JEFFERSON CITY — On its way to the governor for his signature is a bill (SB 99) sponsored by Sen. Joe Keaveny, D-St. Louis, which would address numerous provisions pertaining to Missouri government and elections. The legislation would make the position of City of St. Louis Public Administrator appointed by a majority of the circuit judges and associate circuit judges of the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court. Current statute states that all public administrators are to be elected in the county or city in which they serve.

“I’m glad this measure is one step closer to becoming Missouri law — if signed by the governor, it’ll be a positive tool that will help the public administrator better serve our community’s most vulnerable citizens who are in need of representation in probate court,” Sen. Keaveny said.

Public administrators charge fees to the estates they administer and heirs pay the cost of their services. However, challenges have surfaced because many incapacitated Missourians do not have estates to which fees can be charged for their guardian’s services. The City of St. Louis Public Administrator frequently encounters these types of situations, presenting financial difficulties for all parties involved. Senate Bill 99 would change the way services would be paid to the Office of the Public Administrator to ensure fewer bumps in the road.

Senate Bill 99 received numerous amendments during its lifespan in the Legislature. The bill would now permit the Official Manual of the State of Missouri (known as the “Blue Book”) to be printed again. The state’s Blue Book details a vast amount of information about local, state, and federal governments, as well as stories, essays, and pictures that help preserve Missouri’s heritage. In 2011, a change to the state law required the Blue Book be published online only. Senate Bill 99 would allow the secretary of state to enter into an agreement directly with a nonprofit organization and that entity could print and distribute copies of the official manual.

“I’m glad that the Blue Book has the chance to once again be printed and available in hard copy for the people of Missouri,” Sen. Keaveny said. “It’s so important for Missourians to have access to public information about our state, and considering many people do not have access to the Internet, a hard copy of the Blue Book is a great resource and will ensure more people are educated about the happenings of Missouri.”

Senate Bill 99 also addresses the charging of taxes on certain vehicles (motor vehicles, trailers, boats, and outboard motors) and would allow citizens to vote on whether to remove the application of the local sales tax to the titling of these types of vehicles. This provision is in response to a 2012 Missouri Supreme Court decision, which invalidated local taxes on out-of-state and person-to-person vehicle sales. Senator Keaveny notes that the bill language codifies decades of practice in treating vehicles bought outside Missouri exactly the same as those bought in state for taxing purposes. 

“Resolving this matter is critical for Missouri businesses and employees, as well as municipalities that are losing, on average, approximately $200,000 per day on lost tax revenues,” Sen. Keaveny said. “This definitive fix is needed to protect Missouri dealers, the jobs they provide, and the services that depend upon the revenues from these vehicle sales.”

The last day of the 2013 legislative session is Friday, May 17. To follow the progress of other legislation, visit the Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov.