HB 974 -- St. Louis Boundary Commission

Sponsor:  Reynolds

This bill makes several changes in the St. Louis Boundary
Commission.  The bill:

(1)  Allows 55% of registered voters of an area to sign a
petition proposing a simplified boundary change as an
alternative to 75% of residential property owners who pay
property tax;

(2)  Restricts a contractor or subcontractor of the commission
from being an elective official within the commission's
jurisdiction;

(3)  Makes contractors subject to conflict of interest and open
meetings and records laws;

(4)  Requires a separate order or ordinance of the governing
bodies when making a simplified boundary change between
municipalities or municipalities and the county.  A vote is also
required before the change takes effect;

(5)  Repeals the 2 year prohibition on resubmitting a boundary
change that was disapproved by the voters;

(6)  Allows 120 days to collect additional signatures when the
commission modifies a proposal; and

(7)  Repeals current law regarding petitions to remain
unincorporated and regarding the election area of any proposed
boundary change.