Legislative Column for the Week of Feb. 2, 2015

Strengthening Missouri’s Voice Against the EPA

This week in the Senate, we heard the legislation I filed to strengthen Missouri against the federal government in the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee. Senate Bill 142 requires the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to submit an impact report to the General Assembly and Governor prior to submitting a state implementation plan to the Environmental Protection Agency.

For years now, the EPA’s overregulation has caused our state significant financial strain and affected our jobs and livelihoods. What’s worse is that these regulations aren’t coming from folks who know Missouri; they’re coming from D.C., nearly 1,000 miles away. It goes without saying that when it comes to issues impacting Missouri, it’s important to actually have Missourians looking at the data and options—not just the federal government. The Department of Natural Resources understands Missouri; the EPA does not. Senate Bill 142 is my effort to strengthen the Department of Natural Resources’ role as our filter for the EPA and federal regulations. We must ensure that Missourians have a say in whatever future implementation plans the EPA imposes on us. 

On the floor, we considered Senate Bill 11, an ethics reform measure that provides greater transparency to lobbyist reporting requirements and bans out-of-state lobbyist expenditures on travel, food and beverage, lodging and entertainment. The bill also imposes a two-year cooling off period before a member of the General Assembly may become a lobbyist.

Transparency is the most important component of ethics, so whatever we can do to establish clearer and more comprehensive reporting requirements is a step in the right direction. Senate Bill 11 is now on the calendar for third reading, where it will be voted on for final passage by the Senate before heading to the House for further debate. 

On Thursday, I introduced two new pieces of legislation. Senate Bill 412 modifies laws regarding employment arbitration agreements in an effort to reduce the number of proceedings in our court system. I also filed Senate Bill 413, which modifies provisions relating to natural resource damages authorized to be recovered by the state natural resources trustee. If passed, this measure would allow a company to use non-monetary assets in a natural resources settlement. For example, a company could donate land for a state park instead of simply paying a monetary amount.

Numerous visitors stopped by my Capitol office this week. I was happy to meet with members of the Citizens Electric Corporation; and the Easter Seals, which provides services, education, outreach and advocacy so that people living with autism spectrum disorder, and other disabilities, can lead fuller lives. Mike Ramsey with KFMO/B104 broadcast live from the Capitol Rotunda. I always enjoy talking with Mike and sharing with the folks back home what is happening at the Capitol. If you visit the Capitol, please contact my office to arrange a meeting. 

Sen. Romine’s Sponsored Legislation for 2015

Bill Number

Description

Status

Senate Bill 36

Modifies the law relating to the Missouri Human Rights Act and employment discrimination.

Referred to Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee.

Senate Bill 37

Awards attorney's fees and court costs in cases where a settlement offer was previously rejected and when the court rules on a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim.

Awaiting a hearing in the Senate Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee.

Senate Bill 38

Modifies provisions relating to the Joint Committee on MO HealthNet.

Awaiting a hearing in the Senate Governmental Accountability and Fiscal Oversight Committee.    

Senate Bill 68

Provides that directors of industrial development corporations in St. Francois County may be taxpayers and registered voters in the county.

Approved by the Senate; sent to the House for consideration.

Senate Bill 142

Requires the Department of Natural Resources to prepare a regulatory impact report when submitting a state implementation plan to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Hearing conducted in the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee.

Senate Bill 143

Modifies the crime of animal trespass.

Referred to the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee.

Senate Bill 171

Modifies provisions relating to high school equivalency degree testing.

Referred to the Senate Education Committee.

Senate Bill 172

Requires the State Board of Education to establish minimum graduation requirements for a career and technical education high school diploma.

Referred to the Senate Education Committee.

Senate Bill 173

Modifies state funding for small school districts.

Referred to the Senate Education Committee.

Senate Bill 224

Requires a student to be a United States citizen or permanent resident in order to be eligible to receive reimbursements from the A+ Schools Program.

Referred to the Senate Education Committee.

Senate Bill 225

Modifies Department of Natural Resources permit decision appeal procedures.

Referred to the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee.

Senate Bill 230

Modifies provisions relating to the MO HealthNet program.

Hearing Conducted to the Senate Veterans' Affairs and Health Committee.

Senate Bill 252

Prohibits two-way telecommunications devices and their component parts in correctional centers and jails.

First read; awaiting referral to committee.

Senate Bill 253

Expands the authority of the Governor to convey easements without the approval of the General Assembly and expands the rights granted by the easements.

First read; awaiting referral to committee.

Senate Bill 412

Modifies laws regarding arbitration agreements between employers and at-will employees.

First read; awaiting referral to committee.

Senate Bill 413

Modifies provisions relating to natural resource damages authorized to be recovered by the state natural resources trustee.

First read; awaiting referral to committee.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 5

Creates the Missouri Lead Industry Employment, Economic Development and Environmental Remediation Task Force.

Approved by the Senate; awaiting referral to House committee.

Contact Me

I always appreciate hearing your comments, opinions, and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-4008. You may write me at Gary Romine, Missouri Senate, State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO 65101; or email me at gary.romine@senate.mo.gov; or www.senate.mo.gov/romine.