After our legislative spring break, we are finishing up a short week here at the Capitol as we approach the Easter Holiday this weekend. It was a productive week at the Capitol, the House continues to perfect our bills and send them over to the Senate for their consideration. As of our adjournment today, the House has Third-Read 63 bills in total, all of which have been, or soon will be sent to the Senate. The next major milestone for the House this session will be beginning the consideration of budget bills. Every year the House Budget Committee works hard to draft and bring budget bills before the House, where we as a body will consider the appropriations for the year.
I am also pleased to share that this week, I presented one of my bills, HB. 1688 in front of the House Special Committee on Technology & Innovation. Simply put, HB. 1688 requires public schools to offer a driver education course that students must complete before graduating. This is a bill that I have worked on for many years and has gained a lot of support from different groups across the state, I am hoping to see it advance through the legislative process as we work through April and into May.
Here are some other news releases for the week –
Missouri House Passes HB 1413 to Safeguard Election Integrity
The Missouri House has passed HB 1413, a crucial piece of legislation aimed at ensuring the integrity of elections within the state. The bill introduces a requirement for Missouri driver's licenses or nondriver's licenses issued to citizens of the United States, including naturalized citizens, to bear a distinguishing mark indicating their citizenship status on the front of the license.
HB 1413 emphasizes the importance of clarifying citizenship status on identification documents used for voting. This bill specifies that the license holder is a citizen of the U.S. and would denote such through a distinguishing mark. Many Missourians believe that only citizens should be allowed to vote, and that is the intent of our current laws. We believe it should be easy for legal citizens to vote in our state, and not cheat the system.
The proposed legislation addresses existing loopholes in the law that create challenges in preventing non-citizens from voting. Certain practices by contracted Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) services have inadvertently registered individuals who are not citizens or are otherwise ineligible to vote. By implementing a citizenship marker on identification documents required for voting, the bill aims to empower election workers to screen potential voters at polling places effectively.
Some of our current laws have a blind spot in identifying violations related to non-citizen voting. It is very difficult to verify legal citizenship, as our election authorities have no tools to do so. Non-citizens have been verified as having been placed on voter rolls, and unfortunately, most are only discovered through special circumstances.
HB 1413 not only seeks to safeguard the integrity of Missouri's elections but also aims to restore public trust in the voting process. By clarifying citizenship status on identification documents, we reinforce the principle that only eligible citizens should have the privilege of voting. This measure is vital in preserving the integrity of Missouri's elections and restoring faith in our democratic process.
The bill will now proceed to the Senate for further consideration.
Missouri House Passes Legislation to Expand Access to Health Care Benefits for Farmers
The Missouri House of Representatives has approved HB 2082, aimed at improving access to affordable health care for farmers statewide. This legislation, backed with strong support, addresses the urgent need for accessible health care coverage in rural areas.
HB 2082 specifies that contracts offering health care benefits by qualified membership organizations, like agricultural or farm bureaus, will not be classified as insurance under state law. In 2024, Missouri joins five other states—Wisconsin, Nebraska, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida—in considering new Farm Bureau healthcare plans.
HB 2082 represents a significant step towards providing essential health services without imposing excessive financial burdens. Expanding health care benefits through qualified membership organizations will empower the agricultural community and promote economic development in rural Missouri, and the plan for coverage with the Missouri Farm Bureau directly responds to members' needs for more tailored coverage options amid rising costs.
This bill will move the Missouri Farm Bureau and its qualified membership organizations away from the oversight of the Department of Commerce and Insurance to offer health coverage. It will operate similarly to existing models, providing members with access to competitively priced health coverage options.
With its approval in the House, HB 2082 now moves to the Missouri Senate for further consideration.
Providing Relief from Escalating Property Taxes
The Missouri House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards addressing concerns over rising property taxes with the passage of HJR 78. The bill proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at providing relief to homeowners burdened by escalating property tax rates.
HJR 78 seeks to freeze the assessed value of residential properties maintained as primary residences at their most recent assessment value, starting January 1, 2025. This measure aims to alleviate the financial strain on homeowners, particularly seniors, who face the risk of losing their homes due to soaring property taxes.
The passage of HJR 78 comes in response to the escalating issue of soaring property assessments, which has sparked widespread discontent among citizens grappling with unexpectedly high property valuations. Recent data highlights that property assessments in Jackson County have resulted in increased assessed valuations for approximately 238,000 residential parcels, totaling over $2.6 billion. Consequently, thousands of residents have lodged appeals seeking adjustments to their property valuations.
This legislation is a crucial step towards ensuring fairness and stability for homeowners across our state. Citizens have been asking for answers regarding their tax assessments, and by freezing property assessments and implementing reasonable limits on increases, we are providing much-needed relief to hardworking Missourians struggling to keep up with rising taxes.
HJR 78 reflects our commitment to supporting homeowners and safeguarding their property rights, while also ensuring that our tax system in the Show-Me State is fair, transparent, and equitable.
Enhancing Employment Security for Workers
The Missouri House of Representatives is looking to bolster employment security for workers across the state with the passage of HB 2098. This legislation would align Missouri with 35 other states that have passed similar measures, aiming to modify the definition of "wages" to include additional forms of compensation and ensure fair evaluation of eligibility for unemployment benefits.
Under HB 2098, wages would now include vital elements like vacation pay, termination pay, severance pay, and holiday pay. This expanded definition acknowledges the various ways workers are compensated, incorporating these crucial forms of payment into their weekly wage calculations. This inclusive approach provides a more comprehensive safety net for workers during periods of transition or financial need.
Moreover, the bill tackles situations where individuals receive lump sum payments, such as severance or termination pay. It mandates that these payments be prorated on a weekly basis, ensuring equitable distribution over relevant weeks. By enhancing the integrity of the unemployment benefits system, HB 2098 safeguards workers' rights and financial stability.
This bill fixes a loophole in the Missouri unemployment law that currently allows people receiving severance pay and other termination payments to also collect unemployment benefits at the same time. The unemployment fund exists to assist those who are unemployed through no fault of their own and to provide a short bridge to their next job. When an employer has already provided that bridge, unemployment benefits should not be received until those payments have been exhausted.
By recognizing a broader range of compensation and implementing fair evaluation practices for lump sum payments, we are advancing policies that prioritize the well-being and economic resilience of our workers.
Missouri House Passes Bill to Boost Rural Business Investments
The Missouri House of Representatives has approved HB 2170, also known as the "Missouri Rural Access to Capital Act," with the aim of boosting investments in rural businesses statewide. This legislation establishes a mechanism for investors to inject capital into rural funds, thereby fostering economic development and job creation in underserved regions. Key features of the bill include tax credits for investors over a six-year period, starting at 0% for the initial two years and escalating to 15% for the subsequent four years. The bill imposes an annual cap of $16 million on authorized tax credits and mandates a rigorous application process for rural funds, requiring past investment experience, a business plan, and a nonrefundable application fee. Qualified investments must meet specific criteria regarding business size, location, and industry. The Department of Economic Development retains the authority to recapture tax credits if investment requirements are not fulfilled, and rural funds must submit annual reports on business investments and economic impact. Additionally, rural funds have the option to exit the program after six years, subject to conditions. These provisions are scheduled to expire on August 28, 2030.
HB 2170 represents a crucial initiative in revitalizing rural economies in Missouri by facilitating access to capital for mid-sized businesses in rural areas, thereby laying the groundwork for sustained prosperity and opportunity statewide. The bill underscores the significance of investing in rural communities for the future of Missouri, empowering local businesses to thrive and driving economic growth and prosperity for all citizens. Its passage signifies a significant milestone in addressing economic disparities between urban and rural areas, supported by strong bipartisan backing and endorsements from key stakeholders, promising a meaningful impact on Missouri's rural landscape.
Missouri House Passes HB 2142 to Expand Broadband Access
The Missouri House of Representatives has passed HB 2142, an initiative aimed at bolstering broadband infrastructure and expanding internet access to underserved communities across the state.
HB 2142 seeks to provide a tax deduction for funds received as grants to facilitate the provision or expansion of broadband internet in areas lacking connectivity. Currently, taxpayers can deduct federal grant money designated for this purpose from their state income tax. The bill extends this deduction to encompass state or local grant money, contingent upon the funds' earmarking for broadband development.
HB 2142 represents a crucial stride toward ensuring equitable access to essential broadband services for all Missourians. By incentivizing investment in broadband infrastructure through tax deductions, we are empowering communities to unlock their full potential and thrive in the digital age. Access to reliable broadband internet is not just a convenience but a necessity in today's interconnected world. The passage of HB 2142 underscores our commitment to ensuring that every Missourian has the tools they need to compete and succeed in the 21st century economy.
In observance of the Easter holiday this weekend, Capitol offices will be closed on Friday, March 29th and Monday, April 1st. You can contact my office by calling 573-751-3971 or emailing Rodger.Reedy@house.mo.gov. If you would like a courtesy resolution from the House of Representatives please contact my office. As always, it is an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of District 57.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend and took time to spend with family and friends and take care of one another!
-Rodger
