2/15/19 - MSIA Legislative Report
| Published: | 02/15/2019 |
MSIA Members:
The House and Senate continued full hearing schedules during the week and found some time to perfect and Third Read several bill before adjourning for the weekend. Before adjourning the Senate passed the following bills. SB 20 sponsored by Senator Doug Libla, extends the expiration of a criminal court surcharge for the DNA profiling analysis from August 28, 2019, to August 28, 2029; SB 89, also handled by Senator Libla, dealing with licenses to operate motor vehicles; SB 6 by Senator David Sater modifies provisions relating to controlled substances, medical marijuana, and criminal provisions involving controlled substances; and SB 30 by Senator Onder relating to joint employers.
The House Third Read HB 182 by Representative Shull dealing with interest rates on insurance payments; HB 280 by Representative Ruth, dealing with railroad crossings; HB 108, by Representative Sommer relating to mental health awareness; and HCS HB 185 making changes to the Amber Alert System.
House sub-committee budget hearings will be wrapped up next week. Following completion of their work, the bills will be sent to the full Budget Committee for review, amending and approval. In recent years the House has tried to pass the budget bills to the Senate before leaving on legislative spring break. Spring Break is March 14-24 so they have a lot to get done before break.
Several Joint Resolutions were heard this week in the Senate trying to modify the law as it relates to filing and passing of initiative petitions. Many believe these were filed in response to initiatives recently passed by the voters dealing with Right to Work, Clean Missouri and minimum wages. They were not voted out of committee following the hearing but could be voted on next week.
Taxation continues to be an issue receiving lots of attention. The Speaker of the House has recently appointed a new sub-committee to look at internet sales tax collection. It is a source of potential new revenue and will get more attention being the focus of the sub-committee. The Senate has a number of bills filed to give corporate and personal income tax cuts. These are usually tied to other provisions which raise additional revenue from a variety of sources. If any bills move in the Senate having the potential to raise revenue, they will undoubtedly get into a discussion of corresponding tax cuts.
Several bills are scheduled for hearing next Thursday in the Senate Small Business and Industry Committee. SB 71 filed by Senator Justin Brown states no workers' compensation policy may be approved by the Department of Insurance if the premium to be paid by the employer includes as part of that payroll determination monetary bonuses paid by the employer of up to three percent of the employees annual compensation or contributions made to the employees individual retirement account. Also being heard in the same hearing is SB 156. This bill is supported by the Division of Workers' Compensation and changes the priority of payment for certain Second Injury Fund claims. Those claims would include death benefits incurred prior to January 1, 2014 and ongoing medical expenses relating to claims of injuries prior to January 1, 2014. The bill also puts in place a mechanism if group trusts or public entities become insolvent, the Division of Workers' Compensation can call the security and begin administration of open workers' compensation claims.
An updated bill summary and status report is attached. Bills are included which were filed this week. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
MSIA LEGISLATIVE REPORT
02-14-2019 - 20:30:45
Top of Form
HB 48
Bangert, Gretchen(D)
Establishes a presumption that an emergency worker diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder incurred the disorder in the course of employment as an emergency worker.
Last Action:
1-10-19 H Read second time
HB 115
Remole, Tim(R)
Specifies that board members of a nonprofit organization are exempt from workers' compensation requirements.
Last Action:
1-10-19 H Read second time
HB 231
Kolkmeyer, Glen(R)
Modifies provisions of civil procedure regarding joinder and venue.
Last Action:
2-19-19 H Meeting set for 6:00 PM, HR 5, House-Judiciary
HB 248
Schroer, Nick(R)
Modifies provisions relating to workers' compensation law.
Last Action:
2-13-19 H Referred to House Committee on House-Judiciary
HB 261
Taylor, Jered(R)
Modifies provisions relating to second injury fund liabilities and self-insurance regulations.
Last Action:
1-10-19 H Read second time
HB 262
Taylor, Jered(R)
Modifies provisions relating to the Division of Workers' Compensation.
Last Action:
2-13-19 H Referred to House Committee on House-Judiciary
HB 562
Helms, Steve(R)
Changes provisions relating to multiple employer self insured health plans.
Last Action:
1-15-19 H Read second time
HB 716
Schroer, Nick(R)
Modifies provisions relating to workers' compensation for certain employees.
Last Action:
1-30-19 H Read second time
HB 862
Roden, Shane(R)
Modifies provisions relating to leaves of absence for public employees and workers' compensation for firefighters.
Last Action:
2-11-19 H Read second time
SB 71
Brown, Justin(R)
Modifies provisions relating to workers' compensation premiums
Last Action:
2-21-19 S Meeting set for 8:00 AM, SCR 1, Senate-Small Business and Industry
SB 99
Wieland, Paul(R)
Enacts the "Missouri Reinsurance Plan"
Last Action:
1-23-19 S Referred to Senate Committee on Senate-Insurance and Banking
SB 154
Luetkemeyer, Tony(R)
Modifies laws regarding arbitration agreements between employers and employees
Last Action:
2-18-19 S Set on the Senate Calendar
SB 156
Wallingford, Wayne(R)
Creates new provisions relating to workers' compensation proceedings
Last Action:
2-21-19 S Meeting set for 8:00 AM, SCR 1, Senate-Small Business and Industry
SB 212
Sifton, Scott(D)
Modifies provisions relating to occupational diseases under workers' compensation laws
Last Action:
1-31-19 S Referred to Senate Committee on Senate-Small Business and Industry
SB 227
Sater, David(R)
Enacts new provisions allowing employer policies relating to employee drug use
Last Action:
2-14-19 S Hearing conducted
SB 248
Brown, Justin(R)
Modifies provisions relating to workers' compensation judges
Last Action:
2- 7-19 S Referred to Senate Committee on Senate-Government Reform
SB 281
Brown, Justin(R)
Creates new provisions relating to occupational diseases diagnosed in first responders.
Last Action:
2-13-19 S Not heard in committee Senate-Insurance and Banking
SB 294
Hough, Lincoln(R)
Creates new provisions relating to workers' compensation for firefighters
Last Action:
2-14-19 S Referred to Senate Committee on Senate-Insurance and Banking
SB 316
Burlison, Eric(R)
Modifies provisions on permanent total disability benefits
Last Action:
2-14-19 S Referred to Senate Committee on Senate-Insurance and Banking
SB 317
Burlison, Eric(R)
Establishes the Silica Claims Priorities Act which prohibits a person from bringing a claim for injuries caused by silica unless certain evidence is presented
Last Action:
2-14-19 S Referred to Senate Committee on Senate-Government Reform