Amendments to protect hunting rights on table

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Fearful that animal rights activists might push for laws that would curtail hunting and fishing in Missouri, some rural lawmakers are seeking constitutional protections for such pastimes.

One proposal, sponsored by state Rep. Jim Whorton, D-Trenton, would guarantee in the state constitution's Bill of Rights the prerogative to hunt, fish and harvest game.

A second proposed constitutional amendment takes a broader approach. It would require any proposal affecting fish, wildlife and forestry management placed on the statewide ballot via initiative petition to win at least two-thirds of the vote to become law.

Under that measure, it would be more difficult to enact conservation laws through initiative referenda than measures related to any other issue, including tax increases.

State Rep. Mike Dethrow, R-Alton, said activist groups have successfully used the initiative process in other states to enact laws that prevent responsible wildlife management practices.

Dethrow cited a California ballot proposal that outlawed hunting mountain lions.

Although it failed in most of the state, it became law due to strong support in urban areas that didn't have a mountain lion problem. A mountain lion recently killed one person and attacked others in California.

"These issues are best left in the hands of professionals and not those who would manage these resources with the emotion of an initiative petition," Dethrow said.

Conservation-related measures placed on the ballot by the legislature would still require a simple majority to become law.

Both measures, which are co-sponsored by state Rep. Peter Myers, R-Sikeston, were heard last week by the House Conservation and Natural Resources Committee.

If they clear the legislature, they would go on the November ballot and require simple majorities to be ratified.

Right to repair

Senate President Pro Tem Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, is pushing for the creation of a system to resolve disputes between homeowners and building contractors before they end up in court.

Kinder's bill would create a "right to repair" similar to laws already in place in 19 states, including neighboring Kansas and Kentucky.

Under the measure, homeowners who believe work done to their property is faulty would have to send written notification to the contractor detailing the alleged defects. The contractor would then have 90 days to resolve the problem. Only at the end of that period could the homeowner file a lawsuit if satisfactory repairs haven't been made.

"Lawsuits would be the last resort, not the only way to resolve the problem," Kinder said.

Building contractors packed a hearing before the Senate Pensions and General Laws Committee last week supporting the measure.

Opponents of the bill said that rather than simplifying the process, homeowners likely would require a lawyer to navigate it.

Candidate filing

The candidate filing period for the Aug. 3 party primaries opens Tuesday. Those seeking statewide office, seats in the legislature or Congress, or circuit court judgeships are required to file in person at the Secretary of State's Office in Jefferson City.

Hopefuls are encouraged to visit the Southeast Missourian's news bureau at Room 118B in the Capitol for interviews. Drop-ins are welcome, but advance appointments are preferred and can be made by calling the phone number below.

The filing period runs until 5 p.m. on March 30.

mpowers@semissourian.com

(573) 635-4608