Representative Ed Lewis's Capitol Report

Missouri House Approves Legislation to Protect Children and Vulnerable Persons from Trafficking and Exploitation

This week, the House made a significant move to combat sex and human trafficking and safeguard the rights of children and vulnerable individuals, by passing HBs 1706 & 1539.

The bill received overwhelming support in the House with a vote of 143-1, marking a crucial step forward in the state's efforts to address these pressing issues.

The legislation we passed aims to address issues related to sex and human trafficking in the Show-Me State by establishing essential mechanisms to tackle sex and human trafficking, including the establishment in the Missouri Attorney General’s Office of the "Statewide Council Against Adult Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children," which will play a vital role in coordinating efforts statewide to combat these crimes. This new Statewide Council will pick up the recommendations of the Council chaired by Representative Ed Lewis which ended December 30th, 2023.

This legislation underscores our commitment to protecting our most vulnerable citizens from the scourge of trafficking and exploitation. By establishing robust training programs, creating oversight mechanisms, and enhancing penalties for offenders, we are sending a clear message that Missouri will not tolerate these heinous crimes.

The bill mandates training on sex and human trafficking for various professionals, including emergency medical technicians, nurses, prosecutors, juvenile officers, social workers, and peace officers. These measures aim to equip frontline workers with the knowledge and tools needed to identify and respond to instances of trafficking effectively.

Furthermore, the bill expands the admissibility of statements from children and vulnerable persons in criminal proceedings, ensuring that their voices are heard and justice is served. It also imposes restitution fees for individuals convicted of specified sexual offenses, with funds directed to support anti-trafficking efforts statewide.

The bill will now move to the Senate for consideration, where we hope the other chamber continues this bipartisan effort to combat trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals.

Missouri House Advances Legislation to Prevent Medicaid Funding Going to Abortion Providers

We also took a stance for Pro-Life efforts in the Show-ME State this week by passing legislation aimed at preventing abortion clinics from receiving Medicaid reimbursements.

HB 2634 seeks to make it illegal for public funds, including Medicaid reimbursements, to support abortion facilities or their affiliates. It grants taxpayers and the Attorney General the right to take legal action to enforce these provisions.

The bill also amends an existing statute, requiring MO HealthNet participants to obtain services only from qualified providers and empowering the Department of Social Services to revoke contracts with providers found unqualified due to specific offenses, such as intentional discrimination or support for eugenics. Additionally, the bill prohibits reimbursement to abortion facilities under the "Uninsured Women's Health Program".

House Bill 2634 would seek to simply codify that in statute and say that we are not going to allow abortion providers or their affiliates to be reimbursed through our state's Medicaid program. This legislation ensures taxpayer dollars do not support abortion facilities. This vote is a vote for life.

This move aligns with the long-enduring efforts of the state’s majority party to limit abortion providers’ access to Medicaid funds. Since 2022, the Missouri legislature through the budgetary process has voted to not provide funds to abortion clinics. This unfolds against the backdrop of Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s announcement of a lawsuit seeking an injunction against Planned Parenthood Great Plains from trafficking minors out of state to obtain abortions without parental consent.

Missouri House Approves Emergency Funding to Support Border Security Initiative

The Missouri House this week also approved a supplemental appropriations bill to provide emergency funds to deploy members of the Missouri National Guard to the U.S. southern border.

On February 20, 2024, Governor Parson issued Executive Order 24-03, activating 200 Missouri National Guard (MONG) members and 22 Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) troopers to bolster Texas Governor Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star initiative along the Southern Border. The deployment strategy involves implementing rotating shifts for MONG members and dispatching MSHP troopers equipped with standard law enforcement gear, all of whom have volunteered for the mission.

In line with these efforts, we voted to approve HB 2016, a $2.3 million supplemental budget request to support border security initiatives and replenish the Governor's emergency response fund. The bill, which received bipartisan support, allocates funds to cover expenses related to emergency duties performed by the National Guard under the Governor's orders.

The approved appropriations bill includes:

Funds for duties performed by National Guard under gubernatorial orders: $2,000,000

Personal Service: $115,074

Expense and Equipment: $91,683

Total appropriation from the General Revenue Fund: $2,206,757

Missouri House Passes HB 1518, Protecting Belief-Based Student Associations

In a move aimed at safeguarding the rights of religious student groups in public universities, the Missouri House has approved HB 1518 this week. This legislation, which clarifies key terms like "adverse action," "belief-based student association," and "benefit," seeks to prevent discrimination against such groups and guarantee their fair treatment.

