JUNE 30, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, during a signing ceremony at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson signed seven pieces of legislation into law, including House Bill (HB) 2116, which establishes the No Patient Left Alone Act. 

"We appreciate the efforts by Representative Rusty Black and Senator Bill White to get HB 2116 passed and sent to my desk," Governor Parson said. "No individual should ever be isolated when in critical care at hospitals or care facilities, and we are happy to sign this legislation to ensure that they won't be." 

HB 2116 - Creates visitation standards for hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities: 

Allows a resident or patient in health care facility in-person contact with a compassionate care visitor during visiting hours.  

“HB 2116 is an essential piece of legislation that will protect the rights of patients by allowing their loved ones to be present during their stay at a hospital or long-term care facility,” State Representative Rusty Black said. 

"The Essential Caregiver and No Patient Left Alone acts are designed to protect patients and residents in care facilities so they never have to face the prospect of being isolated from loved ones or caregivers while providing support for our health care facilities against federal mandates,"  State Senator Bill White said.

SB 710 - Modifies provisions related to health care:

• Requires school nurses to have individualized health care plans in place to respond to students with epilepsy and other seizure disorders. It also requires school nurses to complete seizure-response training every two years;
• Allows contracted agents of a school to be trained by the school nurse and administer epinephrine during times of need; and
• Establishes various awareness weeks and days. 

HB 2331 - Repeals various provisions relating to health and licensing requirements:

• Modifies provisions relating to health care facility inspections and surveys; and
• Makes changes to the Organ Donor Program to increase education and awareness efforts and enable fund diversification to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability.

HB 2168 - Modifies provisions relating to insurance:

• Adds an automation adjustment to unemployment taxes, along with an equal tax offset, to fund software maintenance for the State’s unemployment insurance system; and 
• Expands the use of medical retainer agreements to include dentists and chiropractors.  

HB 1662 - Changes statute regarding restrictive covenants and deeds:

• Requires the removal of antiquated references to race, color, religion, or national origin from any deed when being recorded after August 28, 2022.

SB 758 -  Modifies provisions relating to bidding procedures for certain public projects and facilities:

• Allows the Office of Administration to utilize the Construction Manager at Risk and Design-Build procurement models for public projects, potentially decreasing cost and increasing efficiency.

SB 886 - Modifies provisions relating to trusts and cemetery trust funds.

For more information on the specifics of each bill signed, visit House.mo.gov, Senate.mo.gov, or click here.

Photos from today's bill signings will be available on Governor Parson's Flickr page.

JUNE 29, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, during a signing ceremony at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson signed five pieces of legislation into law, including House Bill (HB) 1878, which modifies Missouri's election laws to strengthen election processes and voter confidence. 

"We are happy to be joined by Representative John Simmons and Senator Sandy Crawford to sign HB 1878 into law," Governor Parson said. "In 2020 and years prior, Missouri has conducted free, fair, and secure elections, but with changing technologies and new emerging threats, we want to ensure they remain that way. HB 1878 strengthens our election processes and gives Missourians confidence that their voices are being accurately and securely recorded at the ballot box."

HB 1878 - Modifies provisions regarding election law:

Requires all registered voters in Missouri to provide a photo ID to vote and repeals the use of mail-in ballots while allowing certain absentee ballots, strengthening the integrity of each citizen's vote. 

Additionally, HB 1878 makes several other modifications to state statute:

• Clarifies when voter rolls can be audited by the Secretary of State;
• Allows no excuse absentee voting in person at the local election authority starting two weeks prior to the election;
• Prohibits the use of ballot drop boxes for absentee ballots;
• Makes the paper ballot the official ballot and prohibits the use of electronic vote counting machines after January 1, 2024;
• Prevents local election authorities from accepting private donations, with limited exceptions;
• Requires all electronic voting machines to be "air gapped" or not directly connected to the internet; and 
• Adds several other provisions related to elections. 

"Our election system is a cornerstone of our Republic," State Representative John Simmons said. "Faith and confidence in the process is a solemn responsibility by voters themselves and those conducting elections.  A photo ID  requirement is but one common sense measure the vast majority of Missourians support."  

“I believe when HB 1878 becomes law Missourians can be assured that their votes will be counted correctly and there will be many safeguards in place to prevent voter fraud,” State Senator Sandy Crawford said. 

Additionally, Governor Parson signed SB 745, SB 820, HB 1606, and HB 1552. 

