Rep. Dean Dohrman, a Republican, represents Johnson, Pettis, and Saline counties (District 51). He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2012. In addition to his legislative duties, Rep. Dohrman is an online professor. Rep. Dohrman is a member of Warrensburg and Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce, and Sedalia Lions Club. He attends Wesley United Methodist Church. A graduate of LaMonte High, Rep. Dohrman earned his PhD from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2004. Born in Warrensburg, Rep. Dohrman currently lives in LaMonte.

Capitol Report: July 25, 2013

Posted Thursday, July 25, 2013, at 4:36 PM

As a public official, I am especially gratified when all parties work together for a beneficial, common goal. This is the case with the Innovation Campus. The program seems to continue growing in stature, as well it should. It also has support from all political spectrums and great potential for changing higher education in our country.

On Wednesday, July 24, the University of Central Missouri played host to a stellar event. President Obama visited the campus to recognize the Innovation Campus as a cutting edge approach to achieving, and paying for, higher education in Missouri. Obviously, with presidential recognition Missouri is demonstrating the type of leadership that will help our nation adjust to the challenges of this new century. As the president pointed out, technology and global competition are here to stay, and we must adjust. He lauded Missouri for a true innovation and making a difference for the youth of our state, and ultimately the nation.

Again, the Innovation Campus program has been an effort that crossed political, geographical, and many other lines in Missouri. Obviously, this is beginning to occur on a national level also. This is especially satisfying to me as a member of the House Higher Education Committee. I am honored to be a small part of this program that holds great promise for our future as a state and as a nation.

Bill Updates

I will continue to provide bill summaries as an update to Missouri legislation. Most laws signed will go into effect on August 28. Please contact me if you have any questions about these bills. Here are the bills with action taken by the governor in May:

Signed Into Law

* House Bill 163: Allows certain third class cities to eliminate primary elections for mayor and council.

* House Bill 256: Extends the expiration date of certain provisions of the Open Meetings and Records Law.

* Senate Bill 16: Exempts farm work performed by children under 16 from certain child labor requirements.

* Senate Bill 59: Modifies provisions relating to the regulation of property and casualty insurance association and the life and health insurance.

* Senate Bill 80: Concerns notification from Missouri Board of Nursing Home Administrators for license renewals.

* Senate Bill 191: Allows the Public Service Commission to publish electronically.

* Senate Bill 234: Requires an applicant for a marital and family therapist license to possess a graduate degree and from an accredited therapy program.

* Senate Bill 237: Exempts certain telecommunications companies from Public Service Commission price caps.

* Senate Bill 287: Modifies Missouri's captive insurance law.

* Senate Bill 306: Allows the Board of Pharmacy to test the drugs possessed by licensees.

* Senate Bill 324: Regulates the sale of travel insurance.

* Senate Bill 325: Modifies the law relating to residential real estate loan reporting.

* Senate Bill 329: Modifies the definition of eggs.

* Senate Bill 376: Allows hospital districts to permit higher education institutions to use space for health care education/training.

Vetoed

* Senate Bill 60: Modifies the law regarding reinsurance.

* Senate Bill 350: Eliminates the renter's portion of the Senior Citizens Property Tax Credit while creating the Missouri Senior Services Protection Fund

It is an honor to serve the 51st District in the Missouri House of Representatives. Each week I will issue a capitol report to keep you informed of activities in Jefferson City. Any concerns or issues you might have are of great interest to me. I look forward to your input and thoughts, so please feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions, concerns, or ideas to improve our state government and the quality of life for all Missourians. My telephone number is 573-751-2204 or you may contact me by email at dean.dohrman@house.mo.gov. Thank you for working me to make Missouri a great place to live.