Video & Transcript Research : '959'
Page 5 of 14
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Corrections and Public Institutions Apr 20th, 2026 at 02:30 pm
Corrections and Public Institutions
Summary:
The committee on Public Institutions and Corrections held a hearing on Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill 863, which would create an Interscholastic Athletic Oversight Commission. Senator Jason Bean explained that the commission, with a governor-appointed board, would hear appeals of certain MSHSAA decisions after the association’s own process is exhausted or in some cases directly, focusing on transfer eligibility for athletic purposes and contest/procedure disputes. He said the commission would also be able to recommend rule changes and submit an annual report to legislative committees, framing the bill as a way to improve student success, transparency, accountability, and independent oversight in school athletics.
Jim Foley, testifying for the School Administrators’ Council and noting MSHSAA’s membership in that organization, spoke in support and said the parties had worked through contentious issues to limit the bill to appeals rather than operational control. No witnesses testified in opposition or for information only.
After closing the hearing, the committee moved the bill do pass. The motion passed unanimously by a 12-0 roll call vote, and the committee adjourned after completing its business.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- now go into executive session on Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 959
- Seeing none, I now move that Senate Bill 959 be voted do pass. Any discussion?
- You have voted Senate Bill 959 do pass.
Summary:
The committee met in executive session and first voted to recommend Senate Bill 959 do pass. The roll call was unanimous, 12 ayes and 0 nays.
The main discussion centered on Senate Bill 1092, for which the chair explained a House Committee substitute that combined several licensure and compact-related measures. The substitute added provisions from bills dealing with licensure by reciprocity for out-of-state professionals, the Dental Compact, the physician assistant compact, telehealth for reciprocity-licensed providers, speech-language pathologist licensure requirements, and the dietitians compact. The underlying Senate Bill 1092 would also reduce the required supervision period for social workers from five years to three years. A committee amendment was adopted to change a timing reference from 90 days to 60 days to match the Senate version.
After adopting the amendment, the committee rolled the changes into a new substitute and adopted House Committee Substitute 0.06C. It then voted the substitute do pass by a unanimous 12-0 roll call. The meeting adjourned after completion of that business.
MO
Summary:
The Missouri House Legislative Rules Committee met with a quorum and first voted to recommit Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 889 to the House committee of origin after the chair said language in the bill appeared to be aimed at banning corporal punishment in public schools and needed closer review. That motion passed 9-2. The committee then took up a long list of House bills and several committee substitutes, with members briefly discussing a few measures, including school discipline, emergency panic buttons in schools, unemployment administration, and initiative petition rules.
Among the bills advanced were measures on tourism funding (HB 1671), county health officers (HB 1699), library boards (HBs 1728, 2161, and 1830), child maintenance related to DWI fatalities (HB 1910), foreign law/Sharia law (HBs 2139 and 2175), post-conviction relief (HB 2254), local taxation (HB 2431), licensed child care facilities (HB 2506), administrative rules and the Secretary of State (HB 2563), workforce training grants (HB 2585), water resources (HB 2693), water service line fees (HB 2732), hospital zones (HB 2753), prepaid wireless emergency telephone charges (HB 2767), military leave (HBs 3083 and 2940), health care provider networks (HB 388), mobile food vendor licensing (HB 3157), school emergency response devices (HB 3174), property owner compensation in larger cities (HB 32110), youth driving offenses (HB 3220), insurance regulations (HB 3314), obsolete tax credits (HB 3329), public water supply districts (HBs 3351 and 3371), downtown redevelopment incentives (HB 3395), workplace violence prevention in health care settings (HB 3401), pass-through entity taxation (HB 3405), county development disability resource board levies (HB 3467), county finances (HB 3496), the Seal of Civic Recognition Award (HCR 31), and the America 250 Commission resolution (HCR 52). The committee also advanced HB 3383 on nonprofit hiring practices and a Senate property tax measure combining Senate Bills 1066 and 1088.
Not all measures passed: HB 1734 on the Soil Erosion Control Fund failed 5-6. Most other bills were reported do pass, often unanimously or by wide margins, though several had dissenting or present votes. The chair closed by thanking sponsors and noting the committee likely would meet again later in the week, probably Thursday, before adjourning.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty Three - Thursday, April 16
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Summary:
The Missouri House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal by a 126-2 vote. Members then observed a moment of silence for former Representative and Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Barney Fisher, with remarks honoring his military service, business career, and House service from 2005 to 2013. The chamber also welcomed several guest groups, including Southern Boone third graders, Lake of the Ozarks Day visitors, and other special guests.
