CCS/HS/HCS/SB 21 - This act adds the following counties to the list of political subdivisions authorized to impose a sales tax to be used solely for economic development purposes: Texas, Clark, Shannon, Atchison, Maries, Mercer, Sullivan, Gentry, Shelby, Daviess, Harrison, Ralls, Monroe, Grundy, Audrain, Dunklin, New Madrid, Mississippi, Ray, Pemiscot, Scott, Stoddard, Macon, Bates, Vernon, Laclede, Gasconade and Franklin.

A sales tax for tourism purposes is authorized for Stone and Taney counties.

The act also authorizes the imposition of a sales tax, up to one percent, in the city of St. Louis for the purpose of funding medical care for the medically indigent. Medically indigent is defined as individuals and families who do not have employer-sponsored health insurance, coverage under Medicaid or Medicare, or whose income levels, as determined by the city, are insufficient to purchase adequate health insurance.

The act authorizes the creation of museum districts, which may fund, promote, plan, design, construct, improve, maintain and operate one or more museum projects. A museum district sales tax of up to one percent may be imposed, and revenue bonds may be issued for the purpose of paying for the costs of any project.

The act authorizes the governing body of any fire protection district which operates in both Jackson and Lafayette counties, and of a fire protection district in certain municipalities in Clay County, to submit to the voters the imposition of a sales tax. Revenue from the sales tax is to be used for the operation of the fire protection district. The act also reduces to twenty-five percent the proportion of voters in an area proposed to be annexed into a fire protection district who need to sign a petition.

The "Community Improvement District Act" authorizes creation of special benefit districts in Kansas City to allow private parties to assess and tax themselves for community improvements and services. A petition to create a community improvements district (CID) must be approved by the governing body of the city and must specify the size, area, and duration of the district, the maximum rate of taxes which may be imposed, and the method and maximum rate of assessment. Program management is under the direction of a District Board, which, depending upon the petition, may be appointed by the chief elected officer of the city, with the consent of its governing body, or elected by qualified voters of the district. Funds from assessments or taxes may be used for public capital improvements, certain private capital improvements, and special services. The petition may also specify maximum borrowing authority, types of services supported, eligible use of funds, and other limitations.

The bill contains an emergency clause.

RUSS HEMBREE