JUNE 22, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson signed four bills into law. 

SB 6 - Relating to Insurance:

Modifies statutory provisions regarding insurance, including making association health plans more accessible, clarifying protections and responsibilities of insurers and consumers in group policies, and ensuring continued National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) accreditation and best practice standards in Missouri related to reinsurance.

For more information on SB 6, click here.

SB 176 - Emerging Technologies:

Creates statutory definitions and operational frameworks for food delivery platforms (FDP) and personal delivery devices (PDDs) in Missouri. 

For more information on SB 176, click here.

HB 476 - Professional Licensure:

Allows members of the military or veterans to use their military experience or training towards a relevant occupational license. This legislation also enacts the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact and modifies other provisions related to professional licensure. 

For more information on HB 476, click here.

HB 273 - Professional Licensure:

Adopts several of the same provisions relating to professional licensure as HB 476, updates the Uniform Athlete Agents Act, and clarifies that the sole act of shampooing does not require state licensure.

For more information on HB 273, click here.

Photos of today's bill signings can be found on Governor Parson's Flickr page. 

JUNE 21, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, during a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson warned of the detrimental consequences to Missourians if the Federal Reimbursement Allowances (FRA) and related programs were not extended. The FRA and related programs provide critical funding to MO HealthNet and must be extended before cost-savings measures are needed on July 1. 

"If political maneuvering over extending this program persists, the FY22 budget passed in early May will be in direct conflict with our state’s financial reality come July 1," said Governor Parson. "My administration will be forced to close a nearly $1.4 billion funding gap over the next two years, which means budget restrictions will have to be made across state government."

The Fiscal Year 2022 operating budget includes estimated revenue from the FRA program and other allowances, taxes, and assessments to fund primary components of the MO HealthNet program. Failure to extend these programs would cost the state of Missouri an estimated $591 million in FY22 and $788 million in FY23. Payments from the MO HealthNet program would also be reduced by $1.52 billion in FY22 and $2 billion in FY23 if these programs are not extended.

“Some members of the General Assembly have expressed concern about certain health care coverages that are allowed through MO HealthNet that they believe are not Pro-Life. While I disagree with their assertions, a potential call would allow the opportunity for legislators to address these concerns,” said Governor Parson. “Let me be clear: I am Pro-Life. I have supported Pro-Life measures my whole career, and I always will. However, we cannot allow narrow political interests to hold hostage vital health care funding and the success of our economy." 

"After July 1 it will be too late, so this is the final opportunity to extend the FRA during a special session. We will continue to work with House and Senate leadership to come to a resolution before noon tomorrow when a decision must be made," said Governor Parson. 

July 1 is the deadline before budget restrictions and vetoes must be made in order to ensure a balanced budget. Restrictions would have detrimental impacts on state agencies and all Missourians. Budget restrictions and vetoes would include withholds to higher education, K-12 education, social services, health care services, and transportation, among others.

For a more complete list of potential restrictions and affected institutions, click here. 

JUNE 16, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson filled five county office vacancies. 

Densil Allen Jr., of Knob Noster, was appointed as the Johnson County Presiding Commissioner.

Dr. Allen is a former veterinarian and owned and operated Warrensburg Animal Hospital until his retirement. He has also owned and operated Allen’s Auction Service and taught animal science courses at the University of Central Missouri. Dr. Allen has served as a board member for Central Bank of Warrensburg, an advisory board member for the Warrensburg FFA, and the president of West Central Electric Cooperative board. He is also a member of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, National Cattlemen’s Association, and American Quarter Horse Association. Dr. Allen earned a Bachelor of Science in animal husbandry and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Sonja Childers, of Rolla, was appointed as the Phelps County Circuit Clerk.

Ms. Childers has 17 years of experience in the Phelps County Courthouse and recently served as Chief Deputy and Principal Clerk for the Phelps County Circuit Court. She has also served as the Secretary to the 25th Judicial Circuit Presiding Judge. She is a member of the Missouri Professional Association of Court Clerks and holds a Missouri Real Estate License. In 2014, she participated in the Institute for Court Management-Court Performance Standards, hosted by the National Center for State Courts. Ms. Childers graduated from Drury University with a Bachelor of Business Administration.

Jamie Kaylor, of Ewing, was appointed as the Lewis County Circuit Clerk.

