HCS/SB 695 - This act modifies provisions relating to boards and commissions. This act increases the membership on the Missouri State Capitol Commission from eleven to fifteen members, by adding four additional members of the general public with two appointed by the President Pro Tem of the Senate and two appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The membership of the Commission is also modified so that the minority leaders of the House and Senate will appoint the minority party members of the Commission.
The Commission shall evaluate and approve projects including the "21st-Century State Capitol Restoration Project" which shall include the development and implementation of a comprehensive master plan for the restoration and preservation of the Capitol building, grounds, and any annex areas. The term "annex areas" will include a building currently occupied by the Missouri Department of Transportation if used to house members or staff of the General Assembly. The Commission shall further exercise ongoing supervision and coordination of the Capitol building, grounds, and any annex areas.
The Commission is required to issue an annual report based on the fiscal year and specified appropriation requirements for the Capitol building, grounds, and annex areas on or before October 1 of each year to the General Assembly and the Budget Director.
These provisions are identical to HCS/HB 1605 (2018).
This act also requires the Governor to appoint a teacher representative to the State Board of Education. The teacher representative shall attend all Board meetings and participate in deliberations. However, the teacher representative shall not have the right to vote on any matter or be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum.
The teacher representative shall be an active classroom teacher, as described in the act, and have written support of his or her local school board.
The teacher representative's term shall be for four years and subsequent appointments shall be made in rotation from each Congressional District, beginning with the First Congressional District and continuing in numerical order. In the event of a vacancy in the position of teacher representative, the Governor shall appoint a replacement by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
These provisions expire on August 28, 2026.
The teacher representative shall not participate in closed meetings of the Board.
These provisions are similar to the truly agreed CCS/HCS/SB 743 (2018), HB 1373 (2018), the truly agreed SS/HCS/HB 1606 (2018), and HB 67 (2017).
JAMIE ANDREWS