CAPITOL REPORT VII

2016 CAPITOL REPORT VII

February 15-19

Missouri Civics Education Initiative

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Civics Education Initiative (House bills 1646, 2132, and 1621) passed the Missouri House Thursday with a bi-partisan vote of 145/8. State Representative Kathryn Swan (R-Cape Girardeau) served as the lead sponsor of the bi-partisan effort. Rep. Elijah Haahr (R-Springfield) sponsored HB 1621 and Rep. Jeremy LaFaver (D-Kansas City) sponsored HB 2132.

A nationwide Civics Education Initiative proposes that all high school students, as a condition for graduation, take and pass a test on one-hundred basic facts of U.S. history and civics. Ten states passed the legislation in 2015.

This initiative is a first step to ensure all students are taught basic civics about how our government works and who we are as a nation. Former U.S. Senator Jon Kyle (AZ) is quoted, “The success of our republic depends on an informed and engaged citizenry.”

Students entering the ninth grade after July 1, 2017 would be required to pass an examination on the provisions and principles of American civics, consisting of one hundred questions similar to the one hundred questions used by the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Service). School districts may choose to include such questions with an existing exam or may administer as a separate test.

Swan says, “By adding American Civics, we are ensuring that important details of American history and civics are covered and that our high school students possess the same basic knowledge as naturalized citizens.”

The bills have been First Read in the Senate.

SUMMARY OF HOUSE ACTION – THIRD READ & PASSED

HB 1550 – Child Custody - Requires any child custody order to include a written statement that gives notification to the parties that if any provision of that order is violated, the injured party may file a family access motion to enforce the provision.

HB 1717 – Flouridation – Requires a public water system to notify DNR, the Department of Health and customers at least 90 days prior to a vote to cease fluoridation.

HB 1877 – Child Abuse and Neglect Registry – Changes the laws regarding the child abuse and neglect central registry and the reentry of children previously released from Children’s Division custody.

HB 1891 – Paycheck Protection – Prohibits any public employee from being required to pay dues or other fees to a labor organization. Exempts First Responders.

HB 2156 – Returning Heroes’ Education Act – Limits the amount of tuition all public higher ed institutions charge a veteran.

HB 2121 – Farm to Table Act – Expands existing program to include schools, correctional facilities, hospitals, nursing homes and military bases. Participating institutions must purchase at least 10% of their food locally. Expands the task force.

HB 2181 – Established State Capitol Complex Committee – Committee has supervision over State Capitol Building, State Capitol parking garages and other state-owned/leased buildings adjacen to or in vicinity of State Capitol Building.

HB 2187 – Oregon County Land – Requires DNR and other state departments, agencies or entities to auction land in Oregon county land acquired through environmental settlement funds administered by DNR. If no purchase occurs, land will revert to ownership of Oregon county government.

HOUSE BILL CALENDAR: http://www.house.mo.gov/DailyCalendar.aspx

HOUSE COMMITTEE HEARING SCHEDULE: http://www.house.mo.gov/HearingsDateOrder.aspx

ACTIVITY ON SPONSORED BILLS: http://www.house.mo.gov/billreport.aspx?select=xSponsorDistrict:147&sortopti...

HB 1610 – Postsecondary Education Language Fix. Voted out of Rules Committee

HB 1611 – School Guidance and Counseling Programs. Voted out of Select Committee on Education

HB 1612 – Career and Technical Education Certificate. Placed on House Calendar

HB 1613 – Remedial Education. Placed on House calendar

HB 1614 – Tax Credit for Contributions to School Foundations. Public Hearing completed

HB 1615 – Public Bidding. Committee Hearing completed.

HB 1667 – Early Childhood for Charter Schools. Voted out of Select Committee on Education

HB 2055 – Child Custody. Public Hearing completed

HB 2379 – Dyslexia Screening. Public Hearing completed

HB 2593 – Urban Early Childhood Fund. Filed

CAPITOL VISITORS:

Southeast Missouri State faculty – Leadership group

Mary Wilhite, Mark Cook, Sheryl Smith, Rene Pingle and Mary Lou Bass – Missouri Retired Teachers Association (MRTA)

Nicole Schwent Allcock – Missouri Catholic Conference

Thank you for visiting our Capitol and for your contributions to our community!