Thursday, June 30, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, (573)751-0290
Governor Signs Legislation Sponsored by Area Legislators
ST.LOUIS - Gov. Matt Blunt today signed SB 95, HB 413 and SB 378 all sponsored by St. Louis area legislators.
"Today I am pleased to sign these bills that will have a positive impact on our state," Blunt said. "Rep. Rodney Hubbard’s bill will protect our first responders and is a sound action in the post-9/11 world. Sen. Maida Coleman’s bills will offer relief to victims of tab theft and will provide more ways to protect children and all Missourians from the harmful effects of lead poisoning. I commend Rep. Hubbard and Sen. Coleman for their efforts on our citizens’ behalves."
HB 413, sponsored by Rep. Rodney Hubbard and handled by Sen. Maida Coleman, requires the Department of Health and Senior Services to offer a vaccination program for first responders who may be exposed to infectious diseases as a result of bioterrorism. Participation by first responders will be voluntary, but the program will help ensure that first responders are protected against biological agents.
SB 378, sponsored by Sen. Coleman and handled by Rep. Amber Boykins, allows a person replacing stolen license plate tabs to receive two sets of two license plate tabs a year at no cost and protects a person from receiving a citation for missing license plate tabs if the person indicates to law enforcement that the tabs have been stolen and a check of the person's motor vehicle registration record reveals that the vehicle is properly registered.
SB 95, sponsored by Sen. Coleman and handled by Rep. Hubbard, creates the Childhood Lead Testing Fund, which will be funded through a check-off on the Missouri Income Tax Return and private donations. The bill also makes changes to the regulation of lead abatement practices in dwellings and child-occupied facilities. St. Louis ranks in the top 10 among cities with the highest percentage of children with lead poisoning.
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