House Happenings: Several bills moved through

Several bills were again moved through Missouri’s House of Representatives. One piece of legislation is now on its way to the Governor for his signature. It had originated in the House, moved to the Senate, which made some changes, and the House has now agreed to those changes. SS HCS HB 453 allows for taxpayers to earn income tax credits in exchange for donations of either cash or food to any qualified food pantry. The program is based on 50% tax credit of qualified donations with limitations of $2,500 or less per taxpayer (donation of $5,000). Another tax credit bill that is still in play is HCS HB 227, which has now passed the House and been referred to the Senate for further action. This bill creates income tax credits up to $2,000 or 50% of the cost of building storm shelters for personal protection from severe storms.

HCS HB 818 establishes the Missouri Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. It changes laws regarding the health insurance pool and is intended to help gain access to health insurance by creating additional options. New incentives will be available to small employers and individuals to help gain more affordable care.

Although it has not reached final House passage, our AG Policy Committee processed HCS SCS SB 156, which contains several individual bills pertaining to agricultural districts. Some of those key components include: extending incentives for certain students of veterinary medicine—would liberalize loan programs for students who agree to both locate and practice in rural areas and emphasize work on large animals; adds qualified bio-mass (switch grass, wood products, etc.) to Missouri’s alternative energy programs; provides exemptions of sales tax on additional agricultural items (fencing materials, trailers manufactured in Missouri and motor fuels); two of Missouri’s problem weeds, sericea lespedeza and spotted knapweed, would be added to Missouri’s "Noxious Weed Law"; some additional "tax credits," which are included in this bill, would increase the program for family farm "breeding livestock" and a new program would be developed for odor abatement programs for livestock farmers.

Our guests this week included teamsters, folks from the Third Circuit Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) organization, 4^th grade students and their teachers from North Mercer Co. R-III and Newtown-Harris R-III, the Social Studies’ class (sophomores and juniors) from Gilman City R-IV, and various associations. If we can assist you in any way, or if you have concerns regarding any House or Senate bills, please feel free to contact Pam at the Jefferson City office. Our number there is 573-751-1649 and the email address is [email protected].