Missouri Statute | Act | Code |Legislative Branch| US Code - US Statute

The general assembly shall meet on the first Wednesday after the
first Monday in January in the year 1971, and on the corresponding day in
January every year thereafter; and at twelve o'clock of the day fixed by
law for the convening of the legislature in odd-numbered years, the
secretary of state, or, in case of his death, absence or inability to
act, some other person designated by the governor shall call the house of
representatives together and preside over its deliberations until a
temporary organization is effected. (RSMo 1939 § 12852, A.L. 1957 p. 595,
A.L. 1974 S.B. 569)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11226; 1919 § 7101; 1909 § 8100

If by the laws or constitution of this state, a joint meeting of
the senate and house of representatives is required, they shall assemble,
with their clerks, on the day and at the hour agreed on for that purpose,
in the hall of the house of representatives. (RSMo 1939 § 12879, A.L.
1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11254; 1919 § 7137; 1909 § 8133

When assembled, the president of the senate shall preside, and
the meeting shall be governed by the standing rules adopted for that
purpose by the concurrence of both houses; they may punish any person,
other than a member, for disorderly or contemptuous behavior in their
presence, by fine and imprisonment, in the manner and to the extent
either house may punish for like conduct before them by the constitution
of this state. (RSMo 1939 § 12880, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11255; 1919 § 7138; 1909 § 8134

CROSS REFERENCES: General assembly, powers and duties, appointment of
officers, Const. Art. III § 18 Lieutenant governor, ex officio president
of senate, Const. Art. IV § 10 Signing of bills by presiding officers,
Const. Art. III § 30 Tie vote for office, how decided, RSMo 115.517

Any member of either house who is guilty of disorderly behavior
in the presence of a joint meeting may be punished by the house of which
he is a member, in the same manner as if the offense were committed in
the presence of the house. (RSMo 1939 § 12881, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11256; 1919 § 7139; 1909 § 8135

CROSS REFERENCE: Powers of general assembly, Const. Art. III § 18

If any person, whether a member or not, is guilty of any disorder
in the presence of either house, or a committee of the whole of either
house, or in joint meeting of both houses, while in session, the
presiding officer of the house or joint meeting, or chairman of the
committee of the whole, may order the person into custody; and the
sergeant at arms or the doorkeeper shall immediately take the person into
custody and detain him until the further order of the house, joint
meeting or the house to which the committee of the whole belongs. (RSMo
1939 § 12882, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11257; 1919 § 7140; 1909 § 8136

CROSS REFERENCE: Powers of general assembly to punish for contempt,
Const. Art. III § 18

In all elections made by either house, or by joint vote of both
houses, the vote of a majority of the members present is necessary to a
choice. When an election is by joint vote, the president of the senate
shall grant the person elected a certificate, which, in all cases where a
commission is required, is sufficient to authorize the granting of a
commission. (RSMo 1939 § 12889, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11264; 1919 § 7146; 1909 § 8142

Each senator shall be thirty years of age, and next before the
day of his election shall have been a voter of the state for three years
and a resident of the district which he is chosen to represent for one
year, if such district shall have been so long established, and if not
then of the district or districts from which the same shall have been
taken. (RSMo 1939 § 12853, A.L. 1945 p. 1119, A.L. 1957 p. 595, A.L. 1978
H.B. 971)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11227; 1919 § 7102; 1909 § 8101

CROSS REFERENCE: Senators, qualifications of, Const. Art III § 6

(1972) The equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the
Constitution of the United States does not eliminate the right of the
State of Missouri to establish and enforce the one-year residency in the
district requirement as a condition to serve as State Senator. State ex
rel. Gralike v. Walsh (Mo.), 483 S.W.2d 70.

Each representative shall be twenty-four years of age, and next
before the day of his election shall have been a voter for two years and
a resident of the county or district which he is chosen to represent for
one year, if such county or district shall have been so long established,
and if not then of the county or district from which the same shall have
been taken. (RSMo 1939 § 12854, A.L. 1945 p. 1119, A.L. 1957 p. 595, A.L.
1978 H.B. 971)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11228; 1919 § 7103; 1909 § 8102

CROSS REFERENCE: Representatives, qualifications of, Const. Art. III § 4

(1990) The minimum age requirement for state representatives should be
evaluated under the rational relationship standard of equal protection
review. The age requirement rationally furthers the state's legitimate
interest in ensuring mature and experienced legislators, and appellant's
age should be calculated from his date of birth, rather than his date of
conception. Stiles v. Blunt, 912 F.2d 260 (8th Cir.).

If any member elected to either house of the general assembly
resigns in the recess thereof, he shall address and transmit his
resignation, in writing, to the governor; and when any member resigns
during any session, he shall address his resignation, in writing, to the
presiding officer of the house of which he is a member, which shall be
entered on the journal; in which case, and in all cases of vacancies
happening, or being declared, during any session of the general assembly,
by death, expulsion or otherwise, the presiding officer of the house in
which the vacancy happens shall immediately notify the governor thereof.
(RSMo 1939 § 12858, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11233; 1919 § 7108; 1909 § 8107

If the governor receives any resignation or notice of vacancy, or
if he is satisfied of the death of any member of either house, during the
recess, he shall, without delay, issue a writ of election to supply the
vacancy. (RSMo 1939 § 12859, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11234; 1919 § 7109; 1909 § 8108

CROSS REFERENCE: Writs of election to fill vacancies, Const. Art. III § 14

If any vacancy happens in the senate, for a district composed of
more than one county, the writ of election shall be directed to the
election authority of the county first named in the report establishing
the district; and if the vacancy happens in a senatorial district, which
has been divided or altered after the general election next preceding the
occurrence of the vacancy, the writ of election shall be directed to the
election authority of the county first named in the old district and if
any vacancy happens in either house, for any county which has been
divided after the general election next preceding the occurrence of the
vacancy, the writ of election shall be directed to the election authority
of the old county. (RSMo 1939 § 12860, A.L. 1957 p. 595, A.L. 1978 H.B.
971)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11235; 1919 § 7110; 1909 § 8109