Ms. Kaylor currently serves as the Interim Lewis County Circuit Clerk. Previously she served as Deputy Lewis County Circuit Clerk and as a Certified Court Administrator for the City of LaGrange. She has also served as Historian and Region 3 Director for the Missouri Association for Court Administration. Ms. Kaylor received a Court Administration Certificate and Advanced Court Administration Certificate from Missouri State University.

Carla Markt, of Oregon, was appointed as the Holt County First District Commissioner.

Ms. Markt served as the Holt County First District Commissioner from 2016 until her retirement in 2020 when she chose not to seek re-election. She has also previously served as the Holt County Assessor and Holt County Floodplain Coordinator. Ms. Markt is a member of the Missouri River Recovery and Implementation Committee and is a past member of the Missouri Assessor’s Association. 

David Stubblefield, of Alton, was appointed as the Oregon County Presiding Commissioner.

Mr. Stubblefield is the owner and operator of Stubblefield Farms, a cow/calf operation in Alton. Previously, he co-owned and operated Stubblefield Implement - a John Deere implement dealership. Mr. Stubblefield received the Oregon County Farm Family of the Year award in 2017. He currently serves as the Chair of the Oregon County Soil & Water Board and is a former member of the FCS Financial Board of Directors. He previously served on the Oregon County Fair Board and Oregon County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.

JUNE 15, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson signed HB 271 into law, which establishes greater accountability for local leaders when imposing public health orders and prohibits local COVID-19 vaccine passports. 

“This legislation I am signing today requires local leaders to be more transparent in their reasoning and accountable for their decisions when it comes to public health orders,” Governor Parson said. “It also prohibits local, publicly funded entities from requiring a vaccine passport in order for residents to use public services, and while we encourage all Missourians to get vaccinated against COVID-19, it is not the government's job to force them.” 

Under HB 271, political subdivisions may only issue public health orders that directly or indirectly restrict access to businesses, churches, schools, or other places of assembly for 30 calendar days in a 180-day period when the governor has declared a state of emergency. Orders may be extended more than once with a simple majority vote by the local governing body. 

If a state of emergency has not been issued by the governor, political subdivisions may only issue orders that limit access to businesses, churches, schools, or other places of assembly for 21 calendar days in a 180-day period. These orders may be extended more than once with a two-thirds vote by the local governing body. 

Additionally, HB 271 prohibits county or municipal governments that receive public funds from requiring documentation of COVID-19 vaccination in order for residents to access transportation systems or other public services. 

"We appreciate the leadership of Senator Sandy Crawford and Representative John Wiemann in working to get this legislation passed," Governor Parson said.

To view HB 271, click here.

JUNE 14, 2021

On Tuesday, June 15, Governor Parson will participate in a donation presentation with the Missouri Primary Care Association (MPCA) to The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri on behalf of state employees who helped address food insecurity during the pandemic. Additionally, he and the First Lady will host Fort Leonard Wood leaders at the Governor's Mansion for lunch.

Governor Parson will also sign HB 271. A press release and photos will be provided.

On Thursday, June 17, Governor Parson will give the keynote address at The American Legion Missouri Boys State after participating in the swearing-in of Boys State statewide elected officers. 

On Friday, June 18, Governor Parson will speak at the closing ceremony for the Branson National Law Enforcement Week organization. 

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Governor Parson to participate in MPCA donation presentation

          When:     9:30 - 9:45 a.m.

          Where:    1310 E. McCarty St., Jefferson City, MO 65101    

          Media:    Open

Thursday, June 17, 2021

Governor Parson will give the keynote address at American Legion Missouri Boys State 

          When:     7:00 p.m.

          Where:    University of Central Missouri (Hendricks Hall)

                           208 East South St., Warrensburg, MO 64093       

          Media:    Closed

Friday, June 18, 2021

Governor Parson to speak at Branson National Law Enforcement Week closing ceremony

          When:     7:00 p.m.

          Where:    Showboat Branson Belle

                           4800 MO-165 Branson, MO 65616   

          Media:    Closed

JUNE 14, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson signed HB 85 into law, establishing the Second Amendment Preservation Act in Missouri. 

“Throughout my law enforcement career and now as Governor of the state of Missouri, I have and always will stand for the Constitution and our Second Amendment rights,” Governor Parson said. “This legislation today draws a line in the sand and demonstrates our commitment to reject any attempt by the federal government to circumvent the fundamental right Missourians have to keep and bear arms to protect themselves and their property.”