HB 1518 bars public higher education institutions from taking negative actions or implementing policies that withhold benefits from belief-based student associations available to other groups. Additionally, it explicitly prohibits discrimination against these associations based on their requirements for leaders to adhere to sincerely held beliefs, practice standards, or codes of conduct. Under HB 1518, belief-based student associations are empowered to pursue appropriate recourse through legal or administrative channels if they believe a public institution of higher learning has violated the bill's provisions.

This bill isn't solely about religion but rather about upholding First Amendment rights. It has the potential to shield any belief-based group, whether liberal, conservative, or otherwise, from being compelled to compromise its convictions for recognition on college campuses. It’s a significant stride in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of belief-based student associations in Missouri. By ensuring fair access to resources and benefits, we cultivate an inclusive environment where all student groups can flourish.

This legislative achievement underscores Missouri's dedication to upholding fairness, equality, and religious liberty within its educational framework. The bipartisan support for HB 1518 reflects a commitment to championing belief-based student associations and ensuring their dignified treatment.

Missouri House Passes HB 1569, Advancing STEM Education and Career Development Opportunities

The Missouri House of Representatives passed a comprehensive education and workforce development bill aimed at enhancing opportunities in STEM education and career-technical certificate programs. HB 1569 would push Missouri into new era of support for students pursuing degrees and certifications vital to Missouri's economic growth and innovation.

HB 1569 introduces several key provisions aimed at fostering academic and professional growth:

STEM Grant: The bill mandates the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to provide STEM grants of up to $2000 to eligible recipients pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics fields. These grants offer crucial financial support to students, ensuring they can focus on their studies without undue financial burden.

Career-Tech Certificate Program: Introducing the Career-Tech Certificate (CTC) Program, the bill offers reimbursement for tuition, books, and fees to students meeting requirements for the A+ Program. This initiative aims to incentivize participation in career-technical education, preparing students for success in high-demand industries.

Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program: HB 1569 increases financial aid for eligible recipients under the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program, providing much-needed support for students attending public and private institutions across the state.

International Baccalaureate Examinations: Public community colleges, colleges, and universities are mandated to adopt policies granting undergraduate course credit to students achieving a score of 4 or higher on international baccalaureate exams, promoting academic recognition and advancement.

Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant: Increasing the eligibility threshold, the bill expands access to the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant, providing greater support to taxpayers pursuing workforce training and education.

This is a significant investment in Missouri's future, and it is proof of Missouri's dedication to creating a robust educational landscape and a skilled workforce. By prioritizing STEM education and expanding opportunities for career-technical training, we are empowering our students to thrive in today's dynamic workforce. This legislation underscores our commitment to fostering innovation, economic growth, and upward mobility for all Missourians.

HJR 68: Empowering Jackson County Citizens with Elected Assessor

The Missouri House this week also took a proactive step towards bolstering democracy and ensuring equitable representation by passing HJR 68, a measure aimed at aligning Jackson County with the rest of the state in requiring all county assessors to be elected by the citizens.

Currently, the Missouri Constitution mandates that all county assessors, except for Jackson County, must be elected officers. However, HJR 68, upon voter approval, eliminates this exemption, granting Jackson County residents the fundamental right to elect their assessor.

"State action and a positive vote will be required to allow Jackson County citizens to truly have taxation with representation. 97 percent of Jackson County residents when polled said they would like to have an elected tax assessor,” the bill sponsor said.

HJR 68 comes in response to the escalating issue of soaring property assessments in Jackson County, which has sparked widespread discontent among citizens grappling with unexpectedly high property valuations. Recent data highlights that property assessments in Jackson County have resulted in increased assessed valuations for approximately 238,000 residential parcels, totaling over $2.6 billion. Consequently, thousands of residents have lodged appeals seeking adjustments to their property valuations.

This bill offers Kansas City citizens the opportunity to elect their assessor, thereby aligning the city with the prevailing norm across the state. By electing the assessor, citizens would have the right to vote for all officials who represent them and hold the power to scrutinize and hold them accountable, thereby fostering a system where assessors are incentivized to perform their duties diligently.

By granting Jackson County residents the ability to elect their assessor, we are restoring accountability and transparency to the assessment process, ensuring that assessors are directly accountable to the people they serve.

Missouri House Passes Bill to Expand Regulation of Solid Waste Disposal Sites

This week, we also gave approval to a renewed effort to combat developers' plans to construct a landfill near a prestigious golf course subdivision in the Kansas City area. HB 1751 aims to thwart the proposed facility from moving forward, citing environmental concerns and potential impacts on property values.

This initiative marks the House’s second attempt in two years to block the landfill. The proposed legislation seeks to impose stricter regulations on waste disposal facility development near the Kansas City border, requiring municipal approval from neighboring jurisdictions.