The election authority to whom any writ of election is delivered
shall cause the election to supply the vacancy to be held within the
limits composing the county or district at the time of the next preceding
general election, and shall issue its proclamation or notice for holding
the election accordingly, and transmit a copy thereof, together with a
copy of the writ, to* the election authority of each of the counties
within which any part of the old county or district lies, who shall cause
copies of the notice to be put up, and the election to be held
accordingly, in the parts of their respective counties as composed a part
of the old county or district for which the election is to be held, at
the last preceding general election; and the returns shall be made and
the certificate of election granted in all things as if no division had
taken place. (RSMo 1939 § 12861, A.L. 1957 p. 595, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11236; 1919 § 7111; 1909 § 8110

*Word "to" not in original rolls.

CROSS REFERENCE: Notice of election, RSMo 115.127

(1992) Phrase "shall be elected" in Art. 3, Section 7, Mo. Const., refers
only to general elections and does not conflict with statute requiring
special election to fill vacancy to be held within limits composing
district at time of "next preceding general election." State ex rel.
Mathewson v. Board of Election Commissioners of St. Louis County, 841
S.W.2d 633 (Mo. en banc).

Each senator and representative shall receive from the treasury
an annual salary of eighteen thousand seventy-eight dollars plus any
salary adjustment provided pursuant to section 105.005, RSMo. The speaker
of the house and the president pro tem of the senate shall each receive
as additional annual compensation the amount of two thousand five hundred
dollars, and the speaker pro tem of the house and the majority and
minority floor leaders of the house and senate shall each receive as
additional annual compensation the amount of one thousand five hundred
dollars. Upon certification by the president and secretary of the senate
and by the speaker and clerk of the house of representatives as to the
respective members thereof, the commissioner of administration shall
audit and the state treasurer shall pay such compensation. Senators and
representatives shall receive, weekly, a mileage allowance as provided by
law for state employees, in going to their place of meeting in Jefferson
City from their place of residence, and returning from their place of
meeting in Jefferson City to their place of residence while the
legislature is in session, on the most usual route, if the senator or
representative does travel to Jefferson City during that week. (L. 1945
p. 1124 § 1, A.L. 1957 p. 595, A.L. 1961 Ex. Sess. H.B. 1 p. 723, A.L.
1967 p. 95, A.L. 1973 H.B. 616, A.L. 1977 H.B. 519, A.L. 1980 H.B. 1266,
A.L. 1984 S.B. 528)

Effective 1-1-85

Revisor's note: Salary adjustment index is printed, as required by §
105.005, in Appendix E.

Each senator or representative shall be reimbursed from the state
treasury for actual and necessary expenses in an amount equal to eighty
percent of the federal per diem established by the Internal Revenue
Service for Jefferson City for each day on which the journal of the
senate or house, respectively, shows the presence of such senator or
representative. Upon certification by the president and secretary of the
senate and by the speaker and chief clerk of the house of representatives
as to the respective members thereof, the commissioner of administration
shall approve and the state treasurer shall pay monthly such expense
allowance. (L. 1973 H.B. 616, A.L. 1977 S.B. 372, A.L. 1997 S.B. 299,
A.L. 1999 H.B. 368)

1. Within five days after September 28, 1973, and on December
fifteenth of each even-numbered year thereafter, the accounts committee
of the house of representatives and the accounts committee of the senate
shall establish rates of pay for secretary and assistant secretary of the
senate, the chief clerk and assistant chief clerk of the house, the
engrossing clerks, enrolling clerks, reading clerks, chaplains,
sergeants-at-arms, doorkeepers, and all other stenographic, clerical or
administrative and technical employees of both houses. Such rates of pay
shall be the same as the established rate of pay for persons employed
under the direction and established policies of the personnel division of
the office of administration for comparable duties. Such rates of pay
shall not be established until the accounts committee has examined the
rates of pay for the various categories then in effect within the
personnel division of the office of administration. Such rates of pay
shall become effective for those employees, initially, on September 28,
1973, and on the fifteenth day of January of each odd-numbered year
thereafter unless a majority of both houses shall by concurrent
resolution reject such rates of pay, initially, within ten legislative
days after September 28, 1973, or by the January fifteenth next following
each establishment thereafter. If rejected the new rates of pay shall not
be paid and the rates of pay last recommended by the personnel division
shall be continued as if a new rate had not been set until a different
rate is established as provided in this section.

2. If the rates of pay initially set as provided in this section are
rejected, the secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of
representatives shall each receive not to exceed fifteen dollars per day
compensation for his services during a session of the general assembly.
The assistant secretary, assistant chief clerk, the engrossing clerks*,
enrolling clerks, reading clerks, chaplains, sergeants-at-arms,
doorkeepers, and for all other stenographic, clerical or administrative
and technical employees of both houses shall not exceed fourteen dollars
per day. (RSMo 1939 §§ 12863, 12864, A.L. 1943 p. 631, A.L. 1945 p. 1116,
A.L. 1949 p. 319, A.L. 1953 p. 551, A.L. 1957 p. 595, A.L. 1959 H.B. 57,
A.L. 1961 p. 478, A.L. 1967 p. 96, A.L. 1973 S.B. 161)

Prior revisions: 1929 §§ 11238, 11239; 1919 §§ 7113, 7114; 1909 §§ 8112,
8113

*Word "clerk" appears in original rolls.

