Requires members of the general assembly to stay present in a hearing when a bill they sponsor is being heard
Summary
HB 1392 would add a new section to Missouri law requiring the sponsor of a bill to remain present in the hearing room for the entire public hearing on that bill. The measure creates a narrow exception allowing the sponsor to leave briefly for health or personal needs, but only if the sponsor returns within 10 minutes.
The bill also defines “health or personal needs” as essential activities needed to maintain physical well-being, and specifically excludes meal breaks and meetings from that exception. In practical terms, the proposal is aimed at ensuring that legislators who introduce bills are present to hear testimony and participate in the hearing process for their own legislation.
Impact
If enacted, HB 1392 would amend Chapter 21 of the Missouri Revised Statutes by adding section 21.489. It would impose a procedural requirement on members of the General Assembly who sponsor bills, affecting committee hearing practices and sponsor participation rules. The bill would not change substantive policy areas outside legislative procedure, but it would create a statutory obligation tied to the conduct of bill hearings and could affect how committees schedule and manage hearings for sponsored legislation.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the available context, the measure appears to be framed as a straightforward accountability and participation requirement for legislators. There is no recorded committee transcript or vote history provided showing debate, opposition, or support, so the overall sentiment cannot be measured from discussion records. The caption suggests the bill is intended to ensure sponsors stay engaged during hearings on their own bills, which may be viewed favorably as a transparency or responsibility measure.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the burden the bill places on legislators by requiring continuous presence during hearings, with only a limited exception for health or personal needs. The exclusion of meal breaks and meetings from the exception could be disputed as too restrictive, especially for lawmakers managing multiple obligations during a legislative day. Another possible issue is how strictly committees would interpret and enforce the 10-minute return window and what consequences, if any, would follow a violation; however, no specific opposition or support is documented in the provided materials.