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Friday, August 24, 2012

Legislative Process Comes Full Circle

From the desk of Senator David Pearce

We are just a few days away from Aug. 28, the date that most bills passed by the General Assembly during the legislative session and signed by the governor become law. This completes the legislative cycle for those bills whose journey began in January.

The reason Aug. 28 is the typical day for bills to take effect is that it is 90 days after the constitutional end of the legislative session (May 30). Occasionally, a bill will pass with an emergency clause, which means that it becomes effective upon receiving the governor’s signature. There are sometimes bills that have entirely different effective dates, like the beginning of the following year. This often occurs when the bill affects a state agency or another entity and time would be required to implement necessary changes.



A number of beneficial measures will be taking their places in the Missouri statutes next week. Among them were bills I had the honor of sponsoring or carrying for the House.

House Bill 1042 – This measure requires the creation of a transfer library of 25 core higher education classes to facilitate transfer among public two- and four-year institutions. It also requires the development of a reverse transfer process, allowing four-year students to return to previously attended two-year schools to obtain a diploma. I ushered this bill through the Senate.

House Bill 1577 – Requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to ensure that Missouri school districts implement certain criteria relating to the transfer and placement of foster children between districts to better facilitate student success. I was honored to carry this bill in the Senate.

House Bill 1661 – Defines, for purposes of the current state income tax deduction for small businesses that create new jobs, a small business as a sole proprietorship or partnership, S- or C-corporations, limited liability corporation or partnership, or any other business with less than 50 employees. I handled this bill in the upper chamber.

House Bill 1680 – Renames the Heroes at Home program to the Show-Me Heroes program. The measure provides financial assistance to military families in need, among other provisions. I handled this bill in the Senate.

House Bill 1909 - Amends laws regarding aviation, including extending the exemption of the sales and use tax on common carriers transporting and selling aviation jet fuel from Dec. 31, 2013, to Dec. 31, 2023. This will help our rural airports in the 31st District. I was pleased to usher this bill through the Senate.

These bills are merely a cross-section of the legislation that will be set in place to benefit not only the 31stSenatorial District, but will also help create a stronger Missouri. For a list of all measures passed by the General Assembly that received action by the governor, please visit www.senate.mo.gov and click on “Governor’s Action on Truly Agreed Bills” link under the “Legislation” tab.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.

Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31st State Senatorial District.

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