Several bills recently passed in the House and have been sent to the Senate.
HB 2694 is meant to lessen the increases Missourians will see in their property taxes due to rising vehicle values. The bill modifies existing state law, which requires assessors to use the National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) price guide to assess the values of Missourians’ cars. Instead of being restricted to using October’s NADA values, HB 2694 would allow assessors to use the trade-in value for a given vehicle from that edition or either of the last two years’ October NADA guides. Supporters say the market price of vehicles has increased 30-40% and the bill would allow for prices to stabilize without a large increase in Missourians’ personal property taxes.
HB 1856 establishes the “Extended Learning Opportunities Act.” An “extended learning opportunity” is an out-of-classroom learning experience that provides a student with enrichment opportunities, career readiness, or employability skills opportunities such as internships or apprenticeships, any other approved educational opportunities. The bill requires that by the 2023-24 school year the State Board of Education and local school boards must inform students of the opportunity to participate and earn credit for extended learning opportunities. Supporters say the bill ensures students and their families are well-informed about opportunities for learning that extend beyond the classroom and that they are provided information on applying to receive credit for those experiences.
HB 1962 modifies the definition of “local log truck” and “local log truck tractor” to specify weight distribution and a total maximum weight for each truck, and updates weight and distance limits. In addition, the bill also sets fines for load-limit violations involving a local log truck or a local log truck tractor.
HB 2202 requires, for all school years on or after July 1, 2023, certain coursework and instruction in computer science in public and charter high schools. The bill also establishes the “Computer Science Education Task Force”. The mission of the Task Force is to develop a state strategic plan for the expansion of computer science education programs statewide. Supporters say the bill will help Missouri address the labor shortages experienced by technical industries that are seeking to hire individuals who have the computer science background and knowledge base.
HB 2355 establishes the “Time-Critical Diagnosis Advisory Committee” for the purpose of improvement of public and professional education related to time-critical diagnosis, research endeavors, policies, and recommendations for changes. Supporters say the bill improves services for time-critical medical conditions such as strokes and heart attacks.
HB 2163 provides that the surviving spouse will not be considered as next-of-kin if an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed and is pending in a court of competent jurisdiction. Additionally, the next-of-kin of a deceased person may delegate the final disposition of the deceased to an agent through a power of attorney. Supporters say the bill protects the interests of the deceased and surviving family members in the event the deceased had begun, but not finalized, divorce proceedings.
If you have any questions regarding any state matters or legislation, please don’t hesitate to contact email me at Darrell.Atchison@house.mo.gov or call 573-751-1066.
It is an honor to serve as your State Representative.
Atchison represents District 153, which includes Carter and Ripley counties and parts of Wayne and Butler counties.