Missouri Legislature heads for its big finale, with tax cuts, other issues in play

There’s only one week left for Missouri lawmakers to get legislation priorities across the finish line — and the biggest and most controversial issues remain undone.

Republicans are still eyeing tax cuts, tougher regulations on labor unions and a whole host of policies that must get done before the constitutionally mandated adjournment at 6 p.m. Friday.

Here’s a rundown of some of the key issues that could define the 2018 session’s final week.

Child marriage: A bill that would establish 15 as the minimum age to get a marriage license in Missouri cleared the House in February and a Senate committee in March. It is eligible for debate in the Senate and, if approved, would go to the governor for his signature or veto.

Right to work: A bill that would move a union-backed referendum vote on whether to repeal Missouri’s right-to-work law from the November ballot to the August ballot cleared the Senate and is expected to move quickly through the House.

A proposed amendment that would cement right to work in the state constitution is speeding through the House at the last minute after an effort to put the language on the ballot using an initiative petition failed.

Tax cuts: Two bills are moving toward passage, but each may have to go through another round of approval because of differences between House and Senate positions. A bill sponsored by Sen. Andrew Koenig, R-St. Louis County, would cut individual and corporate rates; a bill brought by House Speaker Pro Tem Elijah Haahr, R-Springfield, would focus on individual rates. Critics worry the cuts could harm the state’s budget.

Transportation funding: When Republicans began working toward a tax cut this session, they wanted to boost revenue for the state’s roads, which the Missouri Department of Transportation says are behind by $825 million on high-priority needs alone. But proposed hikes to the gas tax or licensing fees have been stripped from the bills, and none of the standalone gas tax hikes has passed either chamber.

Tort reform: The Senate is poised to pass a wide-ranging bill that includes limits on plaintiffs’ ability to sue individually or in class-action lawsuits under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, a law that prohibits deceptive and unfair business practices. Another bill that passed the House and a Senate committee would reduce the time a person has to sue for damages if they are injured by a product.

Lobbyist gift ban: The House passed a ban on individual lawmakers accepting gifts from lobbyists in January. It also has cleared a Senate committee. A proposed constitutional amendment that would ban all gifts to elected officials has passed the Senate and a House committee.

Sunshine Law: In April, the House passed a bill that would give the attorney general more authority to enforce the Sunshine Law, including civil investigative demands, which function like a subpoena. The bill has been assigned to a Senate committee but has yet to get a hearing.

Medical marijuana: Medical marijuana would be legal for Missourians with terminal or debilitating illnesses under a bill passed by the House in May. It was assigned to a Senate committee but has yet to get a hearing.

Public employee unions: A bill requiring most public employee unions to acquire written permission from members annually before any union dues can be withheld from their paychecks has cleared the House and a Senate committee. It also would require these unions to get permission from employees before spending union dues on political campaigns.

Missouri Nondiscrimination Act: LGBT Missourians would be protected from being fired, denied housing or discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Two bills were filed early in the session, but they weren’t assigned to a House committee until last week. This is the 20th year lawmakers have attempted to pass such protections in Missouri.

Guns: A provision that would allow for the arming of schoolteachers made its way onto an omnibus education bill in the House. It would allow school districts to designate a “school protection officer” and authorize them to carry a gun or self-defense spray on school grounds. The Senate would have to agree to the changes made in the House for it to become law. A smattering of other gun bills, including one allowing guns in day cares, have yet to pass either chamber.

Abortion: The House and a Senate committee passed a bill banning abortions after a fetus is capable of feeling pain. It would shave the window to receive an abortion from 22 weeks to 20. Another bill would require a parent who has given written consent to a minor obtaining an abortion to also notify any other guardians in writing beforehand. It passed out of the House in February and cleared a Senate committee in April.

Whistleblower protections: A bill aimed at shielding government whistleblowers from retaliation passed the Senate last month and a House committee a few weeks later. It’s eligible for debate by the full House.

Historic preservation tax credit: The House and Senate have passed legislation lowering the cap for tax credits for rehabilitating historic buildings from $140 million to $90 million. A vote in the Senate would send the bill to the governor, but a filibuster has stalled its momentum.

State employees: Under the budget approved early this month, state employees will get a pay raise next year — $700 for anyone making under $70,000 or 1 percent for those making more — but they also may see their protections cut. A bill altering the “merit pay” system would make state workers “at-will” employees who can more easily be fired. The merit pay system is designed to employ effective state workers and insulate them from politics.

Charter schools: Bills expanding charters schools in Missouri stalled in the House, clearing the education committee but never coming up for a vote on the House floor. The Senate has made no moves on the issue.

This story was originally published May 11, 2018 at 3:23 PM with the headline "Missouri Legislature heads for its big finale, with tax cuts, other issues in play."