“This process dealing with landfills in the Kansas City area is broken, and it unfairly hurts Missourians,” the bill sponsor said. “This is a direct affront on the property rights of homeowners and businesses. The environmental impact would be devastating. Property values have already significantly declined. This process is exactly what is wrong with politics.”

The landfill site proposed by developers sits on the border between Kansas City and Raymore. The bill sponsor noted that this location was chosen strategically to bypass the need for approval from Raymore city officials. To address this loophole, the bill we voted on aims to mandate approval from municipalities within a one-mile radius, instead of the current half-mile required distance, of landfill sites situated in neighboring cities before state environmental permits can be issued.

Expressing concerns over potential pollution of the surrounding watershed and adverse effects on property values, several of our legislators representing the area have voiced strong opposition to the proposed landfill. The site, situated near the Creekmoor golf course community, has sparked controversy due to its proximity to homes, schools, and businesses. They say that there is no need for another landfill in the KC area, with eight already operating in that area.

Missouri House Passes Bill Upholding Landlords' Rights in Rental Assistance Programs

The Missouri House of Representatives is standing in defense of property owner’s rights with the passage of HB 2385 by a vote of 103-33. The legislation seeks to protect landlords’ autonomy in rental assistance programs by preventing counties or cities from mandating landlords to accept rental payments from tenants relying on federal housing assistance programs.

Under HB 2385, property owners in Missouri retain the right to refuse renting to individuals whose source of income for rent includes funding from federal housing assistance programs. The measure would allow property owners to make informed decisions about their rental properties without undue interference from local governments.

Furthermore, supporters highlighted the financial risks landlords face when accepting rental assistance vouchers, including the potential for non-payment if voucher users fail to adhere to program protocols. By passing this bill, the Missouri House aims to address these concerns and ensure landlords have greater control over their rental properties.

This bill is a victory for landlords across Missouri, as it’s all about safeguarding landlords' rights. Property owners should have the freedom to choose whether to participate in federal housing assistance programs. Compelling landlords to accept rental payments from tenants receiving such assistance undermines their autonomy and ability to manage their properties effectively.

The bill's passage comes amidst growing debate over the role of local governments in regulating rental housing and the rights of property owners. The Missouri House's decision to support this legislation reflects a commitment to protecting landlords' autonomy and promoting a thriving rental market in the state. The bill will now proceed to the Missouri Senate for further consideration.

Missouri House Passes Building Permit Reform Act to Empower Homeowners

The Missouri House has passed the Building Permit Reform Act, marking a significant milestone in empowering homeowners across the state. This bill aims to streamline the process for homeowners seeking to undertake construction or renovation projects on their properties by introducing several key provisions designed to simplify the permitting process and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for homeowners.

Among the key provisions of the legislation are prohibitions on political subdivisions from mandating exempt homeowners to obtain licenses, certifications, or professional registrations, if the homeowner does all the work. The Act also outlines timeframes for permit inspections and limits fees for permit renewal, ensuring that homeowners can proceed with their projects expeditiously and affordably. Furthermore, the Building Permit Reform Act establishes penalties for unpermitted work, while also safeguarding homeowners from excessive fines or fees. The legislation aims to strike a balance between regulatory compliance and property owner rights, allowing individuals to enhance their homes without undue interference.

Individuals should have the freedom to enhance and renovate their properties without being hindered by excessive regulations. Furthermore, it grants them the entitlement to a prompt safety inspection, followed by transparent feedback if the inspection yields unfavorable results. By providing this framework, individuals can address property issues independently, eliminating the need for external help. Those with the capability and willingness to undertake the work themselves should have the opportunity to do so.

The bill will now proceed to the Missouri Senate for further consideration, with advocates hopeful that it will receive bipartisan support and ultimately become law.

State Releases February 2024 General Revenue Report

In February 2024, Missouri's net general revenue collections increased by 18.0% compared to February 2023, reaching $830.3 million. For the fiscal year-to-date, there was a 1.3% increase from $8.31 billion to $8.42 billion. Here is a breakdown by tax type:

Individual income tax collections decreased by 9.4% for the year but increased by 51.8% for the month.

Pass through Entity tax collections increased to $382.7 million.

Sales and use tax collections rose by 11.3% for the year and 12.5% for the month.

Corporate income and corporate franchise tax collections increased by 2.2% for the year and 61.2% for the month.

All other collections saw a 31.4% increase for the year and 48.6% for the month.

Refunds increased by 10.5% for the year but decreased by 1.3% for the month.

On Thursday, the 5th Grade Class from Macon came by the Capitol to visit.

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