
The controversial DEI language present in the 13 spending bills for state operations, and added by Representative Doug Richey (R-Excelsior Springs) was removed from the bills as well as the supplemental appropriation bill. Committee members stated the uncertainty associated with the language was the cause and none of the fourteen members of the committee objected or tried to narrow the language.
The House also finished crafting their version of the FY 2024 Capital Improvement bills this week. The four bills will add about $2.4 billion to the state spending for the FY 2024. There were few major changes on the House floor. One of the larger amendments adds $5 million from the Parks Fund for work on the Rock Island Trail and barely passed by a 72-71 vote. Attempts by Democratic members to tap into any of the funding for I-70 were soundly defeated by voice votes.
Key Upcoming Dates
May 5, 2023 – Constitutional Deadline to pass the FY2024 state budget
May 12, 2023 – Last day of Legislative Session
July 1, 2023 – First day of the new fiscal year
July 14, 2023 – Last day for Governor Parson to sign or veto legislation
September 13, 2023 – Veto Session
Committee Activity
Child Care Facilities
The House General Laws Committee convened Monday morning to discuss HB 74, sponsored by Representative Ann Kelley (R-Lamar). This bill prevents the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education from disclosing information about persons who file complaints about licensed childcare providers to the public. There was no supporting or opposing testimony presented to the committee. The committee reconvened Thursday morning to consider passage of HB 74. After no discussion, the committee passed the bill by a 13-0 vote.
Court Records
The House Judiciary Committee convened Wednesday afternoon to discuss HB 371, sponsored by Representative Bill Falkner (R-St Joseph). This bill specifies that a parent, spouse, child, or personal representative of a person who was convicted of a misdemeanor offense may petition the court to have the record of the offense removed from any automated case management system if the person has been deceased for six months or more. During committee discussion, substitute language was adopted which clarified the process of removing the record of the offense from the Case.Net system. Once modified, the committee passed the bill by a 13-0 vote.
Delinquent Land Tax Notices
The House Rules-Administrative Oversight Committee convened Monday afternoon to consider passage of HB 400, sponsored by Representative Mike McGirl (R-Potosi). The bill provides an alternative to posting the delinquent land tax notices from the currently required three consecutive weeks of printing in a newspaper published in the county, to one week of printing in a newspaper published in the county during the third calendar week before the sale and then two consecutive weeks of posting on the county website and in the county courthouse. The committee voted the bill do pass by a vote of 6-2.
Tampering with an Elected Official
The House Judiciary Committee convened on Wednesday afternoon to consider passage of HB 405, sponsored by Representative Peggy McGaugh (R-Carrolton). The bill creates the offense of tampering with an elected county official and makes it a class E felony, unless bodily injury or death occurs and then it is a class B felony. The bill specifies a person commits the offense if a person disseminates the elected county official’s or the elected county official’s family’s personal information with the intent to harass, intimidate or influence an elected county official. There was little discussion before the committee passed the bill by a 14-0 vote.
Redaction of Juvenile Records
The House Judiciary Committee convened on Wednesday afternoon to consider passage of HB 444, sponsored by Representative Adam Schnelting (R-St. Charles). The bill requires personal information of minors to be redacted from court automation systems if the automation system provides public access to the records. There was no discussion before the committee passed the bill by a 13-0 vote.
Slap Lawsuits
The House Judiciary Committee convened on Wednesday afternoon to consider passage of HB 750, sponsored by Representative Chad Perkins (R-Bowling Green). The bill establishes the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act. This establishes procedures for motions to dismiss for slap lawsuits. The bill specifies under which circumstances a court may award costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees, and reasonable litigation expenses. The bill will only apply to civil actions filed on or after August 28, 2023. There was no discussion before the committee passed the bill by a 13-0 vote.
