| Capitol Briefing for the Week of Monday, April 23, 2012 | |
| Senate Approves Its Version of Missouri's FY 2013 Operating Budget |
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Measure Authorizing Expenditures for Current Fiscal Year Signed by Governor |
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The Missouri Senate began full debate this week on 13 budget bills that encompass the state’s projected $24 billion operating budget — early Wednesday morning (4-25), the Senate gave approval to its version of the budget.
The Senate voted “no” to the adoption of an amendment to HB 2002 that would have eliminated a 2 percent pay raise for state workers who earn up to $45,000 annually. The Senate Appropriations chairman stated that state workers who could benefit from this pay raise include prison guards and Missourians who work with people with developmental disabilities.
Lawmakers also approved HB 2006, which would appropriate more than $40 million to the Department of Agriculture; more than $592 million for the Department of Natural Resources; and more than $146 million for the Department of Conservation. To help preserve Missouri wildlife, farming, and other industries, funding includes:
In addition, HB 2006 includes numerous grants to the Department of Agriculture for the Division of Animal Health, including $50,000 from the Missouri Pet Spay/Neuter Fund to support local efforts to spay and neuter dogs and cats, and more than $36,000 from the Livestock Brands Fund to support the Livestock Brands Program. More than $567.4 million in funding for the Department of Public Safety was passed in HB 2008. Included in this number is:
House Bill 2011, which would appropriate to the Department of Social Services, includes $8.2 billion.
In addition, an estimated savings of $39.6 million was found within a pharmacy program as a result of a switch from brand name prescriptions to generic prescriptions, including $15 million in General Revenue. The Senate adopted an amendment to HB 2011 that restored full funding for Missouri’s health care program for low-income, blind citizens. Another adopted amendment, offered by Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, removes the language that prohibits funds from being used to provide any services under the Mo HealthNet manager care program unless the program has contracted with all managed care organizations that have sought to participate in the program. HB 2001, which addresses Public Debt, would appropriate more than $47.6 million to the Board of Fund Commissioners. HB 2004, which would appropriate approximately $448.2 million for the Department of Revenue, and more than $2.2 billion for the Department of Transportation. HB 2005, which would appropriate more than $260.7 million to the Office of Administration, and approximately $826.6 million to Employee Benefits. HB 2007, which would appropriate:
HB 2009, which would allocate more than $668.1 million for the Department of Corrections. HB 2010, which would provide nearly $1.4 billion to the Department of Mental Health, and more than $1 billion to the Department of Health and Senior Services. HB 2012, which would allocate:
And finally, HB 2013, which would appropriate nearly $149.7 million to Real Estate. Potential conference committees could begin as early as next week. The budget must be delivered to the governor no later than 6 p.m. on May 11, 2012. You can listen to “The Senate Minute” from April 23, April 25, and April 26, which features reports on the FY 2013 budget. Featured in these reports are Sen. Crowell, Sen. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown; Sen. Timothy Green, D-Spanish Lake; Sen. Joseph Keaveny, D-St. Louis; and Sen. Jolie Justus, D-Kansas City. “Daily Audio and Video Clips” from April 25 also feature postings of debate on many of these budget bills. Featured in these postings include Sen. Crowell, Senate Majority Floor Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, Sen. Shalonn “Kiki” Curls, D-Kansas City, and Sen. Justus. Measure to Help Fund State Departments Declared Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed On Monday (4-23), the Senate took up HB 2014 for consideration, and offered its final approval to the measure on Tuesday (4-24), with a passing vote of 30-4. The legislation pertains to the current fiscal year (FY 2012), and would allow more than $131 million in additional funding to supplement several state departments and offices, and other such purposes. Under the legislation, funding would be appropriated as follows:
House Bill 2014 received the governor’s signature on April 27. Click here to listen to “The Senate Minute” from April 24, which features a report on HB 2014. Included in this report are Sen. Munzlinger and Sen. Keaveny. Senate Offers Final Approval for Several Bills Before adjourning for the week, the Missouri Senate gave its stamp of approval to numerous measures, sending them to the House for approval. Sponsored by Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, SB 625 would modify fund transfers between retirement systems and retirement for certain public officials, and would set interest paid of member contributions at the Treasury Bill, or T-Bill rate — a short-term debt obligation backed by the U.S. government with a maturity of less than one year. Currently, when employees transfer between the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System and the Missouri Department of Transportation and Highway Patrol Employees' Retirement System, the value of employees’ accrued benefits are also