SB 745 -  Modifies provisions relating to public utilities: 

• Protects the personal information of municipal utility customers from disclosure under the Sunshine Law;
• Expands certain utilities’ ability to apply to the Public Service Commissions for a one-time rate adjustment for rate variations caused by weather, conservation, or both outside of a general rate proceeding;
• Creates a legislative task force to review proper taxation on solar energy systems; and
• Establishes two discount rate options for new, large electric customers that project certain electric loads over 5 and 10 year periods. 

SB 820 - Modifies provisions relating to utilities:

• Exempts solar energy systems that are purchased and installed by a solar energy company from sales tax;
• Establishes the Office of Broadband Development in state law, including criteria and deliverables for the broadband grant program; and
• Prohibits deeds, covenants, or other binding agreements that limit or prohibit property owners from installing solar panels on their rooftops. 

HB 1606 - Changes the law regarding political subdivisions:

• Increases transparency and reduces administrative burdens on various taxing districts;
• Requires deeds to include the marital status of all grantors to prevent titling discrepancies and land title defects; and
• Conveys several state properties.

HB 1552 - Modifies provisions relating to funding for charter schools and requirements for virtual education:

• Makes changes to charter school funding;
• Modifies requirements on charter school board member qualifications, annual performance report publications, and lactation accommodations; and
• Amends the state’s Virtual School Program.

For more information on the specifics of each bill signed, visit House.mo.gov, Senate.mo.gov, or click here.

Photos from today's bill signing will be available on Governor Parson's Flickr page.

JUNE 27, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson signed Senate Bill (SB) 678 into law, increasing the Kansas City Police Department's (KCPD) budget from at least 20 percent of Kansas City's general revenue per fiscal year to 25 percent per fiscal year. 

"In Missouri, we defend our law enforcement officers who answer the call each and every day to protect and serve Missourians. We don't defund them," Governor Parson said. "With crime on the rise in cities across the country, we are signing SB 678 to ensure that the KCPD is receiving the necessary resources to support public safety and combat violent crime. We take pride in Missouri's cities, but we refuse to stand idly by and allow criminals to run free. With the help of law enforcement, the business community, and local partners, we are putting shared solutions to work to combat crime in our state."

Under current law, the City of Kansas City is required to provide at least 20 percent of its general revenue per fiscal year to the Kansas City Board of Police. SB 678 increases the required annual funding to the Board for the Kansas City Police Department to 25 percent of the City's general revenue funds per fiscal year.

"I’m grateful for Governor Parson standing with the brave men and women of the KCPD," State Senator Tony Luetkemeyer said. "At a time of historic high crime in Kansas City, we need to be supporting our police, not defunding them."

"It was a privilege to sponsor Senator Luetkemeyer’s bill in the Missouri House," State Representative Chris Brown said. "I will always work to support and promote law enforcement in our city. Safe streets translate to stronger communities, better schools, and a more promising business environment. However, it all starts with public safety and law enforcement."

To learn more about SB 678, click here.  

JUNE 23, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson signed Senate Bill (SB) 652 into law, which exempts 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets from Missouri state and local sales taxes. 

"We are thrilled that Kansas City has been chosen as a host city for the 2026 World Cup, and we are signing this legislation today to show our appreciation and fulfill our obligation as good hosts," Governor Parson said. "Not only will we welcome hundreds of thousands of fans but also hundreds of millions of dollars in investment to the Kansas City region and Missouri. Kansas City is at the heart of our nation's heartland and, as the only host city in the Midwest, will be a proud representative of Midwestern hospitality and our sports loving traditions. We look forward to welcoming the world to Kansas City to help deliver the largest World Cup in history." 

"The positive economic impact of this event will be felt throughout the entire state," Missouri Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo said. "As the only midwestern city selected, we have a great responsibility, and I know we'll rise to the occasion."

"This is such a huge accomplishment for our state and Kansas City," said Missouri State Representative Jon Patterson. "To think that people from all over the world are going to come to Kansas City to watch the World Cup is so exciting. I know we are up to the challenge for being a great host city."

SB 652 authorizes state and local sales tax exemptions on tickets sold to attend the 2026 FIFA Word Cup matches held in Kansas City. The sales tax exemption was a requirement for Kansas City to be selected a 2026 World Cup host city, which is expected to generate nearly $700 million in economic activity for the region. 

To learn more about SB 652, click here. 