Advertisement for State Bids
The House Economic Development Committee convened Wednesday morning to consider passage of HB 752, sponsored by Representative Jeff Knight (R-Lebanon). The bill repeals requirements that the Office of Administration publicize bids for state contracts in newspapers or print media. The sponsor informed the committee he would be open to a compromise to require the use of newspapers for the area the project is located. During committee discussion, substitute language was adopted to include compromise language that eliminates the requirement notice for bids be published statewide but does require notice for bids to be published in the location the project will take place. Additionally, the substitute adds provisions from HB 400, which allows the posting of delinquent taxes be posted in newspapers for one week and then posted in county courthouses and county websites for two consecutive weeks and HB 344, which requires delinquent land and lots be posted on county websites or in county courthouses for three weeks if no local newspaper or publication is available. Once modified, the committee passed the bill by a 7-5 vote.
Omnibus Judiciary Bill
The Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee met Monday afternoon to discuss HB 994, sponsored by Representative Cameron Parker (R-Campbell). The bill as originally filed modifies the definitions of “adult” and “child” as it relates to orders of protection. During the bills progression through the House process, the bill was expanded to include numerous provisions. Specifically:
· HB 984, sponsored by Representative Justin Hicks (R- Lake St. Louis) this narrows what classes of personal information can and cannot be disclosed, such as date of birth which cannot be disclosed outside of the month and year and allows insurance organizations to view required records as needed
· HB 87, sponsored by Representative Rudy Veit (R-Wardsville), modifies provisions relating to the compensation of jurors and clarifies the City of St. Louis is included
· HB 389, sponsored by Representative Rudy Veit (R-Wardsville), modifies provisions regarding the disclosure of personal information of judicial officials and staff and removes all provisions regarding elected officials
· HB 52, sponsored by Representative Ron Copeland (R-Salem), modifies provisions regarding the release of an offender from prison
· HB 537, sponsored by Representative Ben Keathley (R-Chesterfield), allows for the increase of compensation for court reporters
· HB 663, sponsored by Representative Dave Evans (R-West Plains), creates the “Public Defender – Federal and Other Fund” to allow for the deposit or grants, federal funds, general revenue, and other funds
· HB 911, sponsored by Representative Dave Evans (R-West Plains), provides exemptions for those seeking to become guardians or conservators from background screenings under limited circumstances
· HB 87, sponsored by Representative Rudy Veit (R-Wardsville), establishes the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act
· HB 90, sponsored by Representative Rudy Veit (R-Wardsville), extends the sunset on the Court Automation fee, repeals the date the Court Automation Committee must complete its duties, and adds two additional municipal employees to the committee
· HB 787, which allows the circuit court in St. Louis City to collect a fee not to exceed twenty dollars to go toward the law library.
The Missouri Bar Association, the State of Missouri Judicial Conference, the Missouri Association of Court Reporters, the Missouri Circuit Judges’ Association, Coalition of Surety Agents of Missouri testified in support. The Missouri Creditors Bar testified against the library surcharge provisions. There was no testimony for informational purposes.
County Powers
The House General Laws Committee convened Monday morning to discuss HB 1048, sponsored by Representative Bill Falkner (R-St. Joseph). The bill forbids non charter counties from enacting any ordinance, resolution, or regulation governing any railroad company, telecommunications or wireless company, public utility, rural electric cooperative, or municipal utility. During the bill presentation, the bill sponsor noted this legislation was filed to be enlarged as an omnibus “political subdivision” bill to move forward numerous local government issues as one package. No supporting or opposing testimony was presented to the committee.