1. The accounts committee of the senate and the accounts
committee of the house of representatives shall each, on January
fifteenth of each year, set the total number of employees for their
respective houses, taking into account the rates of pay set as provided
in section 21.150 and the appropriations made therefor.

2. During any session of a general assembly, each representative may
employ one stenographer or secretary, and the remainder of the officers
and employees of the house of representatives, except the elective
officers thereof, shall be selected or appointed by the members of the
majority party of the house of representatives.

3. During any session of a general assembly, each senator may employ one
stenographer or secretary, and the accounts committee of the senate, as
provided in this section, may employ and assign such other employees as
may be necessary for the operation of the senate.

4. The senate and house of representatives may each, by resolution,
continue in employment at their regular salaries, such number of
efficient employees of each body after any adjournment of a regular
session or sine die adjournment of the general assembly as may be
necessary for operation of their respective houses, and the resolutions
shall also set the terms of such employment. All employees assigned to
individual members of the general assembly or to committees shall be
divided between the majority and minority parties in proportion to the
number of members of each party in the respective bodies. (L. 1973 S.B.
161)

The senate accounts committee and house accounts committee shall
cause all legislative furniture and equipment in their respective custody
to be marked so that it can be identified for inventory and to protect
the furniture and equipment. Each committee shall maintain an inventory
of all furniture and equipment and may employ necessary custodians and
janitors to keep their respective legislative quarters, furniture and
equipment in good condition. (L. 1977 S.B. 419 § 3)

*This section has no continuity with § 21.160 as repealed by L. 1953,
S.B. 243 § 1.

The sergeant at arms or other officer of each house of the
general assembly is entitled to receive his actual expenses incurred in
the service of all writs and process. Each witness attending either
house, or a committee thereof, or a joint meeting of both houses, being
summoned, shall have the same fees and traveling allowance as are allowed
by law to witnesses for their attendance before circuit courts of this
state, to be paid as other costs. (RSMo 1939 § 12866, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11241; 1919 § 7116; 1909 § 8115

No allowance or emolument for any purpose shall be paid to any
officer, agent, servant or employee of either house of the general
assembly, or of any committee thereof, except the per diem provided by
law. (RSMo 1939 § 12867, A. 1949 H.B. 2156, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11242; 1919 § 7117; 1909 § 8116

1. The chairman of the senate appropriations committee and house
budget committee shall arrange for and supervise a schedule for the
personal visitation and inspection of state-supported institutions by
persons elected to membership in the general assembly for the first time.

2. The schedule of visits and inspection of state institutions by newly
elected senators shall be arranged for and supervised by the chairman of
the senate appropriations committee and those for newly elected members
of the house of representatives by the chairman of the house budget
committee.

3. The staff of the committee on legislative research shall furnish to
the chairmen of the respective appropriations and budget committees such
research, secretarial and clerical assistance as they require and such
staff personnel as may be requested to accompany the members on trips of
inspection to the several state institutions.

4. All persons making these visits and inspections as provided in this
section are entitled to reimbursement for the actual and necessary
expenses incurred to be paid out of the senate or house contingent funds,
as the case may be. (L. 1957 p. 612 § 1, A.L. 2000 H.B. 1376)

In addition to the reimbursement of expenses allowed by section
21.183, all members of the general assembly may be reimbursed for
necessary and actual expenses incurred in attending any legislative
conference held for the benefit and instruction of newly elected members
of the general assembly which may be sponsored by the university of
Missouri or by the general assembly or any agency thereof, or under the
joint sponsorship of the university and the general assembly or an agency
thereof. The expenses of senators and representatives, as provided
herein, shall be paid out of the contingent funds of the senate and
house, respectively. (L. 1957 p. 612 § 2)

No member of any committee shall be allowed any pay by the
committee on accounts or by resolution for visiting any institution or
place, except actual necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of his
duties on the committee, which amount shall be certified by the chairman
of the visiting committee before allowance. (RSMo 1939 § 12869, A.L. 1957
p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11244; 1919 § 7119; 1909 § 8118

When any member, officer or employee of either house presents his
account for his compensation, and the same is allowed, according to the
rules of the house to which he belongs, a certificate shall be granted,
specifying the amount and on what account, and directing that the same be
paid out of appropriations made for the pay of the general assembly. The
certificate, in the case of a member or officer of the senate, shall be
signed by the president and attested by the secretary; and, in case of a
member or officer of the house of representatives, it shall be signed by
the speaker and attested by the chief clerk; and, upon the presentation
of the certificate to the commissioner of administration, a warrant on
the treasurer for the amount shall be issued. (RSMo 1939 § 12870, A. 1949
S.B. 1006, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11245; 1919 § 7128; 1909 § 8124

All costs and expenses of proceedings, including the necessary
expenses of any officer in executing any writ or process of either house
or of a joint meeting, and all witness fees, shall be paid:

(1) By the party charged, if so adjudged, and payment may be enforced by
execution; or

(2) Out of the contingent fund of the house in which the proceedings are
held; or

(3) In case of a joint meeting out of the contingent funds of both houses
as the houses by concurrent resolution provide. (RSMo 1939 § 12871, A.L.
1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11246; 1919 § 7129; 1909 § 8125

Each house shall control its own contingent expenses; and when
any accounts properly chargeable to the house of representatives are
adjusted and allowed according to the rules of that house a certificate
shall be granted, signed by the speaker and attested by the chief clerk;
and when any account or demand for contingent expenses of the senate is
allowed according to the rules of that house a certificate shall be
granted, signed by the president and attested by the secretary. (RSMo
1939 § 12872, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11247; 1919 § 7130; 1909 § 8126

1. The house of representatives shall establish a revolving fund
which shall be funded annually by appropriation, and which shall receive
funds paid or transferred to the house of representatives for printing,
duplicating, surplus property, refunds from vendors, personal
reimbursements, or any other service for which there is a fee charged by
the house of representatives. The state treasurer shall be custodian of
the fund and shall make disbursements from the fund for those things
authorized by the house of representatives accounts committee as provided
by rules of the house of representatives and as appropriated by the
general assembly and expended as provided in section 21.230.