The House then took up several third-reading measures. Senate Bill 907, the “act against abusive website access litigation,” was adopted with House amendments and passed 148-0 after debate focused on protecting businesses, nonprofits, churches, and political subdivisions from abusive ADA-related website lawsuits while preserving access rights and allowing a 90-day cure period. House Joint Resolution 159, which would modernize constitutional limits on state treasurer investments, passed 101-34 after supporters argued it could generate about $15 million annually without raising taxes, while opponents raised concerns about broad investment authority and voter intent. House Bill 2741, requiring CDL holders to be able to read and speak English sufficiently for safe operation and related duties, passed 104-22 amid debate over safety, immigration concerns, and enforcement. House Bill 2474, offering political subdivisions an optional progressive design-build contracting method, passed 141-5. House Bill 3076, described as cleanup language exempting agricultural non-point sources from water permitting, passed 102-41 after sharp disagreement over environmental protections and DNR authority. House Bill 2436, dealing with animal abuse, neglect, impoundment, and related procedures, passed 88-54 after debate over due process and livestock/property rights. House Bill 2576, the annual naming/awareness bill, passed 140-3. House Bill 3175, “Mason’s Law,” allowing certain health-condition information to be shared with law enforcement through the Department of Revenue for traffic stops, passed 147-0.
Before adjournment, the House announced that the Rules Committee would meet immediately on one Senate bill and that members should be prepared to consider additional measures upon return. The chamber then adjourned until 4 p.m. Monday, April 20, 2026.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, in support of Senate Bill 959. Good morning, Mr. Chairman.
- Next, in opposition of Senate Bill 959. Now, Next, in opposition of Senate Bill 959.
- Next, is there anybody in favor of Senate Bill 959?
- Anybody coming in opposition of Senate Bill 959?
- Anybody for informational purposes of Senate Bill 959?
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session on Senate Bill 905, moving the bill do pass. After roll call, the motion passed 6 ayes to 4 nays, and SB 905 was reported do pass.
The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 959, presented by Senator Doug Beck on behalf of Senator Roberts, who was on active duty. The bill would establish the Missouri GIS Council within the Office of Administration to improve statewide geospatial data coordination, planning, training, and education. Supporters, including Greater St. Louis, Inc., the State 911 Service Board, Bio-STL, and Next Missouri, said the council would improve emergency response, infrastructure planning, broadband and transportation mapping, economic development, and government efficiency, while also including privacy protections against collecting personally identifiable information.
One witness from Armour Vine opposed the bill, arguing it was “Big Brother” and could enable government tracking or broad public access to location data. Committee members questioned that concern, with supporters responding that the bill concerns maps and address data for public safety and planning, not tracking individuals, and that the bill expressly prohibits collecting personally identifiable information. No vote was taken on SB 959, and the hearing was closed after testimony.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Conservation and Natural Resources Apr 16th, 2026 at 08:30 am
Conservation and Natural Resources
Summary:
The Conservation and Natural Resources Committee first took up Senate Bill 953, as amended by a House committee substitute combining provisions from House Bill 1885 and Senate Bill 1397. Members discussed changes to the Missouri Clean Water Commission’s conflict-of-interest rules and a provision giving a person who contracts for storage rights in a Corps of Engineers reservoir exclusive rights to return flows. The committee also added House Bill 1376 language to exempt certain non-point source agricultural activities from permitting. Some members raised concerns about conflicts of interest and potential impacts on neighbors and water quality, while supporters said the changes were cleanup language and would not change pollution levels. The substitute was adopted and the bill was voted do pass by a 6-5 roll call, with one present.