Public Domain Preservation Act
The House Special Committee on Government Accountability convened Monday afternoon to discuss House Bill 1283, sponsored by Representative Tony Lovasco (R-O’Fallon). The bill establishes the “Public Domain Preservation Act”, which provides that, if produced as part of a person’s official duties, federal copyright or patent protection shall not be asserted for judicial opinions; administrative rulings; legislative enactments; public ordinances; or any other material produced by an officer, employee, director, board member, or agent of the state of Missouri, any state department, political subdivision, or special district of this state. Any existing work shall be made available at no cost under a perpetual, transferable, worldwide license, that stipulates no enforcement of such copyright or patent protection shall be exercised, and the work shall be considered within the public domain. This bill shall not apply to any research, discovery, or invention that was discovered, documented, or published by an employee of any public school or public institution of higher education; however, such items shall be made available under license at no cost to any natural person residing in the state. Any material published by a state department, political subdivision, or special district of this state that is subject to this bill shall be accompanied by a notice stating: “Public Domain Content, No Rights Reserved”. Any material published or distributed by a state department, political subdivision, or special district of this state shall contain the words “Paid for by” followed by the public entity and name of the director of the public entity that paid for the material. No testimony in support or in opposition to the bill.
Regulatory Sandbox Act
The House Economic Development Committee convened Monday afternoon to consider passage of SB 3, sponsored by Senator Denny Hoskins (R-Warrensburg). This is the Senate companion to HB 268, sponsored by Representative Alex Riley (R-Springfield) and creates the Regulatory Sandbox Act which provides small businesses creating innovative products in all industries a way to waive or suspend certain regulations for two years by applying to the Regulatory Relief Office created within the Department of Economic Development. The bill also eliminates the Small Business Fairness Board because they have not had a quorum or the capability to meet over the past ten years. Additionally, the bill includes SB 69, which is the Right-to-Start Act and creates the Office of Entrepreneurship. During committee discussion, substitute language was adopted to include HB 1394, which bars facilities in Missouri from requiring non-compete clauses in contracts for any health care professional who is working in a non-research role; HB 1029, requires clear information and any costs to consumers be made in writing by businesses that make automatic renewals before any payments for good or services may be collected; HB 1393, specifies that any leased technology product can be
returned to the physical location a person first acquired the product; and HB 279, which repeals the Missouri Limited Liability Company Act and establishes the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act as proposed by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Once modified, the committee passed the bill by a 10-5 vote.
The Senate Economic Development and Tax Policy Committee convened Monday afternoon to consider passage of HB 268, sponsored by Representative Alex Riley (R-Springfield). The bill is the House companion to SB 3, highlighted above. After brief discussion, the committee passed the bill by a 5-0 vote.
Transparency & Parents Bill of Rights
The House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee convened in executive session on Tuesday morning to consider SB 4, sponsored by Senator Andrew Koenig (R-Manchester). The bill proposes to create transparency and accountability for parents of public-school students. During discussion a substitute was offered which modifies the requirement for the development of a searchable database to include more defined information, changes the penalty provisions included within the bill to reduce the percentage of funding withheld from school districts found to be out of compliance from a maximum of 100% to 20%, and allows vacancies in metropolitan school district governing boards to be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by a majority vote of the remaining board members. An amendment was also offered which requires DESE to develop a model policy which addresses bullying and school discipline in a way which restricts zero tolerance policies and implements programs which educate students on strategies to overcome the negative effects of bullying. Additionally, an amendment was offered which adds a “teacher bill of rights” to the bill, providing certain protections to teachers. Several members of the committee expressed concern over adding amendments to the bill at such a late juncture, and then passed the bill by a 9-7 vote.
