Capitol Report August 24th, 2017

Will Hooten is an Eagle Scout candidate who decided to build an informational kiosk for the Trails End Plaza on the Missouri State Fair Grounds. This trailhead which is part of the Katy Trail State Park System will be connected to the American Discovery Trail from coast to coast bringing visitors from around the country and the world.

The Boy Scout Troop 66 also took part in this project. Additional aid came from Will’s parents Nate and Tonja Hooten, who were instrumental in providing labor and arranging volunteers for the construction phase of the kiosk. The kiosk has benches for rest and enjoyment of the Katy Trail and plaza. Educational maps include an updated map of all of the Missouri State Parks, the newest statewide map of Missouri Trails, an updated map of the Missouri State Fairgrounds, an updated map of Sedalia for services and travel needs, a unique historical map and history of Pettis County, and a national map of native Indian tribal areas - Will Hooten the Eagle Scout is a member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and thought it was a good way to honor native Americans.

During the eclipse festivities on Monday, the kiosk was dedicated and officially became part of the plaza. It was my pleasure to attend the ceremony and congratulate Will and his parents.

In other news, you most likely heard that Missouri State Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal made some inflammatory comments toward President Donald Trump recently on social media that has sparked an uproar from many local, state, and federal officials asking Senator Chappelle-Nadal to resign. The senator did issue an apology, but, thus far, has refused to resign. Earlier this week, Lt. Governor Mike Parson issued a press release following Senator Chappelle-Nadal’s removal from her Senate Committees by Minority Leader Gina Walsh.

In his press release, Lt. Governor Parson stated, “I am calling on the Missouri Senate to go into special session in conjunction with Veto Session, with the purpose of expelling Senator Chappelle-Nadal from the body under the authority vested to the Senate under Article III, Section 18 of the Missouri Constitution. I do not make this request of you lightly, but you and I know it is the right course of action to take for the people of Missouri.”

This is certainly a very unique situation, but in my opinion, the senator stepped over the line with her comments. The House’s role in this will be to hold a concurrent session as the whole of the General Assembly must be in session for any action to be taken. The motions and voting involving the senator will occur only in the Senate.

Finally, as promised, this week includes four additional TAFP’d bills summarized below. More TAFP’d bill summaries will follow in the weeks to come. Before Veto Session in September, the governor’s actions on all bills will be reviewed.

Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed Bills

SB 182 (Signed by Governor: 5/30) - Modifies provisions of law relating to project labor agreements (PLAs)

Current law prohibits the state, or any agency or instrumentality of the state, from requiring, or prohibiting, bidders from entering into agreements with labor organizations when entering into contracts for the construction of public projects funded by more than 50 percent by the state. This act removes the 50 percent funding threshold and further prohibits the state, any agency, or political subdivision, or instrumentality of the state from requiring, or prohibiting, bidders from entering into agreements with labor organizations when entering into contracts for the construction, repair, remodeling, or demolition of a facility. Discrimination against such bidders is also prohibited. Moreover, the state, any agency, political subdivision, or instrumentality of the state, shall not encourage or give preferential treatment to bidders who enter or refuse to enter into agreements with a labor organization.

SB 222 (Signed by Governor: 6/28) - Modifies provisions relating to motorized vehicles

This act allows agricultural machinery and implements to be operated on state highways between sunset and sunrise so long as such vehicles are equipped with certain lighting. This act modifies the definition of "autocycle" to include partially or completely enclosed vehicles with a non-straddle type seating area. This act also removes statutory requirements for certain safety features, and instead requires that the vehicle meet applicable National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requirements or federal motorcycle safety standards. Also, this act provides that lamps, lights, and other pieces of vehicle lighting equipment that consist of multiple light-emitting diodes shall be deemed to be operating properly so long as at least 75 percent of the light-emitting diodes are operating properly.

SB 225 (Signed by Governor: 6/29) - Creates a statewide license for electrical contractors

This act creates a statewide license for electrical contractors, which shall be issued by the Division of Professional Registration. Any person who is operating as an electrical contractor in a political subdivision that does not require the contractor to hold a local license is not required to possess a statewide license. However, each corporation, firm, institution, organization, company, or representative thereof who engages in electrical contracting must have a least one statewide licensed electrical contractor employed at a supervisory level. Electrical contractors who hold a license that was issued by an authority in the State of Missouri prior to January 1, 2018, and that required the passing of a nationally accredited written examination based upon the National Electrical Code and completion of twelve thousand hours of practical experience shall be issued a statewide license.

SB 240 (Signed by Governor: 6/29) - Modifies provisions relating to transportation

This act allows the assessed valuation of any tractor or trailer owned by a corporation and used in interjurisdictional commerce to be apportioned to Missouri based on the average per vehicle distance chart provided under the International Registration Plan, or any other reasonable source of distance data, when historical distance records are unavailable. This act also provides that 2-year colleges shall qualify for substantially the same road signs as traditional 4-year colleges, irrespective of differences in student housing or types of degrees offered.

Moreover, current law allows repeat DUI offenders required to have an ignition interlock device installed on his or her vehicle to apply for an exemption to allow him or her to operate a vehicle owned by his or her employer. Such variances shall not be granted where the offender is self-employed or owns the business entity that owns the vehicle.

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 with me to make Missouri a great place to live.