Friday, June 30, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Signs Legislation to Benefit St. Louis Metro Area
ST. LOUIS–Gov. Matt Blunt visited the Gateway to the West to sign legislation sponsored by area legislators that will have a significant impact on the St. Louis region.
“I commend the St. Louis area delegation for sending legislation to my desk that will benefit this region and the state of Missouri,” Blunt said. “This was a productive legislative session for the people of Missouri and I am pleased we were able to accomplish so many good things without imposing taxes on working families.”
House Bill 1256, sponsored by Rep. Esther Haywood, honors Rosa Parks and the civil rights movement in the United States and Missouri. The bill designates February 4th as a day of observance and calls for an annual proclamation by the governor.
House Bill 1380, sponsored by Rep. Neal St. Onge, provides authority for the Department of Transportation to enter a public private partnership to build a new Mississippi River Bridge in St. Louis. The bridge would be jointly owned by Missouri and Illinois and would be built, maintained and operated by a private partner through a long-term lease agreement. The bill allows tolls to be collected to provide funding to build the new bridge. According to the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri stands to gain approximately 2,490 new jobs, $6 million in general revenues, $147 million in personal income and $600 million in new economic activity as a result of the bridge.
Senate Bill 583, sponsored by Sen. John Griesheimer, changes vehicle emissions testing procedures. The bill decentralizes testing and will allow motorists to have their safety and emissions inspections done at the same location and expands motorists’ options to choose their testing location. It also requires only 1996 or newer vehicles to be tested and takes advantage of on board diagnostic technology to conduct the tests. The bill also adds exemptions for the four newest model year vehicles and for vehicles used to travel less than 12,000 miles in between inspections. The new emissions inspection process will improve customer service and reduce motorists’ burden.
Senate Bill 1023, sponsored by Sen. Michael Gibbons, extends the sunset for the DNA all felon collection program and directs court surcharges to fund the program. The legislation increases the surcharge for those convicted of a serious drug offense from $30 to $60. Through this program DNA tests are administered on convicted felons and are compared against DNA samples from unsolved cases. The bill defines guidelines for restitution in the case of wrongful conviction and ultimate exoneration and clarifies restitution payment procedures.
Senate Bill 1189, sponsored by Sen. Michael Gibbons, creates the Holocaust Education and Awareness Commission. The 12 member commission will be housed in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and promote holocaust education and awareness programs. The governor will appoint the members with the advice and consent of the Senate.
HCR 12, sponsored by Rep. Charles Portwood, designates May 10 of each year as Hepatitis C Awareness Day in Missouri. The resolution recommends the day be observed through activities to help increase Hepatitis C awareness, education, tolerance, and understanding.
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