Judicial Omnibus
The House Judiciary Committee convened on Wednesday afternoon to consider passage of SB 22, sponsored by Senator Mike Bernskoetter (R-Jefferson City). The bill reforms several provisions regarding juvenile justice statutes. Specifically, the bill raises the age from felony charges from 12 to 18 years of age to 14 to 18 years of age and raises the ages for felony charges from 14 to 18 years of age. The bill also adds the offense of intentional murder by a minor and adds the offense of intentional murder after a home invasion. During the lengthy committee discussion, substitute language was adopted which added numerous provisions to the bill to create a judicial omnibus bill. Specifically, the bill now includes:
· Raising the age of certification from 12 to 14 years of age and specifies if a prior adjudication has occurred for a juvenile and reoffends, the juvenile would require a certification hearing before a judge
· Gives exclusive jurisdiction to the juvenile court where the offense occurred
· HB 677, which allows the Office of Child Advocate to disclose the identity of a complainant or recipient if requested by law enforcement as part of an investigation
· HB 669, which modifies the RAP Back Program
· HB 725, which modifies and establishes offenses involving teller machines
· HB 305, which modifies court procedures for warrants for failure to appear
· HB 1228, which allows motor vehicles operated by canine search and rescue teams to qualify as emergency vehicles when responding to an emergency
· HB 1086, which establishes a Conviction Review Unit within the Office of Prosecution Services
· HB 86, which modifies the offense of tampering with electronic monitoring equipment
· HB 856, which modifies provisions relating to the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund and establishes the Victims of Domestic Violence Fund
· HB 567, which modifies the definition of first responders to include telecommunicator first responders
· HB 835, which establishes the offense of use of a minor to commit a crime
· Creates the offense of porch piracy
· HB 493, which reduces the age from 75 to 70 to allow jurors to request to opt-out of jury duty
· HB 1176, which modifies provisions relating to the offense of trafficking drugs in the first and second degree
· HB 1108, which includes numerous provisions regarding public safety
Once modified, the committee passed the bill by a 13-0 vote.
Judicial Privacy Act
The House Judiciary Committee convened on Wednesday afternoon to consider passage of SB 72, sponsored by Senator Curtis Trent (R-Springfield). The proposed legislation establishes the “Judicial Privacy Act”, which provides restrictions on the use of a judicial officer’s personal information. During the bill’s progression in the Senate, substitute language was adopted to modify the definition of immediate family to include adoptive, foster and unmarried family members. Additionally, the bill adds prosecuting circuit attorneys and the word “enhancements” to streamline doxing statutes. Finally, the bill also includes SB 302 which prohibits any court documentation from including the information of a minor and adds criminal penalties to the release of law enforcement information. During the lengthy committee discussion, substitute language was adopted which created a judicial omnibus bill. Specifically, the bill now includes:
· HB 493, which reduces the age from 75 to 70 to allow jurors to request to opt-out of jury duty
· HB 1176, which modifies provisions relating to the offense of trafficking drugs in the first and second degree
· Repeals provisions of law allowing for individuals convicted of certain drug offenses to participate in SNAP according to federal law to accommodate for the legalization of recreational marijuana
· Removes the requirement DNA testing be included in proof of innocence when seeking restitution
· Allows those 17 ½ years of age to register to vote and vote once 18 years of age, with certain exceptions
· HB 248, which restores voting rights to individuals who complete their sentences and are released from confinement
· Modifies the process the Missouri Highway Patrol would follow to redact judicial officer’s personal information
Once modified, the committee passed the bill by a 14-0 vote.
Court Automation
The House Judiciary Committee convened on Wednesday afternoon to consider passage of SB 103, sponsored by Senator Sandy Crawford (R-Buffalo). This is the Senate companion bill to HB 90 and provides that any unexpended balance remaining in the Statewide Court Automation Fund shall be transferred to general revenue on September 1, 2029, rather than September 1, 2023, as provided in current law. Additionally, the court fee collected for the Statewide Court Automation Fund shall expire on September 1, 2029, rather than September 1, 2023. Finally, this act repeals the provision requiring the Court Automation Committee to complete its duties by September 1, 2025, and repeals the expiration date for the provision establishing the Statewide Court Automation Fund and the Court Automation Committee. During the bill’s Senate progression, the bill was amended to clarify current law regarding court reporter salaries to provide an increase in salaries and to include SB 372, which repeals provisions relating to a surcharge for petitions for expungement. During committee discussion, substitute language was adopted which adds SB 72 which establishes the “Judicial Privacy Act”, which provides restrictions on the use of a judicial officer’s personal information. Additionally, the substitute modifies the process the Missouri Highway Patrol would follow to redact judicial officer’s personal information and adds a six-year sunset. Once modified, the committee passed the bill by a 14-0 vote.