The committee then heard House Bill 3193, a plastic waste reduction bill for Missouri state parks and historic sites. Sponsor Representative Wellenkamp said the bill would reduce plastic bottles, bags, and Styrofoam/styrene containers in parks and encourage alternatives, while allowing exceptions where needed. Supporters from conservation groups, a bird observatory, and private citizens said plastic waste harms water quality, wildlife, tourism, and cleanup efforts, and several noted the need to consider accessibility and disability-related needs such as straws and packaging. One opponent from the beverage industry argued that plastics are highly recyclable and that education and recycling are better solutions than bans. No vote was taken on HB 3193.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3320, the Drinking Water Transparency and Accountability Act. The bill would direct DNR to assign A-F grades to community water systems based on violations, finances, operations, and infrastructure, post the grades publicly, and impose stronger oversight on systems graded D or F. Supporters, including Missouri American Water, the Missouri Chamber, and some public witnesses, said the bill would improve transparency and help communities understand and address aging infrastructure and financial problems. Opponents from municipal utilities, water associations, and the Missouri Municipal League said the information is already available, that a single letter grade would oversimplify a complex system, and that the bill could create confusion, alarm, and unnecessary costs. The hearing on HB 3320 ended without a vote, and the committee adjourned.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Government Efficiency Apr 16th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Government Efficiency
Summary:
The committee first established quorum and met in executive session, where House Bill 2809 by Representative Knight was moved do pass and approved by a vote of 11 ayes, 0 noes, and 2 present. The committee then moved to public hearing, noting House Bill 3108 would not be heard that day.
The main hearing was on Senate Bills 977 and 1011, sponsored by Senator Nick Schroer. The bills were described as a restatement of the supremacy clause, providing that foreign laws, foreign treaties, and related arbitration decisions cannot supersede the U.S. Constitution, the Missouri Constitution, or state law when fundamental rights are implicated. Members and the sponsor discussed concerns about foreign legal systems, religious law, COVID-era public health recommendations, and whether the bill could affect private arbitration, family law, custody, adoption, tribal law, and international agreements. Supporters said the bill was narrowly tailored, included carve-outs such as the Hague Convention, and was intended to guide courts and prevent foreign law from overriding Missouri law. One witness from Liberty Link Missouri testified in favor, saying the law should restate constitutional principles even if it is technically unnecessary. No vote was taken on the Senate bills during the hearing.
The committee also heard House Bill 2589 by Representative Mike Jones, which would require only a rear license plate on vehicles. Supporters said the change would save money for the state and drivers, align Missouri with many other states, and avoid the need to drill front bumpers or display plates in windshields. Members raised concerns about law enforcement, vehicle identification, stalking cases, and whether some vehicles or commercial vehicles should still require two plates. The sponsor said he was open to exploring exemptions or weight-based distinctions, but the hearing ended without a vote or further action on the bill.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Health and Mental Health Apr 16th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Health and Mental Health
Summary:
The Committee on Health and Mental Health met with a quorum and first voted in executive session to give House Bills 2370, 3278, and 1638 due pass, with recorded votes of 13-9, 15-0, and 17-0 respectively. The committee then moved to public testimony on Senate Bill 1015, which would create a court process for assisted outpatient treatment for adults with serious mental illness who cannot voluntarily engage in care and are at risk of deterioration, hospitalization, or harm. Senator Maggie Nuremberg and supporters from the Missouri Behavioral Health Council and the Missouri Association of Public Administrators said the bill would help people stay stable in the community, reduce hospitalization and incarceration, and save costs; there was no opposition testimony.
The committee also heard a presentation on the STARS program from SSM Health, which was described as a Missouri-based emergency planning system for medically complex children. Witnesses explained that STARS provides physician-approved, electronic emergency care plans for EMS and emergency departments, with education and quality improvement components, and that it is funded by participating children’s hospitals rather than families or EMS agencies. Members asked about costs, access, and how the program differs from the bill previously discussed by Representative Burns; the witness emphasized that STARS is an EMS program and not the same as the proposed hospital-flagging requirement.
