2016 CAPITOL REPORT XIII

2016 CAPITOL REPORT XIII

April 11 - 15

AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH - APRIL

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in our nation, affecting more than three million people. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, autism can result in impairment in the ability to learn, develop health interactive behaviors, and understand verbal and non-verbal communication. The Missouri General Assembly continues to support efforts to provide resources to families with autistic children. Centers providing diagnosis, treatment and training are located in St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia and Cape Girardeau. The Southeast Missouri State University Autism Center for Diagnosis and Treatment is located at 611 North Fountain Street. 573.986.4985 http://www.semo.edu/autismcenter/

GOVERNOR RELEASES WITHHELD FUNDING

In addition to releasing the funds for the Missouri Scholars Academy, the Missouri Fine Arts Academy and the Brain Injury Waiver Fund after the Missouri House voted to override these withholds, the Governor has also released $250,000 for the foster kids health home $400,000 for asthma services, $300,000 for naturally occurring retirement communities, and $250,000 for the Sullivan County Lake project. Even with the release of these funds, $44 million in funds appropriated by the legislature continue to be withheld.

SUMMARY OF BILL ACTIVITY

HOUSE ACTION – THIRD READ & PASSED

http://www.house.mo.gov/billreport.aspx?select=evergroupcode:8

HB 1413 – Promoting Ethanol Production Extends the state’s ethanol producer incentive fund to December 31 2020. The state has six majority farmer-owned ethanol plants in operation producing approximately 300 million gallons of ethanol and 825,000 tons of distillers grains from slightly more than 30% of the state’s corn crop.

HB 2330 – Transportation Network Companies Sets standards and regulations for transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft. Uber currently operates only in Columbia, Kansas City, and St. Louis. Standards include an annual $5,000 fee, automobile insurance coverage, background checks on drivers, prohibition of drivers using drugs/alcohol while driving, prohibition of drivers convicted of sexual offenses, and prohibition of drivers found guilty of other serious offenses. The bill also requires companies to disclose their fare calculation method and provide an estimated fare.

HB 1941 – Fantasy Sports Exemption Requirement for daily fantasy sports sites to register as businesses and exempts them from state gambling laws. Annual $5,000 fee to operate.

HB 2331 – Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Establishes the Missouri Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program to provide low-income seniors with vouchers from county designated distribution sites for eligible foods at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community supported agricultural programs.

HB 1898 – Telephone Company Personal Property Allows a telephone company to annually elect to have tangible personal property assessed according to depreciation schedules. In school districts that receive less tax revenue as result of these tax modifications, telephone companies will remit an annual fee, unless school districts increase their tax levies.

HB 2689 – State Energy Policy Allows aluminum smelting facilities and their respective electrical corporation service provider to jointly submit an application to the Public Service Commission for approval of an aluminum smelter rate.

HB 1464 – Motorcycle Helmets Exempts motorcyclists 21 years of age or older from wearing a helmet when operating a motorcycle if having appropriate health insurance coverage.

HB 2146 – Guardianship of Minors Requires the court to allow visitation between parents of a minor who has been appointed a guardian and the minor if the court finds it in the best interests of the minor.

TRULY AGREED & FINALLY PASSED

DELIVERED TO THE GOVERNOR

VETOED BY THE GOVERNOR

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

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

CAPITOL VISITORS

Eagle Ridge Christian School

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