HB 85 prohibits state and local cooperation with federal officials that attempt to enforce any laws, rules, orders, or actions that violate the Second Amendment rights of Missourians. These protections against federal overreach are triggered if federal officials attempt to violate the state or federal constitution.

Additionally, the bill is an acknowledgment that the right to keep and bear arms is fundamental and inalienable, and that the nation's federalist constitutional structure limits the federal government's authority over states.

Under HB 85, any person or entity who knowingly deprives Missouri citizens of their right to bear arms - as protected by state and federal constitutions - will be liable for redress and monetary damages of $50,000 per occurrence. Local law enforcement’s ability to assist federal officials in other instances remains unchanged under this legislation.

“HB 85 puts those in Washington D.C. on notice that here in Missouri we support responsible, law-abiding gun owners, and that we oppose government overreach and any unlawful efforts to limit our access to firearms,” Governor Parson said.

For more information on HB 85, click here.

JUNE 10, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson signed SCR 7 and HB 574 into law. 

“I am happy to sign these two pieces of legislation into law today, and I want to give a special thank you to Senator Dan Hegeman, Representative Rusty Black, Senator Jeanie Riddle, and Representative Kent Haden for their respective work on these bills,” Governor Parson said. “SCR 7 takes a critical step toward ensuring Missourians in the North Central region will always have a clean, quality, and sustainable source of water, and HB 574 protects producers and supports Missouri's agriculture industry.”

SCR 7 expresses support for up to $24 million in state funds to support the 2,300 acre East Locust Creek Reservoir project in Sullivan County, sponsored by the North Central Missouri Regional Water Commission.

For more information on SCR 7, click here.

HB 574 prevents third parties from inspecting certain agriculture production facilities. It limits agriculture inspection authority to only those with statutory and regulatory reason to do so, including the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, United States Department of Agriculture, and county sheriffs.

For more information on HB 574, click here.

Governor Parson will ceremonially sign SCR 7 in Milan and HB 574 in Trenton later this afternoon. 

JUNE 9, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson released the following statement regarding the passing of Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Carol S. Comer: 

“We are greatly saddened and heartbroken to hear of Director Comer’s passing. Carol was an extremely talented and accomplished leader, and the entire state of Missouri grieves alongside her friends and family. Carol brought expertise, energy, and an enthusiastic smile to every project, and she will be deeply missed among our cabinet and in the thousands of lives that she touched. She was a dedicated public servant who loved this state, its people, and the great outdoors. We could not have asked for a better advocate for Missouri’s natural resources. Teresa and I will keep Carol’s loved ones in our prayers as we mourn the loss of this extraordinary individual.”

JUNE 8, 2021

Jefferson City — GLOBALFOUNDRIES® (GF®), the global leader in feature-rich semiconductor manufacturing, and GlobalWafers Co., Ltd. (GWC), one of the top silicon wafer manufacturers in the world, today announced an $800 million agreement to add 300mm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer manufacturing and expand existing 200mm SOI wafer production at GWC’s MEMC facility in O’Fallon, Missouri. 

“We’re proud to see a Missouri business step up to address the critical semiconductor need we are seeing in countless industries all across our state and nation,” said Governor Mike Parson. “MEMC’s expansion will strengthen the global semiconductor supply chain, promote American manufacturing, and support good-paying jobs right here in Missouri.”

The silicon wafers produced by GWC are key input materials for semiconductors and an integral part of GF’s supply chain. The wafers are used in GF’s multi-billion dollar manufacturing facilities, or fabs, where they are used to manufacture the computer chips that are pervasive and vital to the global economy. Today’s announcement expands GF’s domestic silicon wafer supply from the United States.

In particular, the 300mm wafers made at GWC’s MEMC site in Missouri will be used at GF’s most advanced manufacturing facility, Fab 8 in Malta, New York, and the 200mm wafers made at the Missouri site will be used at GF’s Fab 9 in Essex Junction, Vermont. These wafers will be used to create feature-rich semiconductor solutions to meet the sharply growing demand for GF’s advanced RF technologies across a range of applications including 5G smartphones, wireless connectivity, automotive radar, and aerospace.