House Bill 2903, sponsored by Representative Don Mayhew, would change rules for county and district hospitals to make them more competitive with private hospitals by narrowing Sunshine Law exposure for sensitive business information, adjusting board qualifications, and aligning financial reporting deadlines. Supporters from Phelps Health said the bill would reduce administrative burdens and protect proprietary information, while still preserving public transparency for core financial information. Finally, House Bill 3379, sponsored by Representative David Dolan, would expand and strengthen the employee disqualification list and mandated reporting rules for abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults, including adding certain bank personnel and first responders as reporters and creating penalties for failure to report. DHSS supported the bill, while the Missouri Bankers Association supported the goal but raised concerns about mandatory reporting obligations for bank staff when customer participation in adult day programs may be unknown; the committee took no final action on the public testimony bills before adjournment.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty Two - Wednesday, April 15 - Afternoon Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Summary:
The House first established a quorum and then moved through several bills on perfection and printing. House Bill 2297, a “fence bill,” was debated as a fix for livestock owners who are responsible for maintaining fences but may need legal access onto neighboring property to repair storm-damaged or broken fences. Supporters said it addresses a long-standing rural problem and public safety concerns; the bill was adopted and perfected and printed after discussion about property rights, access limits, and liability protections. House Bills 2142 and 2058, dealing with Missouri’s film tax incentive program, were also advanced. Sponsors said the program has generated jobs and spending, and the bill would modernize the incentive by combining separate film and TV buckets; an amendment removed the sunset extension, and the substitute was adopted and perfected and printed. House Bill 3004, a truth-in-labeling measure for hardwood products, was advanced as well, with supporters saying it would protect Missouri’s timber industry from misleading “wood” labels on laminate or plastic products; it too was adopted and perfected and printed.
The House also took up House Bills 3283 and 3306, which create a structured timeline for public-sector collective bargaining disputes, including negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, and define “good faith” in bargaining. An amendment clarified that the bill applies only to certain public employee unions under the State Board of Mediation and excludes teachers and law enforcement. Supporters said the measure would reduce prolonged disputes and save taxpayer money, while one member raised concerns that it could alter existing authority of public bodies over final contract terms. The substitute and amendment were adopted and the bills were perfected and printed.
Finally, House Bill 2536, which requires sex-designated multi-occupancy private spaces in certain government-controlled settings, drew extensive debate. The sponsor argued it is intended to protect privacy and safety in restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters in places such as schools, airports, correctional facilities, and public buildings, citing incidents involving voyeurism and unclear policies. An amendment clarified exceptions for corrections officers and public safety duties. Opponents argued the bill could be used to police restroom use, harm transgender people, and overreact to isolated incidents, while supporters said it creates clearer boundaries and accountability for facilities. The amendment was adopted, and debate continued on the bill as amended.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty Two - Wednesday, April 15 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous day’s journal by roll call vote, 117-1. Members then spent much of the morning recognizing guests and groups in the chamber, including students, local officials, fraternity and sorority members, banking and county association representatives, and other visitors. The Speaker also suspended business several times to sign enrolled bills, including House Bill 2641, House Bill 2934, and Senate substitutes for House Bills 261 and 2423.
The main floor debate centered on House Concurrent Resolution 48, which urges Congress to pass the SAVE Act requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote. Supporters argued it would protect election integrity and prevent non-citizens from voting, while opponents said it would create burdensome documentation requirements, function like a poll tax, and disenfranchise eligible voters, especially women, rural residents, the elderly, students, military members, and people with limited access to records. After extended debate and a successful previous-question motion, the House passed HCR 48 by a vote of 92-43.
The House then took up House Concurrent Resolution 23, which calls on Congress to reaffirm state authority over elections under the Constitution’s Elections Clause. It was presented as a federalism measure, and members discussed the tension between state control and federal election standards. The resolution passed overwhelmingly, 137-0. The chamber also perfected and printed House Bill 2855, which adjusts workers’ compensation fund tax increments from 0.5% steps to 0.1% steps and included an amendment allowing replacement of attorneys in long-running permanent total cases; and House Bill 1906, which lets township counties offer annual, semi-annual, or quarterly property tax payment options. The House then recessed until 2 p.m.
MO
Summary:
The Committee on Utilities met with a quorum present and immediately entered executive session to consider House Bill 2248. Representative Hurlbert explained a committee substitute for HB 2248 that made three clarifying changes requested by the Public Service Commission: replacing “equal to 120% of” with “exceed,” changing “sufficient to recover” to “exceed,” and restoring a section of existing law that had been removed in the original bill. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2248 do pass by a vote of 18-1.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 1629 and, without discussion, voted it do pass by a vote of 20-0. No additional testimony or debate was recorded on that measure.
Before adjournment, the chair made a light remark about a chiropractor being available for members sore from the softball tournament. The committee then adjourned.
MO
Summary:
The Committee on Legislative Review met with six members present, establishing a quorum, and immediately went into executive session. The main item considered was Senate Bill 1544. A House Committee Amendment 1 (0.02-8) was offered and adopted; members described it as similar to language previously used on another bill, with some wording adjusted regarding when the chiefs leave. The committee then rolled the amendment into a House Committee substitute, adopted the substitute, and moved the substitute for Senate Bill 1544 due pass.