JUNE 16, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, during a signing ceremony at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson signed six pieces of legislation into law, including Senate Bill (SB) 718, which establishes Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Week and promotes career and technical education, among other provisions.

"We are happy to be joined by Senator Washington and Representative Shields to sign SB 718 into law," Governor Parson said. "Missourians are proud that our state is home to two Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and this legislation will help bring awareness and deserving recognition to these institutions. Additionally, this bill helps us move forward with our workforce development goals to ensure Missouri has a skilled and capable labor force."

SB 718 - Designates HBCU Week and modifies provision regarding higher education:

Designates the third week of September as HBCU week to raise awareness of HBCUs in Missouri. This legislation also allows the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to assist students with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act application process, promoting career and technical education in Missouri. 

Additionally, SB 718 makes several other modifications to state statute:

• Creates a $3,000 maximum tax credit for physicians who provide preceptorship training to medical students;
• Establishes the "Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment Scholarship Act" and provides qualifying students a scholarship equal to the tuition and fees paid for dual enrollment courses;
• Requires Missouri high schools to offer a minimum of one computer science course to students;
• Allows postsecondary institutions and associated employees to assist with opportunities for student-athletes to earn compensation for their name, image, and likeness; 
• Creates the Workforce Diploma Program to help adults obtain a high school diploma;
• Requires public higher education institutions to post the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number on student ID cards;
• Requires Missouri public higher education institutions to grant course credit to any student who scores a three or higher on an advanced placement examination; and
• Provides bankruptcy protections for Missouri 529 college savings plans.

"What began as a bill to bring more awareness and attention to our two HBCUs has grown into a more impactful piece of legislation that will improve all of higher education," State Senator Barbara Washington said. "I'm proud to carry legislation that will make NILs easier for our athletes; that will provide more dual credit opportunities; and create the workforce diploma program for our high school graduates. I want to thank the Governor, Rep. Brenda Shields, and Rep. Kurtis Gregory for pulling this bill through."

“Provisions in this bill show the ongoing commitment of our medical professionals to ensure a healthy future for all Missourians," State Representative Brenda Shields said. "The preceptor tax credit is funded by physicians to help train tomorrow’s physicians."

SB 799 -  Modifies the offense of escaping from custody:

Adds to the offense of escaping from custody individuals who are held for parole or probation violations. 

HB 2162 - Opioid addiction treatment:

• Allows the Department of Health and Senior Services Director to issue a standing order for Naltrexone; and
• Allows the Department of Corrections and Judiciary to use the Opioid Addiction Fund if appropriated by the General Assembly. 

SB 725 - Modifies provision relating to ground ambulance services:

• Prohibits a newly elected ambulance board member from running for reelection if they do not attend ambulance board member training; and
• Modifies the Ground Ambulance Reimbursement Allowance to allow ambulance districts to maintain up to $10 million in provider tax funding coming into the state.

HB 1472 - Modifies provisions relating to the offense of money laundering:

Changes state money laundering statute to account for new technologies, including cryptocurrencies. This will also give prosecutors more tools to combat human trafficking in the state. 

SB 655 - Modifies provisions relating to Missouri Local Government Employees' Retirement System:

Allows political subdivisions to elect to cover emergency telecommunications, jailors, and Emergency Management Services employees under the LAGERS retirement system. 

Photos from today's bill signing will be available on Governor Parson's Flickr page.

JUNE 12, 2022

Jefferson City — Tonight, during the Missouri Cattlemen's Association's annual Steak Fry Dinner, Governor Mike Parson signed House Bill (HB) 2005 into law. HB 2005 expands protections under the law for Missouri's farm and ranch families in certain eminent domain proceedings.  

"We are happy to join the Missouri Cattlemen's Association, farmers, and ranchers from across the state to sign this long-awaited legislation into law," Governor Parson said. "As a farmer myself, I understand the importance of strong property rights and that no farmer wants to be forced from the family farm by the government or anyone else. That's why we are signing HB 2005. This legislation provides fair protections for our farm families, tightens the use of eminent domain, and ensures the interests of Missouri farmers are always considered and balanced with the public good." 

