Senate Joint Committee on Rural Economic Development
Key Moments
Kurtis Gregory — Vice Chair Thompson was present during roll call and was subsequently recorded multiple times as voting aye during the same voting sequence.
HB209 — Reported as having passed due pass by a 14-0 vote.
HB206 — Next bill announced for consideration, though the reference is abrupt and possibly mistaken.
Stephen Webber — The transcript appears to misrecognize the questioner as 'Representative Elyne/Eileen'; likely a member is asking to inquire, but the exact identity is uncertain from this section alone.
Stephen Webber — Was referenced as the member asking questions about the witness's concerns.
Stephen Webber — Likely the member asking the follow-up question about the witness's three concerns.
Stephen Webber — Was identified as the member asking follow-up questions about alternatives to tightening the time frame.
Stephen Webber — A member is identified as asking to inquire after the witness's testimony.
Barbara Washington — Barbara Washington is referenced in two brief procedural recognitions to inquire, with the transcript likely misidentifying the member names as Johnson and Brown. The mentions reflect consecutive requests to be recognized for inquiry rather than separate substantive discussions.
Barbara Washington — Representative Brown opens questioning about the timeline under Missouri’s public prompt payment plan, and the discussion continues with Representative Fountain Henderson being addressed regarding the bill’s time frames and whether an adjusted timeline would satisfy the witness.
Barbara Washington — The witness responds to Representative Johnson's point about creating lists of people who do not pay on time.
Adam Schnelting — Representative Elbao is called on to inquire.
Adam Schnelting — Representative Elbao is addressed as the next member to inquire.
Adam Schnelting — Representative Rasa is addressed and thanked in response to the example about payment delays affecting other trades.
Adam Schnelting — A member is called on next; the name appears to be a transcription error and is not confidently mapped to an expected member.
Adam Schnelting — The witness responds to questions by clarifying that A-plus is for immediate high school graduates for up to about four years, while Fast Track has unspent budget funds and currently no waiting lists. The witness also encourages support for Representative Wilson’s bill.
Rusty Black — Addressed as 'Rep.' in the discussion about losses and court costs.
Rusty Black — Referenced as having noted that the investor-contractor agreement may also apply to Missouri or local municipalities.
Rusty Black — Asked a question about the bill's scope and whether it applies to public jobs.
Rusty Black — Asked to inquire and then clarified the Davis-Bacon Act point.
Xavier Gassier — Xavier Gassier introduces himself, testifies in support of the bill on behalf of the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association, and concludes by offering to answer any questions from the committee.
Ed Tweedhouse — Ed Tweedhouse introduces himself as vice president and owner of Tweed House Excavating and as a representative of the Associated General Contractors of Missouri, then testifies about concerns with the bill’s timing provisions. He says the seven-day deadline is a major problem and completely unworkable, argues that payment issues are not widespread but acknowledges some contractors do face serious problems, and explains that the proposed requirement could force contractors to add staff just to comply. He also discusses aligning the bill with current statute and responds to questions about possible alternatives and the practical effects of the notice and termination provisions.
Kevin McMullen — Kevin McMullen, Director of Government Affairs for the Site Improvement Association, introduced himself and testified in support of the bill. He thanked the sponsor and said the measure is being substantially rewritten to mirror the public prompt pay law.
unidentified witness — The witness describes his experience owning a large trucking company and explains how the business’s cash flow was strained by long payment cycles. He says the company was originally paid every 30 days while fuel and payroll costs were due weekly, and that after a sale to private equity the payment terms stretched from 30 days to 120 days. He presents this as a major financial burden that ultimately contributed to selling a division of the company.
Nicky Strong — Testified in support of the bill on behalf of the American Subcontractors Association and said stakeholders are working toward language that mirrors Missouri's public prompt pay law.
John Barge — Testified in opposition to House Bill 1915 on behalf of the St. Louis Home Builders Association and praised Nikki Strong for engaging on the bill.
John Barge — Testifies on behalf of the Missouri Community College Association in support of the bill.
Nikki Strong — Credited by John Barge for reaching out and asking what the home builders need.
Joshua Clarech — Joshua Clarech was introduced as the next witness and then testified on behalf of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Eastern Missouri, supporting prompt payment legislation on behalf of multiple contractor associations.
Heath Clarkston — Heath Clarkston testified in opposition on behalf of the HBA of Central Missouri, arguing that small builders should be exempt because many local members build only three to five homes per year and the bill would create a significant burden for them.
Mr. Barge — The speaker states twice that he agrees with everything Mr. Barge said and testified to, using the second remark to formally place that agreement on the record.
Markos de Lauder Rhodes — Introduced himself as a registered lobbyist and Director of Government Affairs for the Associated Builders and Contractors, beginning opposition testimony.
Associated Builders and Contractors — Described as representing a large share of merit shop contractors and construction workforce.
Fred Drilling — Testified in opposition on behalf of the Builders Association Chapter of the AGC based in Kansas City.
Alex Eaton — Testifies on behalf of Ozark Technical Community College in support of the legislation.
Chance Heppler — Testifies on behalf of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry in support of House Bill 2151.
Nancy Giddens — Testifies in support on behalf of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Metropolitan Community College.