The Missouri Legislature wrapped up its annual session Friday. Here’s a look at some of the bills that passed or failed:
PASSED
BUDGET
Provides $27.7 billion for the fiscal year starting July 1. Fully funds K-12 schools but cuts core funding for public colleges and universities by 6.6 percent. Seeks to avoid cuts to in-home care and nursing services for about 8,300 disabled and seniors by diverting money from other dedicated funds. HBs1-13 and HCB3.
DISCRIMINATION
Makes it harder to prove workplace and housing discrimination in court by requiring proof that race, gender, age or disability was “the motivating factor” instead of merely a contributing factor in decisions. SB43.
HERBICIDES
Increases fines for illegally using herbicides that damage other farmers’ crops. HB662
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Enhances penalties for various crimes against law officers or their family members. Creates a “Blue Alert” system to notify the public about suspects who kill or wound law officers. Creates a crime of illegal re-entry for deported immigrants who return and commit certain crimes. SB34.
LAWSUITS
Tightens courtroom guidelines for expert witness testimony. HB153. Limits medical costs in injury lawsuits to the amount paid by the plaintiff and insurer, not the amount billed by the medical provider. SB31.
MINIMUM WAGE
Prohibits local governments from enacting minimum wages higher than the state’s minimum wage, nullifying St. Louis’ new $10 an hour minimum wage. HB1194.
REAL ID
Allows the option of getting a Missouri driver’s license that complies with the proof-of-identity requirements of the federal Real ID Act. HB151.
RIDE SHARING
Creates statewide regulations for ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft. HB130.
RETIREMENT
Reduces the time employees must work for Missouri government to qualify for retirement benefits from 10 years to five. SB62.
UMKC
Authorizes up to $48 million of bonds to cover the state’s part of the costs for a new music and dance conservatory at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. HCR19.
UNIONS
Makes Missouri a “right-to-work” state by barring workplace contracts with mandatory union fees. SB19. Prohibits local governments from requiring union working conditions on public construction projects. SB182.
___
FAILED
ABORTION
Requires more frequent inspections of abortion clinics, sets stricter requirements for tracking aborted fetal tissues and requires notification of both parents for minors receiving abortions. HB194. Nullifies a St. Louis ordinance prohibiting discrimination based on “reproductive health decisions.” HB174
ETHICS
Limits lobbyist gifts to elected officials. HB60 and SB305.
GAS TAX
Raises gasoline tax by nearly 6 cents a gallon to fund roads. Amendment to HB694.
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Creates a state database to track prescription drug purchases. HB90.
SCHOOLS
Allows tax credits for donations to education savings accounts to fund private school, online classes, tutoring or home schooling for children with disabilities, in foster children or whose parents are in the military. Changes existing laws on how students can transfer from unaccredited districts. SB313.
UNIONS
Requires annual permission from most public employees for union fees to be deducted from paychecks. HB251. Repeals Missouri’s “prevailing wage” law setting minimum pay scales on public construction projects. HB104.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.