transferred. This act would change the computation of accrued benefits to exclude amounts for previously transferred service not subject to asset transfer. Any prior payments already made that should have been excluded would need to be returned. In addition, under the current system, employees hired after Jan. 1, 2011, and who are covered under the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System, must contribute 4 percent of their salary into the system. If a member leaves the system before becoming eligible for normal retirement, his or her contributions are refunded with interest of 4 percent per year. This act would change the amount of interest, so that it is equal to the investment rate for the 52-week treasury bills issued by the U.S. Department of Treasury. To protect the safety of Missouri drivers, Sen. Will Kraus, R-Lee’s Summit, is sponsoring SB 893. The bill would require certain offenders to undergo criminal history checks in order to have their driver’s licenses reinstated or have limited driving privileges granted. Such offenders include Missourians who have received driving while intoxicated (DWI) convictions. Under current law, the Department of Revenue is prohibited from issuing a driver's license to anyone who has more than two DWI convictions. However, a person may petition the court after 10 years from the date of the last conviction to have a new license issued. Under SB 893, the person’s record could be reviewed, and if it’s found that the petitioner has not been convicted of alcohol-related offenses during the preceding 10 years, then the court may order the director to issue the petitioner a driver's license. Sponsored by the Senate President Pro Tem, SB 854 aims to protect Missourians in the workplace. The bill states that any home care employer who must deny employment to an applicant or discharge an employee as a result of information obtained through a portion of a criminal background check and employment eligibility determination process required under the Family Care Safety Registry provisions, would not be liable in any action brought by the applicant or employee. Senate Bill 803 would modify provisions relating to behavior analysts. Currently, professionals who are studying to become behavior analysts or assistant behavior analysts work with children and adults affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and their families (under supervision). Then, when Missourians complete their studies, they are unable to work with the individuals with which they’ve previously worked. Senate Bill 803 would allow students who are waiting to take their final examination to apply for a provisional license and continue to care for people with ASDs (under supervision). Joint Resolution to Modify Composition of Appellate Judicial Commission Given First-Round Approval by Senate Senators spent much time debating SJR 51 on the floor on Thursday (4-26). The resolution would, upon voter approval, modify the composition of the Appellate Judicial Commission and the selection process for judges to the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals. Currently, the Appellate Judicial Commission consists of seven members as follows:
Senate Joint Resolution 51 would replace the judge member of the commission with an additional member appointed by the governor. Members appointed by the governor would no longer be non-bar members. The governor would appoint one member from each appellate district and one from the state at large — these members would serve terms of four years. The Missouri Supreme Court would appoint a former Supreme Court or Court of Appeals judge to serve as a non-voting member of the commission. The former judge cannot have been removed for cause or failed to be retained in a retention election. If approved by the voters, the changes to the Appellate Judicial Commission would take effect on Jan. 15, 2013. Proponents of the measure say Missouri voters would be able to exercise more accountability over the process of selecting judges. Opponents are concerned that this measure would add political motives in the judicial process. A final passing vote by the Senate would send SJR 51 to the House for consideration. Click here to watch “Daily Audio and Video Clips” from April 26, which feature debate on SJR 51. Included in these postings include Sen. Rob Schaaf, R-St. Joseph; Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale; Sen. Bob Dixon, R-Springfield; Sen. Green; and Sen. Justus. Measure Relating to Motor Vehicles Sent to Conference Committee This week, Sen. Mike Parson, R-Bolivar, motioned for a conference committee with the House regarding SB 568. The conference committee, consisting of members of the Senate and House, will aim to iron out the two chambers’ differences regarding the legislation. The bill, as passed by the Senate, would amend Missouri’s “Move Over” law so that drivers would be required to use caution and change lanes (if possible) when approaching stationary emergency vehicles or vehicles operated by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) that display amber or amber and white lights. By requiring drivers to “move over” and avoid stationary vehicles on the roadways, the bill sponsor says the safety of those on the road would be better protected. Senators appointed to serve on the conference committee include Sen. Parson; Sen. Ron Richard, R-Joplin; and Sen. Ryan McKenna, D-Crystal City. The Missouri Senate will stand adjourned until 4:00 p.m. Monday, April 30.
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