A roll call vote was taken on the House Committee substitute for Senate Bill 1544, and it passed 6-0. The committee reported the bill due pass. No other business was taken up, and the meeting adjourned.
MO
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 1470, presented by Representative Cupps on behalf of Senator Bernsketter. The bill makes cleanup changes to statutes governing the Joint Committee on Legislative Research and the Reviser of Statutes, including shifting free access to the revised statutes to a web-based format, allowing printed copies to be sold, directing proceeds to the statutory revision fund, changing the committee’s required meeting frequency from once every three months to at least twice a year, and extending the time to appoint a chair after the General Assembly convenes from 10 days to 30 days.
Members asked about the practical effect of ending free hard-copy distribution, whether any other statutes would need conforming changes, and whether reducing the minimum meeting requirement would weaken oversight. Representative Cupps and Director Matt Morris said the bill mainly updates outdated statutory language to match current practice, that hard copies would still be available for purchase, and that the committee could still meet more often if needed. Morris also explained that the revision fund is supported by sales revenue, nets about $8,300 annually, and is intended to provide a reserve for future republication costs and major equipment needs such as servers.
There was no testimony in opposition. During informational testimony, Morris and assistant director Sandy Lukanoff said the statutory language had not been updated after earlier administrative changes made years ago, and that similar cleanup bills had been attempted before but did not advance. Several members expressed support, though one member raised concern about the appearance of lowering accountability standards and another asked about virtual meetings. At the close of the hearing, the chair said he expected to work on a committee substitute with the bill sponsor and Senate staff and anticipated another hearing the following week.
MO
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 1020, which would let the Department of Revenue contract for a Missouri license office without rebidding if no qualifying bids are received. Senator Sandy Crawford and Director of Revenue Trish Vincent said the change would help keep rural license offices open, reduce repeated bidding, and allow the department to work with local entities such as chambers, cities, counties, or other community organizations. Members asked about the current bidding process, why small offices struggle financially, and whether more services could move online. No opposition testified, and the hearing on SB 1020 was closed after no further questions.
The committee then took up House Bill 3093, which would extend Missouri’s direct-to-consumer shipping rules from wineries to local distillers and breweries. Rep. Nick Kimball and supporters argued the bill is about fairness and parity for Missouri craft producers, saying the same age-verification, labeling, and shipping restrictions already used for wine would apply, with no change to tax collection or the three-tier system. Supporters, including craft distillers and brewers, said the current law excludes Missouri businesses from a market already available to wineries and that direct shipping would help small producers reach customers and keep revenue in-state. They also said existing systems require adult signatures and ID checks, and some suggested the bill could be paired with a shipping license fee or other safeguards.
Opponents, including the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers of America, Missouri grocers, beer wholesalers, convenience stores, and Anheuser-Busch, warned that expanding direct shipping would weaken the three-tier system, increase competition from large out-of-state shippers, and create enforcement and underage-access concerns. They argued the current wine-shipping system already shows compliance problems and that allowing beer and spirits direct shipping could open Missouri consumers to broader interstate competition. Several members questioned whether the bill should instead focus on allowing Missouri producers to ship out of state or on strengthening existing controls. The committee heard extensive testimony from both sides, but no vote was taken in the transcript.
MO
Summary:
The Committee on Financial Institutions met with a quorum present and immediately moved into executive session on Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 834. The bill was brought forward for a do pass recommendation, with no discussion offered before the vote.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion. The committee approved Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 834 by a vote of 12 yes and 0 no, with no nays recorded.
After the vote, the committee reported no further business and adjourned.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Corrections and Public Institutions Apr 15th, 2026
Corrections and Public Institutions
Summary:
The committee first called the roll and established a quorum with nine members present. It then moved into executive session and took up House Committee Resolution 29, which was approved do pass by a 9-0 vote.
The committee next considered House Bill 2414. After a motion to do pass, the bill was approved by a 6-3 vote. Members then turned to Senate Bill 945, first adopting a House Committee Substitute that included cleanup language and a fee-related change. Two amendments were offered and adopted: one revising language related to the City of St. Louis sheriff’s office attorney funding, and another adding provisions related to treatment court administration and reimbursement.