2. An unexpended balance in the fund at the end of the biennium not
exceeding five thousand dollars is exempt from the provisions of section
33.080, RSMo, relating to transfer of unexpended balances to the ordinary
revenue fund. (L. 1979 H.B. 601 §§ 1, 2, A.L. 1982 S.B. 833)

1. The senate shall establish a revolving fund which shall be
funded annually by appropriation and which shall receive funds paid or
transferred to the senate for printing, duplicating, postage, computer
services, surplus property, refunds from vendors, personal
reimbursements, or any other goods or services for which there is a fee
charged by the senate. The state treasurer shall be custodian of the fund
and shall make disbursements from the fund for those things authorized by
the senate committee on accounts, assignments and clerical force as
provided by rules of the senate and as appropriated by the general
assembly and expended as provided in section 21.230.

2. An unexpended balance in the fund at the end of the biennium not
exceeding five thousand dollars is exempt from the provisions of section
33.080, RSMo, relating to the transfer of unexpended balances to the
ordinary revenue fund. (L. 1982 S.B. 833 § 1)

All joint expenses shall be controlled by their concurrent vote
and shall be ascertained and adjusted according to their joint rules, and
a certificate shall be issued, signed by the president and countersigned
by the secretary of the senate, which specifies the amount due, on what
account and the fund out of which it is to be paid. On the delivery of
the certificate to the commissioner of administration, a warrant shall
issue as in case of other demands against the state. (RSMo 1939 § 12873,
A. 1949 S.B. 1006, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11248; 1919 § 7131; 1909 § 8127

When a bill that has passed both houses of the general assembly
is returned by the governor without his signature, and with objections
thereto, and upon a reconsideration, passes both houses by the
constitutional majority, it shall be authenticated as having become a
law, by a certificate endorsed thereon, or attached thereto, in the
following form:

This bill having been returned by the governor, with his objections
thereto and, after reconsideration, having passed both houses by the
constitutional majority, it has become a law, this .... day of .......

Which, being signed by the president of the senate and speaker of the
house of representatives, is sufficiently authenticated, and the bill
shall be deposited with the laws in the office of the secretary of state,
by the presiding officer of the house in which the bill originated.
Unless the bill provides otherwise, it shall become effective thirty days
after approval by constitutional majorities in both houses of the general
assembly. (RSMo 1939 § 657, A.L. 1957 p. 595, A.L. 2003 S.B. 143)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 657; 1919 § 7060; 1909 § 8059

CROSS REFERENCE: Veto, procedure after, Const. Art. III § 32

Appropriations for the operation and maintenance of departments
shall be separately itemized; and separate appropriations shall be made
for each item of extraordinary operation and maintenance expenditure and
for each major capital expenditure. Every appropriation law shall
distinctly specify the amount and purpose of the appropriation without
reference to any other law to fix the amount or purpose. (RSMo 1939 §
10902, A.L. 1945 p. 1428 § 55, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

CROSS REFERENCES: Appropriations, limitations on, Const. Art. IV § 23
Appropriations, order of, Const. Art. III § 36 Governor's budget,
limitation on power of appropriation Const. Art. III § 36

When the general assembly recesses for more than fifteen days and
less than thirty days all bills and joint resolutions passed by both
houses and presented to the governor for consideration shall be returned
within fifteen days after presentation to the office of the secretary of
the senate or chief clerk of the house, according to the origin of the
bill or joint resolution, with his approval or reasons for disapproval.
The office of the secretary of the senate and the office of the chief
clerk of the house shall be kept open during the period of recess to
receive any bills and joint resolutions from the governor. The secretary
of the senate or chief clerk of the house shall present all bills and
joint resolutions received from the governor to the house of origin when
the house convenes in session after the recess. (L. 1945 p. 1118 § 1,
A.L. 1957 p. 595)

CROSS REFERENCES: Procedure on failure of governor to return bill, Const.
Art. III § 31 Return of bills, during session, upon recess of more than
30 days and upon adjournment, Const. Art. III § 31

No local or special law shall be passed by the legislature of
Missouri, unless notice of the intention to apply therefor is published
as provided in section 21.290. (RSMo 1939 § 12874, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11249; 1919 § 7132; 1909 § 8128

CROSS REFERENCES: Local and special laws, indirect enactment, repeal,
Const. Art. III § 41 Local and special laws, limitations on passage,
Const. Art. III § 40

Notice of intention to apply for the enactment of local or
special laws shall be published in each county or incorporated city or
town to be affected by the local or special law, by advertisement in some
newspaper, if one is published in the county or incorporated city or
town, and if there is no newspaper published in the county or
incorporated city or town, by posting ten written or printed handbills in
ten public places in the county or incorporated city or town, one of
which shall be posted on the courthouse door. (RSMo 1939 § 12875, A.L.
1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11250; 1919 § 7133; 1909 § 8129

CROSS REFERENCE: Local or special laws, published notice of before
introduction, Const. Art. III § 42

The notice shall state the substance of the contemplated law,
shall be signed by ten householders of the county or incorporated city or
town where the notice is published and shall be inserted in four separate
publications of the newspaper. The first insertion shall be at least
thirty days prior to the introduction of the contemplated bill. Notice
given by handbills shall be posted at least thirty days prior to the
introduction of the contemplated bill and notice shall be recited in the
bill, according to its tenor. (RSMo 1939 § 12876, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11251; 1919 § 7134; 1909 § 8130