Entertainment and Film Industry Tax Credits
The House Economic Development Committee convened Monday afternoon to consider passage of SB 94, sponsored by Senator Denny Hoskins (R-Warrensburg). This is the Senate companion bill to HB 675, sponsored by Representative Kurtis Gregory (R-Marshall) and establishes the Show MO Act, which reauthorizes a tax credit for certain expenses related to films produced in the state. The program was in effect previously and expired in 2013 and this bill reauthorizes the program through 2031. During the bill’s progression through the Senate, the bill was amended to include SB 57, which establishes the Entertainment Industry Jobs Act which creates a tax credit for those that provide live entertainment and can be used for rehearsal and tour expenses. After brief discussion, the committee passed the bill by a 15-0 vote.
The Senate Economic Development and Tax Policy Committee convened Monday afternoon to discuss HB 675, sponsored by Representative Kurtis Gregory (R-Marshall). The bill is the House companion to SB 94, highlighted above, with slight variations. Specifically, HB 675 includes language encouraging the Division of Tourism to develop branding or a logo for the purpose of marketing Missouri. Hallmark, Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, City of Kansas City, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Gateway Studios and Production Services, MO Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Associated Industries of MO, Motion Picture Association, and Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce supported the bill. Americans for Prosperity opposed the bill.
The committee then turned its attention towards HB 133, sponsored by Representatives Brad Hudson (R-Cape Fair). The bill is the House companion to SB 57, sponsored by Senator Doug Beck (D-St. Louis), highlighted above. During committee discussion, substitute language was adopted to include SB 94, also highlighted above. Once modified, the committee passed the bill by a 4-1 vote.
Boards and Commissions Omnibus
The House General Laws Committee convened Monday afternoon to discuss SB 155, sponsored by Senator Rusty Black (R-Chillicothe). Currently, certain commissioners of the Missouri State Fair Commission must be active farmers or members of county or regional fair boards. Additionally, current law provides that no more than four commissioners can be members of the same political party. The bill repeals these requirements and provides that up to three members of the Commission may be from the same Congressional District that the fairgrounds are located. No supporting or opposing testimony was presented. The committee reconvened Thursday morning to consider passage of SB 155. During committee discussion, substitute language was adopted to create an omnibus bill. Specifically, the bill now includes:
· provision for commissioners and alternatives attending an Article V convention.
· HB 257, allows retired teachers to teach for four years, instead of only two, in school districts covered by the Public School Retirement System if there is a shortage of certified teachers.
· HB 437, which allows the board of trustees for consolidated library districts to consolidate their fiscal years.
· HB 697, allows trustees of reorganized common sewer districts to receive compensation.
· HB 800, requires that the Secretary of State compile and post on the state website an annual report listing the name, school district, election date, and expiration of term for each school board member on July 1st of each year.
· HB 1208, the bill applies only to Jefferson County and would repeal statute language that went into effect in 2019 that limits Jefferson County from collecting more sales taxes than 1/4-cent.
· HB 1099, modifies the appointment process by allowing the Director of the Department, without requiring the advice and consent of the Senate.
· SB 449, modifies that training requirement and instead requires emergency medical dispatchers to complete training courses approved by the Missouri 911 Service Board
· SB 534, repeals this accreditation requirement, and such programs shall instead be accredited as required by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
· SB 634, makes two changes to current law. Firstly, it increases the maximum state funds for the East-West Gateway Coordinating Council and the Mid-America Regional Council from $65,000 to $130,000, and from $25,000 to $50,000 for other regional planning commissions. Secondly, it removes several regional planning commissions including Show-Me, Missouri Valley, Ozark Gateway, ABCD, and Lakes County, and adds Harry S. Truman, MO-Kan, Pioneer Trails, and Southwest Mo.