After rolling the amendments into a new substitute, the committee voted the House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 945 do pass by a 9-1 vote. The committee then adjourned.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Tourism Apr 15th, 2026
Special Committee on Tourism
Summary:
The Special Committee on Tourism met in executive session and approved the Senate substitute for Senate Bill 1000 by an 11-0 vote. The bill concerns the tourism supplemental revenue fund, including how the money is collected and distributed. The chair noted prior favorable testimony and said the measure needed to move forward.
In public hearing, the committee heard House Bill 2213, which would designate April 27 as U.S. Grant Day in Missouri. Representative Riggs described Grant’s Missouri ties, military career, presidency, and later rehabilitation as a historical figure. Members asked about the date and discussed Grant’s presidential number and legacy, and no opposition was presented.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 1613, which would designate November 24 as Frankie Muse Freeman Day in Missouri. Senator Mosley and supporting witnesses emphasized Freeman’s civil rights work, housing discrimination litigation, and importance as a role model, especially for women and students. Witnesses shared personal reflections on segregation and Missouri’s civil rights history; there was no opposition. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3216, which would designate May 10 as Missouri River Runner Day to raise awareness of Amtrak service across Missouri. Representative Wilson highlighted the route’s usefulness for travel and tourism, including World Cup-related travel, and an informational witness spoke in support of rail awareness. No opposition was offered, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.
MO
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session and approved House Bill 2666, Representative Keathley’s anti-SLAPP bill, on an 8-4 vote. After that, the committee moved to a public hearing on House Bill 3054, also sponsored by Representative Keathley. He said the bill had two main purposes: shifting Cole County appellate cases from the Western District to the Eastern District to rebalance workload, and requiring cases that challenge the procedural validity of a bill, statute, regulation, or constitutional provision to be filed originally in Cole County to reduce forum shopping.
Committee members questioned whether the venue language was really limited to civil cases and whether it could sweep in criminal cases or ordinary tort and malpractice cases that include constitutional challenges. Keathley said his intent was to cover only procedural or validity challenges tied to lawmaking or rulemaking, not fact-based injury cases, but several members remained concerned the wording was broad and could trigger venue changes in many cases. He acknowledged the language might need clarification.
Opposition witnesses from the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys and the Missouri Circuit Judges Association argued the bill was overly broad and could affect common civil cases, including auto cases with constitutional challenges to damage caps, and possibly criminal matters because of the “notwithstanding” clause. They warned it could create more venue disputes and force cases into Jefferson City unexpectedly. An informational witness from the Judicial Conference of Missouri offered to provide data on case types and volumes if the committee wanted more detail. No further action was taken on HB 3054, and the hearing adjourned.
MO
Summary:
The Committee on Pensions was called to order, a roll call established a quorum, and the committee immediately went into executive session. The only measure considered was House Bill 3479, described as a Kansas City bill with a one-word change intended to correct an error from the previous year.
A motion was made to recommend HB 3479 do pass. There was no discussion before the vote. The committee approved the bill unanimously, 12 ayes and 0 noes.
After the vote, the Committee on Pensions adjourned.
MO
Summary:
The House Committee on General Laws met in executive session on Senate Substitute No. 3 for Senate Bill 1062, which concerned the “Inspiration Act” and related program changes. Representative Jones offered two committee amendments: one to mirror language from House Bill 3470, rename the program from “charity” to the Inspiration Act, and create a task force; the second to remove a $300,000 cap on grants for blind and deaf services so additional funds could be sought. Both amendments were adopted, then rolled into a House Committee substitute. The substitute was voted do pass by a roll call of 12 ayes and 2 noes, with Representative Matthiesen voting no.
The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 1119, the Convention of States implementing legislation. Senator Curtis Trent said the bill would establish neutral guardrails for selecting and controlling Missouri’s delegates if a convention of states is called, including qualifications and procedures for legislative oversight. Supporters said the bill would clarify how delegates are chosen, provide statewide representation, and include recall mechanisms if delegates exceed their authority.
Public testimony included support from Rosendo Martinez and Brett Sterley, both of whom backed the bill as a way to prepare Missouri for a possible convention and to ensure legislative control over delegates. Opposition came from R.N.C. A.C. Deanoff, who said he supported a convention in principle but argued the delegates should be elected by voters in the congressional districts rather than appointed by the General Assembly. No committee vote was taken on SB 1119, and the meeting adjourned after the hearing.