The long-term agreement includes nearly $210 million in capital expenditures to expand GWC’s MEMC facility in Missouri, and will create more than 75 new jobs. The 300mm pilot line is on track to be completed in Q4 this year. The agreement is strengthened by $9.4 million in investments and support from the State of Missouri, as well as support from the City of O’Fallon, Ameren Missouri, Spire, and Greater St. Louis, Inc.

GF is investing $1.4 billion in 2021 alone to expand its manufacturing capacity, to meet the needs of customers and address the growing global demand for computer chips. As part of this growth, GF will require an increased supply of wafers like those made by GWC. GWC is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of 200mm SOI wafers and has a long and ongoing relationship with GF for supplying 200mm SOI wafers. In February 2020, GWC and GF announced intentions to collaborate closely to significantly expand GWC’s existing 300mm SOI wafer manufacturing capacity. Today’s announcement signals a significant step forward in that collaboration.

Today’s announcement comes at a time when the United States is seeking to fortify and expand its semiconductor supply chain, which enables the $91 trillion world economy. Only 12 percent of the world’s semiconductor manufacturing capacity is in the United States. Critical to increasing the number of chips manufactured in the U.S., and making U.S. chip manufacturing more globally competitive, are federal investments like those enabled by the bipartisan-supported U.S. Innovation and Competition Act and the already passed CHIPS for America Act.

“Semiconductors are critical to our national security and economic competitiveness,” said U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri, an instrumental supporter of the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act. “The supply chain of these computer chips is highly complex and largely dominated by other countries. We need to begin making more chips at home to protect U.S. industries from chip shortages like we have seen in recent months. Today’s announcement is good news for semiconductor manufacturing and will create steady, good-paying, high-tech jobs for Missourians.”

“As a trusted semiconductor manufacturer and supplier to the U.S. government, and the world leader in RF semiconductor technology, GF has been leading the charge to accelerate U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and boost our capacity to meet the growing global demand for chips,” said GF CEO Tom Caulfield. “The kind of partnership we are announcing today with GWC is only possible thanks to Congressional leadership and the renewed national interest in growing U.S. semiconductor manufacturing capacity.”

“We are proud to deepen our strategic partnership with GF, and to expand our important role in the U.S. semiconductor supply chain,” said Doris Hsu, Chairman and CEO of GWC. “We thank the State of Missouri for its support. We also thank our incredible O’Fallon team, whose dedication and hard work have enabled our success and growth. We look forward to ramping up our 300mm pilot line this year, and accelerating our build-out with GF.”

“For more than six decades, we have been the home of MEMC and its manufacturing of world class silicon wafers,” said O’Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy. “O’Fallon takes pride in providing a business and family-friendly environment with a high quality of life that supports MEMC’s success. We are thrilled by this new partnership between GlobalWafers and GLOBALFOUNDRIES and the positive impact it will have on our city, state and nation.”

GF employs more than 7,000 people across the U.S. Over the past 12 years the company has invested $15 billion in U.S. semiconductor development, and it is doubling its planned investment in 2021 to expand global capacity and support growing demand from the U.S. government and industry customers for secure processing and connectivity applications.

For more information on GLOBALFOUNDRIES, click here. 

JUNE 7, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson signed SB 63 into law, which creates a statewide prescription drug monitoring program in the state of Missouri. 

“Establishing a statewide prescription drug monitoring program has been a top priority for my administration, and I want to thank Senator Holly Rehder and Representative Travis Smith for working to get this landmark legislation across the finish line,” Governor Parson said. “SB 63 will help provide necessary information to health care professionals and empower them to make decisions that better serve their patients and assist in fighting the opioid epidemic in Missouri.”

SB 63 establishes the Joint Oversight Task Force of Prescription Drug Monitoring, responsible for collecting and maintaining the prescription and dispensation of prescribed controlled substances to patients within the state. 

This legislation will assist health care professionals in better monitoring the dispensation of opioids and other prescribed controlled substances to their patients. Similar statewide prescription drug monitoring programs have been adopted in every other state in the country, as well as the District of Columbia and Guam, in an effort to address the opioid epidemic occurring across the United States. 

Patient information is protected health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and will continue to be maintained as such in accordance with the federal law under SB 63. SB 63 further states that patient information is considered a closed record under state law and will not be provided to law enforcement agencies, prosecutorial officials, or regulatory bodies for purposes not allowed under HIPAA.

SB 63 also extends the expiration date of the RX Cares for Missouri Program to August 28, 2026. 

To view SB 63, click here.