The proof of the publication of the notice shall be made by the
affidavit of the publisher of the newspaper in which the notice is
published, to which shall be attached a copy of the notice. The proof of
notice published by handbills shall be made by the affidavit of some
person who signed the notice to which shall be attached a copy of the
notice. (RSMo 1939 § 12877, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11252; 1919 § 7135; 1909 § 8131

CROSS REFERENCE: Proof of publication filed with general assembly, Const.
Art. III § 42

A copy of the notice required by this chapter, duly authenticated
and proved as set forth in section 21.310, shall be attached to the bill
before its introduction and shall be once read in the senate and house of
representatives before the bill is put upon its passage. (RSMo 1939 §
12878, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11253; 1919 § 7136; 1909 § 8132

The vote of the members of the house of representatives may be
taken and recorded by mechanical means in all cases where a vote by roll
call is required by the constitution or ordered by members of the house.
(L. 1947 V. I p. 368 § 1, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

CROSS REFERENCE: Legislative journals--demand for yeas and nays--manner
and record of vote, Const. Art. III § 26

The mechanical equipment installed and used for the purpose of
taking and recording the votes of the members of the house shall be so
constructed as to employ and use a roll call sheet, arranged in four
separate columns, and to show in the first column, by perforation
opposite their respective names, the names of the members voting yea; in
the second column, by perforation opposite their respective names, the
names of the members voting nay; in the third column, by perforation
opposite their respective names, the names of the members voting present;
and in the fourth column, by perforation opposite their respective names,
the names of the members absent, and to show a printed total of the
number recorded, by perforation, in each of the columns. The mechanical
equipment shall provide for the use of readily obtainable roll call
sheets, and for the immediate substitution of the names of new members
elected to fill vacancies in the original membership. (L. 1947 V. I p.
368 § 2, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

There shall be installed as a part of the mechanical equipment
visual record boards, in positions in the house chamber that enable all
members of the house, and persons present in the house galleries, to see
how each member of the house voted on any question upon which the vote
was taken by means of the mechanical equipment. The visual record boards
shall show the name of each member of the house present and voting and
how each member voted whether yea, nay or present. (L. 1947 V. I p. 368 §
3, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Any member of the house of representatives who through the medium
of any voting station, records the vote of another member, or who
authorizes another member, or other person, to record his vote, and any
person, other than a member of the house, who through the medium of a
voting station, records the vote of any member is guilty of a felony, and
upon conviction shall be punished by imprisonment in the penitentiary for
a term of not less than three nor more than ten years. (L. 1947 V. I p.
368 § 5, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

The president of the senate and the speaker of the house of
representatives may administer all oaths and affirmations to the officers
of their respective houses, to swear in the members of their respective
houses, after first having taken the oath of office prescribed by law
themselves; and the president of the senate, speaker of the house of
representatives, the chairman of the committee of the whole, or the
chairman of any standing, select or special committee of either house,
may administer oaths and affirmations to witnesses in any case under
their examination. (RSMo 1939 § 12890, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11265; 1919 § 7147; 1909 § 8143

CROSS REFERENCES: Oath of office of members of assembly--effect of
refusal to take oath and conviction of violation, Const. Art. III § 15
Oath of office form, Const. Art. III, Sec. 15

In cases not otherwise provided for by law, depositions may be
taken and read in either house, or before a committee thereof, or before
both houses in joint meeting, in all cases where the taking and reading
depositions would be allowed in any case pending before any court of law.
(RSMo 1939 § 12885, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11260; 1919 § 7142; 1909 § 8138

When necessary, the presiding officer of the house in which they
are required, or of a joint meeting, may issue commissions to take such
depositions as a court at law; and the proceedings, in taking and
returning depositions, shall be the same as are prescribed by law for
taking depositions to be read in any court of law. (RSMo 1939 § 12886,
A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11261; 1919 § 7143; 1909 § 8139

Subpoenas for witnesses shall be issued at the request of any
member of either house, or the party accused, or any member of any
committee; and all process awarded by the senate or house of
representatives, and subpoenas and other process for witnesses whose
attendance is required by either the senate or the house, or before any
committee, shall be under the hand of the president or the speaker and
attested by the secretary or chief clerk, as the case may be, and shall
be executed by the sergeant at arms of such house, or by a special
messenger appointed for that purpose. (RSMo 1939 § 12888, A.L. 1957 p.
595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11263; 1919 § 7145; 1909 § 8141

Each house, or both houses in joint meeting, may cause to be
issued necessary writs and process to summon and compel any person
charged with any offense, whereof they have jurisdiction, to appear
before them or any committee, and carry into execution their orders and
sentences, and to summon and compel the attendance of witnesses in as
full a manner as any court of law, and with like effect. (RSMo 1939 §
12887, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11262; 1919 § 7144; 1909 § 8140

It is unlawful for any person employed for a pecuniary
consideration to act as legislative counsel or legislative agent for any
person, corporation or association, to go upon the floor of either house
of the legislature, reserved for the members while in session, except
upon the invitation of the house. Any person violating the provisions of
this section is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not less
than ten days nor more than twelve months, and by a fine of not less than
one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars. (RSMo 1939 §
12883, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11258; 1919 § 7155; 1909 § 8151

If any person, whether a member or not, disturbs the proceedings
of any committee of either house, or is guilty of disorder in their
presence, the house appointing the committee may punish the person as if
the like offense were committed in the presence of the house; and if the
disorder or offense is committed before a joint committee of both houses,
the president of the senate shall issue process, and both houses in joint
meeting proceed thereon. (RSMo 1939 § 12884, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 11259; 1919 § 7141; 1909 § 8137