Once modified, the committee passed the bill by a 10-3 vote.
Uniform Public Expression Act
The Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence met Monday afternoon to discuss SB 432, sponsored by Senator Elaine Gannon (R-DeSoto). The bill creates the “Uniform Public Expression Protection Act”, which provides procedures for dismissal of causes of action based public expression. Missouri Broadcasters Association, Missouri Press Association, Motion Picture Association, and Americans for Prosperity supported the bill. No opposing testimony was presented.
Public Safety Records
The Senate General Laws Committee met Wednesday morning to discuss SB 630, sponsored by Senator Mike Bernskoetter (R-Jefferson City). The bill authorizes a public governmental body to close records, meetings, and votes that relate to security measures of a public agency responsible for public safety, information or data provided to a tip line for the purpose of safety or security at an education institution, and information contained in any suspicious activity report provided to law enforcement. The MO State Highway Patrol, and the MO School Boards Association supported the bill. No opposing testimony was presented.
Financial and Investment Decisions by Public Universities
The Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee convened Tuesday morning to discuss SB 691, sponsored by Senator Greg Razer (D-Kansas City). The bill establishes confidentiality measures governing the closure of meetings, records, and votes related to investments and financial transactions of public institutions of higher education. During committee discussion, the bill sponsor said the legislation would provide greater competition between financial firms bidding for financial business with universities and allow discussions concerning individual investments. The UM System testified in support. No opposing testimony was presented.
Floor Activity
Foreign Ownership of Land
The Senate dedicated floor time Monday afternoon to debate HB 903, sponsored by Representative Mike Haffner (R-Pleasant Hill). The bill makes it illegal for foreign entities to own any Missouri real estate, including agricultural land. The language does not affect any existing ownerships and applies only to any future sales and purchases. During debate, Senator Rick Brattin (R-Belton) offered substitute language and an amendment to provide cleanup language, clarifies there are no provisions that require divestment, and provides an exemption for research development and animal research. Senator Doug Beck (D-St. Louis) then amended the bill to include an emergency clause. Once modified, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 31-3, with the emergency clause by a vote of 25-9. The bill now will be sent back to the House for further consideration.
Omnibus Public Safety
The House dedicated floor time Monday to revisit HB 1108, sponsored by Representative Justin Hicks (R-Lake St. Louis). The bill classifies certain offenses against children and those with mental disabilities that fall within federal registration requirements as Tier III offenses in Missouri and requires lifetime registration for those convicted of such offenses. During the bill’s progression through the House process, the bill was amended to include several provisions. Specifically:
- HB 1086, establishes a conviction review unit to investigate claims of actual innocence of any defendant.
- HB 1228, allows dog rescue squads to utilize lights and sirens in the event of an emergency.
- HB 725, modifies and establishes offenses involving teller machines.
- Exempts prosecutors from having to pay for death certificates that are related to a case.
- Adds Class E Felony to the Crime Victim Compensation Fund.
- HB 1133, specifies that from the moment you are arrested, any time spent in jail should be counted against your final sentencing period.
- HB 86, modifies the offense of tampering with electronic monitoring equipment.
- HB 1181, establishes the offenses of delivery of a controlled substance causing great bodily harm and delivery of a controlled substance causing death.
- HB 677, allows for the release of the identity of a complainant by the Office of the Child Advocate in the case of an ongoing law enforcement investigation.
- Amends statutes related to the state and national Rap Back programs by removing the requirement that fingerprints be renewed every six years.
- Defines “telecommunicator first responder” and specifies that this term is included in the definition of “first responder”.
- DHSS must require certain individuals working in a marijuana facility to submit fingerprints for a background check.
- Prohibits a court from issuing an arrest warrant for a person’s failure to respond, pay a fine, or appear in court for a motor vehicle equipment violation citation classified as an infraction.
