2016 CAPITOL REPORT XIV

2016 CAPITOL REPORT XIV

April 11 - 15

DYSLEXIA SCREENING BILL PASSES HOUSE (HB 2379)

Dyslexia is a neurological, type of learning disability that impairs the ability to read. It tends to be hereditary and is characterized by a difficulty in “sounding out” words, writing words, spelling, and reading difficulties. Estimated to affect one in five of our population, student learning for a large number of our students can be negatively impacted. In fact, a significant percentage of our prison population, those in our juvenile justice system, and those with alcohol/substance abuse issues have been found to be dyslexic.

HB 2379 (Swan) can address this issue with dyslexia screenings and classroom interventions for students. The bill passed the House with a vote of 142 Ayes/5 Noes this week. It establishes a Legislative Task Force on Dyslexia to make recommendations for a statewide system for identification, intervention, and delivery of supports for students with dyslexia including the development of resource materials, professional development activities, and proposed legislation. The task force must hold its first meeting prior to October 1, 2016 and submit a report within 12 months.

Based upon task force recommendations, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will develop guidelines for the appropriate screening of students and necessary classroom supports. Reasonable classroom supports may involve extended time for test taking and/or verbal tests, as needed. With proper identification and intervention, these students will not only experience more success in school, but in life.

Introduction of the bill and floor debate audio archive for HB 2379 (2:35 – HB 2379): http://mohouse.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=1&clip_id=215

HBs 2069 & 2371

Having filed the abortion clinic inspection bill for the third consecutive year (HB 1478 – 2014; HB 190 – 2015; and HB 1953 - 2016), the following audio archive from Thursday – April 14, 2016 includes the floor debate on similar bills that were Third Read and Passed. My comments during the debate may be found at approximately 1:57 on the clip.

http://mohouse.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=1&clip_id=223

SUMMARY OF BILL ACTIVITY

HOUSE ACTION – THIRD READ & PASSED

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

HBs 2045 & 2316 – Prescription Drug Coverage Requires health carriers offering health benefit plans with prescription drug coverage to offer medication synchronization services aligning prescription refill dates.

HB 1811 – Breed Specific Dog Legislation Authorizes villages, town, and cities to prohibit dogs from running at large or regulate dogs if the regulations are not breed specific.

HB 2217 – Optometrist Vision Insurance Prohibits a health carrier with vision insurance coverage from requiring an optometrist to provide additional services or materials at a fee limited or set by the plan unless the services or materials are reimbursed as covered services. Prohibits a provider from charging more for services or materials that are not covered under the health plan than the usual rates charged.

HB 2561 – Human Trafficking Requires a human trafficking hotline poster to be displayed conspicuously near the entrance of the following establishments: a hotel/motel or other establishment that has been cited as a public nuisance for prostitution, a strip club or other sexually oriented business a private club holding a on-premises liquor permit, an airport, a train station, hospital emergency rooms, urgent care centers, privately operated job recruitment centers, specific massage or body work businesses, women’s health centers, bus stations, and privately owned/operated facilities providing food/fuel/shower/sanitary facilities/overnight parking.

HB 2445 – Alcohol and Tobacco Control Fund Specifies that the fund shall solely be used by the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control for administration, implementation and enforcement.

HB 2018 – Industrial Hemp Creates an industrial hemp agricultural pilot program.

HB 1951 – Amateur Service Communications Prohibits the use of deeds and restrictive covenants from impeding the use of amateur service communications as defined in federal law.

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

Laura Klipfel – Ameren

Hannah Jackson – Central High School, Sophomore Pilgrimage

Ron Kamp – Cross Trails Medical Center

Mathew Rigdon and a group from SADI

International Students - Southeast Missouri State University

Chris Martin and Dr. Carlos Vargas, President – Southeast Missouri State University - Southeast Alumni Night

Carol Childers and Rodney Glover, Boys & Girls Club

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