On or before January 1, 2001, a state organization which is
related to a national organization by some common membership, which
focuses on issues involving banking and represents a cross section of the
Missouri banking community, shall be designated by the speaker of the
house of representatives and president pro tem of the senate to report to
the general assembly its recommendations for the removal and/or
replacement of a corporate trustee in cases where the original corporate
trustee has been replaced by a subsequent corporate trustee as a result
of, but not limited to, cases involving corporate merger, acquisition, or
a cessation of business by the original corporate trustee. (L. 2000 S.B.
896 § 21.650)

Effective 6-27-00

1. There is established a permanent joint committee of the
general assembly to be known as the "Joint Committee on Corrections" to
be comprised of six members of the senate and six members of the house of
representatives. The senate members shall be appointed by the president
pro tem of the senate and the house members shall be appointed by the
speaker of the house. The appointment of each member shall continue
during his term of office as a member of the general assembly or until a
successor has been duly appointed to fill his place when his term of
office as a member of the general assembly has expired.

2. The general assembly by a majority vote of the elected members may
discharge any or all of the members of the committee at any time and
select their successors.

3. No major party shall be represented on the committee by more than
three members from the senate nor by more than three members from the
house. (L. 1957 p. 615 § 1, A.L. 1990 H.B. 974)

1. The joint committee on corrections shall meet within ten days
after its creation and organize by selecting a chairman and a vice
chairman, one of whom shall be a member of the senate and the other a
member of the house of representatives. The director of research of the
committee on legislative research shall serve as secretary to the
committee. He shall keep the records of the committee, and shall perform
such other duties as may be directed by the committee.

2. The regular meetings of the committee shall be in Jefferson City,
Missouri, and after its inception and organization it shall regularly
meet at least once every six months.

3. A majority of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum.

4. The members of the committee shall serve without compensation but
shall be entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses
incurred in the performance of their official duties. (L. 1957 p. 615 §
2, A.L. 1990 H.B. 974)

The committee may, within the limits of its appropriation, employ
such personnel as it deems necessary; and the committee on legislative
research, within the limits of any appropriation made for such purpose,
shall supply to the joint committee on corrections such professional,
technical, legal, stenographic and clerical help as may be necessary for
it to perform its duties. (L. 1957 p. 615 § 3, A.L. 1990 H.B. 974)

It shall be the duty of the committee:

(1) To make a continuing study and analysis of penal and correctional
problems as they relate to this state;

(2) To devise and arrange for a long-range program for the department and
its correctional centers based on a plan of biennial development and
making the recommendation of any required correctional centers in the
state in accordance with the general assembly's powers of appropriation;

(3) To inspect at least once each year and as necessary all correctional
facilities and properties under the jurisdiction of the department of
corrections and of the division of youth services;

(4) To make a continuing study and review of the department of
corrections and the correctional facilities under its jurisdiction,
including the internal organization, management, powers, duties and
functions of the department and its correctional centers, particularly,
by way of extension but not of limitation, in relation to the

(a) Personnel of the department;

(b) Discipline of the correctional facilities;

(c) Correctional enterprises;

(d) Classification of offenders;

(e) Care and treatment of offenders;

(f) Educational and vocational training facilities of the correctional
centers;

(g) Location and establishment of new correctional centers or of new
buildings and facilities;

(h) All other matters relating to the administration of the state's
correctional centers which the committee deems pertinent; and

(i) Probations and paroles;

(5) To make a continuing study and review of the institutions and
programs under the jurisdiction of the division of youth services;

(6) To study and determine the need for changes in the state's criminal
laws as they apply to correctional centers and to sentencing, commitment,
probation and parole of persons convicted of law violations;

(7) To determine from such study and analyses the need for changes in
statutory law or administrative procedures;

(8) To make recommendations to the general assembly for legislative
action and to the department of corrections and to the division of youth
services for administrative or procedural changes. (L. 1957 p. 615 § 4,
A.L. 1963 p. 97, A.L. 1990 H.B. 974, A.L. 1995 H.B. 424)

1. The department of corrections, each section and correctional
facility within the department and, upon request, any other state agency
shall cooperate with and assist the committee in the performance of its
duties and shall make available all books, records and information
requested.

2. The committee shall have the power to subpoena witnesses, take
testimony under oath, compel the attendance of witnesses, the giving of
testimony and the production of records. (L. 1957 p. 615 § 5, A.L. 1990
H.B. 974)

It shall be the duty of the committee to compile a full report of
its activities for submission to the general assembly. The report shall
be submitted not later than the fifteenth of January of each year in
which the general assembly convenes in regular session and shall include
any recommendations which the committee may have for legislative action
as well as any recommendations for administrative or procedural changes
in the internal management or organization of the department or its
correctional facilities. The report shall also include an analysis and
statement of the manner in which statutory provisions relating to the
department and its several sections are being executed. Copies of the
report containing such recommendations shall be sent to the director of
the department of corrections and other persons within the department
charged with administrative or managerial duties. (L. 1957 p. 615 § 6,
A.L. 1990 H.B. 974)

1. Because wetlands are a vital natural resource and wetland
conversion is of vital interest to Missouri farmers, conservationists,
and landowners, for oversight of various activities of the department of
natural resources and other agencies, the senate and the house of
representatives shall establish a "Joint Committee on Wetlands", composed
of five members of the senate, appointed by the president pro tem of the
senate, and five members of the house of representatives, appointed by
the speaker of the house. Not more than three members appointed by the
president pro tem and not more than three members appointed by the
speaker of the house shall be from the same political party. Any state
department or agency except the department of conservation and the
department of transportation shall obtain the approval of the joint
committee on wetlands prior to entering into a contract with any entity
of the government or any private entity to conduct any activity relating
to the definition, preservation or restoration of wetlands. Each
department, division and agency of state government shall provide any
information relating to the state's wetlands to the joint committee on
wetlands upon request of the committee.

