May 17, 2004 - Submitted by Dale Amick - MTC Legislative Consultant

 

FINAL MISSOURI LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 

The Missouri Legislature ended its 2004 regular session Friday, May 14. Here is a summary of some of the legislation of interest to the tourism and travel industry.

NEW STATE BUDGET 

The legislature approved a new state budget on May 6 based on a five per cent growth in state revenue. The governor had projected a negative revenue growth, while the House staff had projected about a 5 per cent hike in state revenue.

The legislature approved full funding for the Division of Tourism—17.8 million dollars. That is the most state general revenue ever allotted to the Division.

The House had approved the governor’s recommendation for the Division—15 million dollars. However, the Senate Appropriations Committee and the full Senate adopted the full funding.

That action in the Senate committee happened due to the efforts of Sen. John Russell, committee chairman, and Sen. Doyle Childers.

The joint Senate-House Conference Committee working on a compromise budget kept the 17.8-million-dollar figure in the final budget blueprint.

EXHIBITION  CENTER AND RECREATION DISTRICTS

The legislature established exhibition center and recreation facilities districts in nine counties and a cultural and entertainment district for St. Charles County. Various new guest taxes were authorized as well.

BILLBOARD CHANGES

The legislature authorized various billboard regulation changes, including a prohibition of pornographic material on billboards.

SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES

The legislature approved a Lewis and Clark specialized license plate for supporters of the Missouri Travel Council.

Future special license plates will come under strict guidelines, including a hefty development fee and a requirement of 200 applicants. 

BOATING SAFETY

The legislature adopted expanded duties for the state water patrol and an allowance for non-residents to operate boats on lakes with temporary boater education permits.

UNEMPLOYMENT REFORM

A compromise unemployment reform package was passed on the final day of the legislative session. Authorizes higher employer taxes to pay off an unemployment compensation fund debt to the federal government. Includes tighter unemployment compensation eligibility guidelines and higher benefits.

Tort reform also passed the legislature, but was vetoed by the governor. The legislation would have placed a lower limit on certain civil suit awards and limited venue possibilities.

DNR RULE-MAKING LIMITS

The legislature modified rule-making by the Department of Natural Resources. Proposed rules would be based on scientific evidence and includes a 13-point economic impact statement.

CLICK HERE to download the Tourism Legislative Status Report

NOTE:  This file is saved in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format.