HB 2005 contains several provisions that modify state statute as it relates to the use of eminent domain by certain electrical utilities: 

• Electrical corporations must have a substation or converter station in Missouri that provides an amount of energy proportional to the length of their transmission line within the state;
• Electrical corporations must secure necessary financial commitments within seven years of when an involuntary easement is obtained or the easement must be returned to the original title holder without repayment to the utility;
• The compensation rate for agricultural or horticultural land is increased to 150 percent of the fair market value, which is determined by the court; and
• In condemnation proceedings where disinterested commissioners are appointed, at least one member must be a local farmer who has operated in the county for at least 10 years. 

“This bill is about the farmers and ranchers from across our great state that travel to Jefferson City and beat the halls of the Capitol weekly," said State Senator Jason Bean. "These farm families have made their case for years and with the expected approval of more electric transmission projects, the time for property rights reform was absolutely now. We appreciate the leadership of Missouri's Ag groups who helped pursue a fair negotiating position. Missourians shouldn't have to spend their hard earned money on legal fees trying to get a fair price for their land; their livelihood, which simply isn’t for sale.”

“We embrace economic development, especially when it comes to improving our electrical grid,” said State Representative Mike Haffner, “But we will not do it on the backs of Missouri farmers, ranchers, and the Missouri agricultural industry."

“Keeping the farm in the family is important to me, Governor Parson, and the entire agriculture community,” said Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “It is important to protect all opportunities for the next generation to return to farms and ranches across Missouri.”

For more information on HB 2005, visit House.mo.gov or click here. 

JUNE 10, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced two appointments to the Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority and filled one county office vacancy. 

Cheston Easter, of Princeton, was appointed as the Mercer County First District Commissioner.

Mr. Easter currently serves as the Commodity Manager for Albertsons Companies. Previously, he served as the Director of Operations & Programs Management for AgriThority and as a Managing Member for Bar E Farms LLC. Mr. Easter was also the Director of Global Raw Materials Procurement for ABInBev in New York and a Marketing Research Analyst for Pioneer Hi-bred International Inc. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in agricultural economics from the University of Missouri–Columbia. Mr. Easter earned a second Master of Science in Business Administration from Saint Louis University.

Leah Reynolds Harris, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority.

Ms. Harris currently serves as the Senior Vice President and Treasury Management Officer of PNC Bank, a position she has held since 2008. Prior to working with PNC Bank, she served in various roles with Bank of America, including Vice President and Treasury Management Officer, Assistant Vice President and Treasury Management Analyst, Managing Recruiter, and Branch Manager. Ms. Harris earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Stephens College.

Phillip Torrisi, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority.

Mr. Torrisi has owned and served as president of Torrisi Plumbing Services, Inc. for nearly 30 years. He is board member for Piazza Imo On the Hill in St. Louis and the St. Louis Italian Open for Children's Charities. He also serves on the board of directors for Enterprise Bank. Mr. Torrisi is a member of the St. Ambrose Maintenance and Conservation Committee and is a coach and sponsor for Spensa Soccer. 

SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

Jefferson City — On Tuesday, August 31, 2021, Governor Mike Parson granted 12 pardons and approved one commutation pursuant to Article IV, Section 7 of the Constitution of the State of Missouri. Official documents have been filed with the appropriate government agencies and are being sent to the individuals.

To review the names of the individuals granted clemency, please see attached. Governor Parson has instructed his legal team to continue reviewing clemency files and working to reduce the backlog inherited by his administration.

8-31-2021 Pardons.pdf

JUNE 7, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, during a signing ceremony at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson signed seven pieces of legislation into law, including HB 2149, which modifies provisions relating to professional licensing.

HB 2149 - Modifies Provisions Related to Professional Licensing:

Exempts military employees and contractors participating in the Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program from Missouri occupational licensing requirements as long as they hold licensing in another state. Missouri will host IRT training in Shannon County at the end of June. 

Additionally, HB 2149 makes several other statutory modifications:

• Aligns state statute with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for home health treatment plans and alleviates delays to home health service care;
• Allows individuals to take the land surveyor exam at any point after high school graduation;
• Allows the Missouri Dental Board to consider "Pilot Projects," that include new technologies or practices within the field of Dentistry;
• Allows students to take the Physical Therapists License exam up to 90 days before graduation; and
• Adds Missouri as a member of the Audiology & Speech Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC).

SB 987 - Relating to Gambling Boat Facilities:

Allows gambling facilities to be located within 1,000 feet of the main channel of the Missouri or Mississippi Rivers with approval from the Missouri Gaming Commission. 