2. The committee may hold hearings and conduct investigations within the
state as it deems advisable, and the members shall receive no additional
compensation, other than reimbursement for their actual and necessary
expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The staff of the
committee on legislative research, house research, and senate research
shall provide necessary clerical, research, fiscal and legal services to
the committee, as the committee may request. (L. 1992 H.B. 1393, A.L.
1995 S.B. 376)

The state tax commission shall certify the assessed valuation of
all household goods, furniture, wearing apparel and articles of personal
adornment for the calendar year 1973 for each county and each political
subdivision therein to the director of revenue of the state of Missouri.
The director of revenue shall apply the valuation so certified to the
rate of personal property tax levied for the calendar year 1973 in each
such political subdivision and shall certify the result of this
calculation to the house and senate appropriations committees of the
Missouri general assembly. The general assembly shall annually thereafter
use the same 1973 results of the calculation by the director of revenue
as the basis for the appropriation of money from general revenue to the
various political subdivisions for approximate reimbursement of revenue
lost because of the exemption from taxation of household goods,
furniture, wearing apparel and articles of personal use and adornment.
(L. 1974 S.B. 333 § 2, A.L. 1984 H.B. 1087)

Beginning July 1, 1978, all departments of state government and
each government entity operating programs for which appropriations are
made shall provide the oversight division of the committee on legislative
research and the appropriations committees of the house and senate with
the following information on a monthly basis: Expenditures by account
number assigned by the office of administration, division of accounting,
in the chart of accounts and index for fiscal year 1979 appropriations
and each fiscal year thereafter; federal fund expenditures by grant and
purpose together with the public law number authorizing such expenditures
and the grant identifier number; notification of termination of any
federal grant and disposition of any employees employed under such grant.
In the event state funds are appropriated for purposes for which a
federal grant is anticipated and the grant is not made, such state funds
may not be used for other purposes. In the event federal funds are
terminated during federal fiscal year 1979 and each fiscal year
thereafter, state funds appropriated to match such federal funds may not
be used for other purposes and the state funds shall lapse if not used
for their designated purpose. (L. 1978 H.B. 1218 § 4)

Effective 7-1-78

Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 21.520, 21.525, and
33.543, 33.546, 33.563, RSMo, nothing contained herein, except provisions
of section 21.520 above, shall be construed to apply to institutions of
higher education in this state. (L. 1978 H.B. 1218 § 5)

Effective 7-1-78

No department of state government or state institution of higher
education supported in whole or in part by appropriations made by the
general assembly shall contract for the lease or use any facility
financed in whole or in part by revenue bonds issued by the health and
educational facilities authority of the state of Missouri, as authorized
by the provisions of chapter 360, RSMo, or no board of regents or board
of governors of any state college or university shall enter into any
agreement as authorized by the provisions of section 177.088, RSMo, the
debt service of which is secured by a pledge of future appropriations to
be made by the general assembly, until the project or facility and the
total cost thereof, including furnishings and equipment, has been
approved by the general assembly, any other provision of law to the
contrary notwithstanding. (L. 1989 H.B. 493 § 1)

1. There is established a permanent joint committee of the
general assembly to be known as the "Joint Committee on Capital
Improvements and Leases Oversight" to be comprised of five members of the
senate appropriations committee and five members of the house of
representatives budget committee. The senate members shall be appointed
by the president pro tem of the senate and the house members shall be
appointed by the speaker of the house.

2. No major party shall be represented on the committee by more than
three members from the senate nor by more than three members from the
house. (L. 1990 H.B. 1852 § 1, A.L. 1996 S.B. 702)

Effective 5-7-96

1. The joint committee on capital improvements and leases
oversight shall meet and organize by selecting a chairman and a vice
chairman, one of whom shall be a member of the senate and the other a
member of the house of representatives. The chairmanship shall alternate
between members of the senate and house each two years after its
organization.

2. The meetings of the committee shall be in Jefferson City, Missouri,
and after its inception and organization it shall meet at the call of the
chairman, but shall meet at least once every three months.

3. A majority of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum.

4. The members of the committee shall serve without compensation but
shall be entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses
incurred in the performance of their official duties. (L. 1990 H.B. 1852
§ 2, A.L. 1996 S.B. 702)

Effective 5-7-96

1. The joint committee on capital improvements and leases
oversight shall:

(1) Monitor all proposed state-funded capital improvement projects,
including all operating costs for the first two years after completion of
such projects;

(2) Monitor all new construction on any state-funded capital improvements
project, excluding capital improvements projects or highway improvements
of the state transportation department funded by motor fuel tax revenues;

(3) Monitor any repairs or maintenance on existing state buildings and
facilities involving capital expenditures exceeding a specific amount of
money to be determined by the committee;

(4) Investigate the total bonded and other indebtedness including lease
purchase agreements of this state and its various departments, divisions,
and other agencies as it pertains to state building projects;

(5) Perform budgeting analysis for all proposed capital improvement
projects including all operating costs for the first two years after
completion of the project and cooperate with and assist the house budget
committee and the senate appropriations committee with similar analysis;

(6) Monitor all leases and proposed leases of real property funded with
state moneys, including any operating costs or other costs associated
with any such lease arrangement.

2. The committee may, within the limits of its appropriation, employ such
personnel as it deems necessary to carry out the duties imposed by this
section.

