Legislation
Merlyn Johnson: Education legislation review
As legislative discussions continue in Jefferson City, several key bills and budget considerations are progressing that could impact our students, staff and community.
Governor to visit Pineville for signing of ‘Sludge Bill’
Gov. Mike Parson will be at the Pineville Community Center in McDonald County on Aug.
‘Sludge Bill’ now law, may nix some basins
Gov. Mike Parson signed House Bill 2134/1956 — the Sludge Bill — into law on July 9, effectively closing a loophole that once allowed meat-processing sludge to be land-applied under a permit from the Missouri Fertilizer Control Board.
Sheila Harris: Your water is my water
Missouri residents – Southwest Missouri residents, in particular — the quality of our drinking and recreational water is under attack. At a public hearing in Jefferson City Tuesday morning, witnesses for and against Senate Bill 981 were in attendance to present their testimony regarding the bill, which proposes to exclude the phrase “all subsurface waters” from Missouri’s current definition of “Waters of The State.” The change would affect the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) ability to protect our groundwater.
Merlyn Johnson: Another open enrollment movement
A bill allowing students to transfer between public school districts, known as open enrollment, is once again making its way through the Missouri legislature. House Bill 1989 became the fourth open enrollment bill in four consecutive years to gain initial approval from the Missouri House of Representatives.
Law changes proposed for industrial waste haulers
Proposed Missouri House Bills 1956 and 2134 were the subject of a nearly three-hour hearing before the House Conservation and Natural Resources Committee on Jan. 8.