HB 2365 - Early Learning Quality Assurance Program Extension:

Extends the sunset expiration on the Early Learning Quality Assurance Program to the end of 2028. 

HB 1725 - Lodging Establishments:

Updates statute to clarify hotel liability for lost guest property if stored in a safe or safe deposit box. Additionally, it removes the requirement for rates to be published in rooms if the rates are available online. 

HB 2416 - Motor Vehicle Dealer Sales Practices: 

Provides statutory clarification that motor vehicle dealers in Missouri can conduct certain transactions remotely.  

HB 1600 - Employees of the General Assembly:

Clarifies that the General Assembly does not need to pass an annual resolution to keep legislative staff employed during the interim period. 

HB 1697 - Cottage Food Production Operations:

Allows Missouri cottage food producers to exceed $50,000 in annual revenue and sell products online, as long as products are sold to purchasers in the state. 

Photos from today's bill signing will be available on Governor Parson's Flickr page.

JUNE 3, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced five appointments to various boards and commissions and filled two county office vacancies. 

William (Bill) Lovegreen, of Kirksville, was appointed to the Truman State University Board of Governors.

Mr. Lovegreen has owned and managed Lovegreen Ford Chrysler since 1988. Mr. Lovegreen has served as a past president of the Missouri Automobiles Association and continues to serve as a board member. He is a trustee of the Missouri Automobile Dealers Association Workers Compensation Trust. Mr. Lovegreen is the District Chairman of the Black Diamond District Boy Scouts of America and has been on the Salvation Army Advisory Board since 1993. He also served as a board member of the Kirksville Housing Authority for more than 20 years. Mr. Lovegreen earned his Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Missouri–Columbia.

Wendi McGhee, of Clinton, was appointed as the Henry County Circuit Clerk.

Ms. McGhee has served as a Court Program Specialist and Deputy Henry County Circuit Clerk for more than 25 years. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting from Central Missouri State University.

Dwight McNiel, of Ozark, was appointed to the Board of Private Investigator and Private Fire Investigator Examiners.

Mr. McNiel is licensed by the State of Missouri as a private investigator and is certified by the Missouri Department of Public Safety. He is a current member and past president of the Missouri Association of Private Investigators. Mr. McNiel has owned and operated Midwest Intelligence, Inc., a private investigation firm, since 1988. Mr. McNiel served as Christian County Sheriff from 1985 to 1988, Chief Deputy of the Christian County Sheriff’s Office from 1981-1984, and Interim Christian County Sheriff in 2015. Mr. McNiel earned an Associate of Science in criminal justice from Drury College.

Gary Newman, of Buckner, was appointed to the Amusement Ride Safety Board.

Mr. Newman is currently the Director of Maintenance and Construction at Worlds of Fun. Prior to working at Worlds of Fun, he served in various roles at Knott’s Berry Farm in California, including Ride & Electrical Maintenance Director, Manager, Supervisor, and Mechanic. Mr. Newman started his career in 2001 at Scandia Fun Center as the ride maintenance mechanic. 

Mark Ruether, of Jefferson City, was appointed as the Cole County Auditor.

Mr. Ruether has served as Chief Deputy Treasurer for the Cole County Treasurer's Office since 2016. Before joining the Cole County Treasurer's Office, he worked as a Professional Auditor for the Missouri State Auditor's Office for 33 years. Mr. Ruether earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Southwest Missouri State University.

Catina R. Shannon, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Lincoln University Board of Curators.

Ms. Shannon serves as the Director of  Government Relations for Ameren Missouri. She has been with Ameren Missouri since 2005, starting as a Legislative Representative. She has previously served as Conference Coordinator for the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus and Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs and Director of Constituent Affairs for the Office of Missouri Governor Bob Holden. She also served as Chief of Staff for late Missouri State Senator Paula J. Carter. Ms. Shannon earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and political science from Missouri Western State University and a Master of Public Administration from DeVry University–Keller School of Management.

Derek Winters, of St. Louis, was appointed to the St. Louis City Board of Election Commissioners.

Mr. Winters has been the Vice President of Sales for Willert Home Products since 2015 and previously served as the Vice President of Business Development. Prior to joining Willert Home Products, he worked at Prozess Technologie, Inc. as the Business Development Manager and Wunderlich Securities as an Equity Research Associate Analyst-Medical Devices. Mr. Winters graduated from Washington University in Saint Louis with a Bachelor of Arts in economics and a Master of Arts in international affairs.