- Modifies the admissibility of statements made by a minor or vulnerable person.
- HB 83, which creates the Change of Venue for Capital Cases Fund to reimburse a county that receives a capital case from another county for costs associated with the sequestering of jurors.
- HB 95, which creates the offense of mail theft and adds a penalty provision.
- Allows motor vehicles operated by canine search and rescue teams to qualify as emergency vehicles when responding to an emergency.
- Authorizes a public governmental body to close certain records, meetings, and votes if leaving them open would potentially endanger the health or safety of an individual or the general public.
- Allows those 70 years of age or older to opt in or out of serving on jury duty and clarifies the amount of credit for time served cannot exceed the time from the date of the offense and the day of commencement of sentence.
After a brief debate, the House passed the bill by a 116-10 vote. The bill now will be sent to the Senate for further consideration.
Omnibus Crime Bill
The Senate dedicated floor time Monday afternoon to debate SB 189, sponsored by Senator Tony Luetkemeyer (R-Parkville). The bill establishes Max’s Law, which would increase the penalty for assaulting a law enforcement animal by making it a class a misdemeanor if the animal is injured, a class e felony if the animal is severely injured, and a class d felony if the assault results in the animals death. Additionally, this act adds that any dog that is owned by or in the service of a law enforcement agency and bites or injures another animal or human is exempt from the penalties of the offense of animal abuse. The bill also includes SB 36, which seeks to modify provisions related to expungements to provide a path for a second chance for individuals who have paid their debts to society and SB 37, which allows the Missouri Office of Prosecution Services may establish a conviction review unit to investigate claims of actual innocence of any defendant, including those who plead guilty. During debate, the sponsor offered substitute language to include several provisions relating to Blair’s Law, expanding mental health services for detainees, modifying time served requirements, expungement provisions, persistent offender provisions, increases the 24hr hold to 48 hour hold of accused violent offenders, and several provisions relating to juveniles. Senator Mike Moon (R-Ash Grove) then attempted to amend the bill to include SB 693, which creates the offense of engaging in an adult cabaret performance if such performance is on public property or in a location where the performance could be viewed by a person who is not an adult. Senator Greg Razer (D-Kansas City) then attempted to amend Senator Moon’s amendment allowing any person who is at least twelve years of age and married may attend a performance of male or female impersonators who provide entertainment, regardless of whether performed for consideration. After some debate, Senator Moon eventually withdrew his amendment. Senator Holly Thompson Rehder (R-Sikeston) then successfully amended the bill to include SB 480, which would legalize the manufacture, sale, possession and use of fentanyl test strip kits in Missouri. Senator Steven Roberts (D-St. Louis) then amended the bill to remove provisions relating to juvenile needs and risk assessment, removes the 48 hour hold provisions, and modified prisoner release provisions. Once modified, the Senate provided its first of two necessary approval votes by a 24-10 vote. The Senate dedicated floor time Thursday afternoon to revisit the bill. After no debate, the Senate passed the bill by a 25-9 vote. The bill now will be sent to the House for further consideration.
Upcoming Hearings
House-Rules-Administrative Oversight
04/24/2023 11:45 AM
Committee Hearing, HR 4
Executive Session:
HB344 McGirl – Allows county collectors in counties without a newspaper to post delinquent tax notices either in the courthouse or on the county website as an alternative to publishing such notice in a newspaper
House-Rules-Legislative Oversight
04/24/2023 12:00 PM
Committee Hearing, HR 4
Executive Session:
HB752 Knight – Repeals provisions requiring the publication of bids for state contracts in newspapers
House-Rules-Regulatory Oversight
04/24/2023 12:30 PM
Committee Hearing, HR 4
Executive Session:
HB492 Murphy – Establishes the Media Literacy and Critical Thinking Act
Senate-Emerging Issues
04/25/2023 10:00 AM
Committee Hearing
HB1120 Hardwick – Changes the laws regarding liens on stored
