Legislative Update
The Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee unveiled their version of the state budget this week. The process has been slowed this year due to the new software system. The House Budget Chair and the Senate Appropriations Chair have expressed frustration with the system. The Senate will need to work through the budget, go to conference committee with House members and reach an agreement before the Constitutional deadline of sending it to Governor Kehoe, which is May 9.
The Senate spent about 10 hours yesterday on HB 567 (Gallick, R-Belton) that would overturn components of Missouri’s paid sick leave law adopted by voters last year (Prop A). Following the lengthy filibuster, they adjourned at 1:00 a.m. Senate Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin (R-Shelbina) said in a Facebook post they are setting this aside for now but are committed to getting it done before session ends.
Senator Fitzwater’s (R-Holts Summit) tourism-related omnibus bill, SB 348, has passed out of the Senate and the House Special Committee on Tourism. The Division of Tourism Supplemental Revenue Fund fix, the MO Amateur Sports Tax Credit bill and legislation to name Branson the “Live Entertainment Capital of Missouri” are included in the bill. Representative Brian Seitz (R-Branson) sponsors the House companion bill.
Senator Carter’s (R-Granby) SB 150 has passed out of the House Rules-Administration Committee. The act creates provisions relating to higher education and establishes the “Career-Tech Certificate Program” and the “Career-Tech Certificate Program Fund” to reimburse eligible students’ costs to attend two-year community colleges and technical schools.
Real ID Act
The REAL ID Act requires REAL ID-compliant identification for boarding domestic flights, accessing certain federal facilities and entrance to nuclear power plants. This applies to state identification cards as well as drivers’ licenses. If you do not have a REAL ID yet, you will need to visit your License Bureau or DMV with certain documents. The deadline is May 7th.
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