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, Sept. 21, 2017

Posted Thursday, September 21, 2017, at 3:37 PM

Unfortunately, misunderstanding is a part of politics. When this occurs, I believe it is best to step in front, and explain matters, which is how I will begin this Capitol Report.

Recently, the Chair of the Policy Development Caucus toured the state gathering feedback from Missourians about road funding options. I am a part of this committee and expressed some concerns about some of these options, but Representative Messenger wanted to seek some true input from taxpayers about several different paths for funding. These are options, and at his meetings he treated them as such. At least at the regional meeting I attended, he gave no endorsement of any option, he only gave information and distributed surveys to gain the thoughts of Missouri taxpayers. Apparently, some people believe he might be giving the PDC blessings to some of these options, specifically giving lettered highways to counties. This is not the case.

Let me say here, that I do not endorse any particular option expressed in these meeting, but I am opposed to toll roads, and reverting lettered highways back to counties. Toll roads would require federal as well as state action, and does not enjoy a great deal of support around the state. Also, I consider such a move to be economically detrimental to the 51st District. The option for reverting lettered highways to counties has never appealed to me as a county resident, and as a representative I don’t believe it is financially feasible. Finally, REVERTING LETTERED HIGHWAYS to the counties is the LEAST FAVORED OPTION among those presented at Representative Messenger’s meetings. More on this subject in the near future!

Finally, with Veto Session officially over and, as mentioned last week, HCB 3 was the only bill the House decided to take up on the Floor. Ultimately, the veto of HCB 3 was not overridden, but House and Senate leadership have committed themselves to formulating a fiscally responsible plan that will ensure services are maintained for those in need. The annual Veto Session was the final opportunity of the year to enact law despite the governor’s objections. Other vetoed bills that were not brought up last week were HB 850, HCR 19, HB 5, HB 6, HB 9, and Senate Bills 65 and 128. These bills are discussed in detail below.

Vetoed Bills That Were Eligible for Override, but No Action Taken

House Appropriations Bills (HB 5, HB 6, HB 9)

The governor line item vetoed an appropriations line in HB 5 for MOHEFA debt service and all related expenses associated with the Kansas City Music Conservatory project bonds. The veto was consistent with his veto of HCR 19.

The governor also vetoed $2,659,260 in HB 6 that was allocated for the State Environmental Improvement Authority Fund (SEIA). In vetoing the funds, the governor said the majority of the funds in the SEIA Fund should not be considered state resources located in the state treasury.

In HB 9, the governor line item vetoed $35.5 million allocated to the Inmate Canteen Fund. In issuing the veto, the governor said the funds are in a specifically named fund that is separate from the general revenue fund.

HB 850

HB 850 was approved by the General Assembly to change the law regarding military complaints against a commanding officer in the National Guard. Under current law, a member of the National Guard may file a complaint against his or her commanding officer with the governor or the Adjutant General. The bill approved by the legislature would have limited the filing of a complaint to the Adjutant General.

The governor vetoed the bill with the belief that the Missouri National Guard’s Commander-in-Chief should remain engaged in assisting guardsmen.

HCR 19

The General Assembly passed HCR 19 to authorize the issuance of public bonds for half of the financing of a new conservatory building at UMKC. The legislation would have allowed the issuance of $48 million in state bonds over 10 years for the $96 million project.

The governor vetoed the bill saying it was too costly to taxpayers. The governor said it was wrong that the bill would fall on Missouri families to pay.

SB 65

The legislature approved SB 65 to exempt vessels propelled by outboard jet motors and vessels not originally manufactured with adequate guards or railing from the provisions prohibiting passengers from riding in certain areas of a boat.

In vetoing the bill, the governor noted that SB 65 would have allowed passengers to ride on the bow and gunwales of boats with outboard jet motors and boats that were not originally manufactured with adequate guards or railings. The governor also pointed out law enforcement officers expressed serious concerns that removing the safety measures would cause a spike in injuries and deaths on larger waterways with more boats and more dangerous water conditions.

SB 128

The House and Senate approved SB 128 to modify various provisions regarding criminal offenses, the Attorney General, the Department of Revenue, child support and custody, trusts and estates, guardianships, judges, court surcharges, court reporter fees, and victims of crime.

The governor vetoed the bill saying it raises constitutional concerns, feared it could create troubling inconsistencies in state law, and could negatively impact Missouri taxpayers. He noted that the bill was originally conceived as a measure to modify a single provision regarding judicial proceedings, but the final bill spans 77 pages and impacts unrelated issues in 68 statutory sections.

SB 65

SB 128

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.