3. The committee shall compile a full report of its activities for
submission to the general assembly. The report shall be submitted not
later than the fifteenth of January of each year in which the general
assembly convenes in regular session and shall include any
recommendations which the committee may have for legislative action. (L.
1990 H.B. 1852 §§ 3, 4, A.L. 1996 S.B. 702)

Effective 5-7-96

The phrase "state and local public employee retirement systems",
as used in sections 21.550 to 21.564, unless a different meaning is
plainly required by the context, shall mean: any retirement system
established by the state of Missouri or any political subdivision or
instrumentality of the state for the purpose of providing retirement plan
benefits for elected or appointed public officials or employees of the
state of Missouri or any political subdivision of the state. (L. 1983
S.B. 393 § A)

1. There is established a permanent joint committee of the
general assembly to be known as the "Joint Committee on Public Employee
Retirement" to be comprised of six members of the senate and six members
of the house of representatives. The senate members shall be appointed by
the president pro tem of the senate and the house members shall be
appointed by the speaker of the house. The appointment of members shall
continue during their term of office as members of the general assembly
or until a successor has been duly appointed to fill their place when
their term of office as members of the general assembly has expired.

2. No political party shall be represented on the committee by more than
three members from the senate nor by more than three members from the
house. (L. 1983 S.B. 393 § 1)

1. The joint committee on public employee retirement shall meet
within ten days after its creation and organize by selecting a chairman
and a vice chairman, one of whom shall be a member of the senate and the
other a member of the house of representatives.

2. The committee shall regularly meet at least quarterly.

3. A majority of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum.

4. The members of the committee shall serve without compensation but
shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the
performance of their official duties. (L. 1983 S.B. 393 § 2, A.L. 1985
H.B. 695)

The committee may employ such personnel and actuarial assistance
as it deems necessary to carry out its duties and prepare required
reports. The compensation of such personnel and the expenses of the
committee shall be paid from the joint contingent fund or jointly from
the senate and house contingent funds until an appropriation is made
therefor. (L. 1983 S.B. 393 § 3)

The committee shall:

(1) Make a continuing study and analysis of all state and local
government retirement systems;

(2) Devise a standard reporting system to obtain data on each public
employee retirement system that will provide information on each system's
financial and actuarial status at least biennially;

(3) Determine from its study and analysis the need for changes in
statutory law;

(4) Make any other recommendation to the general assembly necessary to
provide adequate retirement benefits to state and local government
employees within the ability of taxpayers to support their future costs.
(L. 1983 S.B. 393 § 4, A.L. 1985 H.B. 695)

1. All state and local public employee retirement systems shall
cooperate with and assist the committee in the performance of its duties
and shall make available all books, records and information requested.

2. The committee may subpoena witnesses, take testimony under oath, and
compel the production of records. (L. 1983 S.B. 393 § 5)

1. All state and local public employee retirement systems
providing periodic cost-of-living increases in pension and retirement
benefits paid to its retired officers and employees and spouses of
deceased officers and employees prior to September 28, 1985, shall notify
the joint committee on public employee retirement of such periodic
cost-of-living increases within seven days after September 28, 1985.

2. All state or local public employee retirement systems shall notify the
committee within seven calendar days when the governing body thereof
which determines the amount and type of plan benefits to be paid takes
final action providing any new or additional payments of periodic
cost-of-living increases in pension and retirement benefits for its
retired officers and employees and spouses of deceased officers and
employees.

3. If so requested at any time by the committee, any state or local
public employee retirement system providing such periodic cost-of-living
increases shall provide satisfactory evidence of its actuarial soundness.
(L. 1985 H.B. 695)

The committee shall compile a full report of its activities for
submission to the general assembly. The report shall be submitted not
later than the fifteenth of January of each year in which the general
assembly convenes in regular session and shall include any
recommendations which the committee may have for legislative action, as
well as any recommendations to retirement system boards of management.
The report shall also include an analysis and statement of the manner in
which statutory provisions relating to public employee retirement
programs are being executed. (L. 1983 S.B. 393 § 6)

The joint committee on public employee retirement shall conduct a
study of pension, retirement and other benefits and the taxation thereof
by the state of Missouri in relation to recent federal court decisions
and shall report its findings and recommendations to the general assembly
no later than the beginning of the second regular session of the
eighty-fifth general assembly. (L. 1989 H.B. 674 § 3)

As used in sections 21.600 to 21.620, unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise, the following terms mean:

(1) "Bill", proposed legislation drafted in the form of an act or joint
resolution for introduction into either the house of representatives or
the senate of the general assembly of Missouri;

(2) "Filing period", that period of time commencing on December first
next preceding the opening day of the annual session for which the bill
is filed and continuing up to but not including the opening day;

(3) "Opening day", the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January
of each year as fixed by the Missouri constitution for the convening of
regular sessions of the general assembly. (L. 1971 H.B. 156 § 1)

A member or a member-elect of the senate may file a bill by mail
or in person, according to appropriate rules of the senate, with the
secretary of the senate at any time during the filing period. Upon
receiving a bill filed during the filing period preceding a regular
session of the general assembly in an odd-numbered year, the secretary of
the senate shall immediately have the bill printed and made available
according to the rules and practices of the general assembly next
preceding that for which the bill is filed and those bills received
during the filing period preceding a regular session in an even-numbered
year shall be printed and made available according to the then effective
rules of that general assembly. (L. 1971 H.B. 156 § 2)

A member or member-elect of the house of representatives may file
a bill by mail or in person, according to appropriate rules of the house
of representatives, with the clerk of the house at any time during the
filing period. Upon receiving a bill filed during the filing period
preceding a regular session of the general assembly in odd-numbered
years, the clerk of the house shall immediately have the bill printed and
made available according to the rules and practices of the general
assembly next preceding that for which the bill is filed and those bills
received during the filing period preceding a regular session in an
even-numbered year shall be printed and made available according to the
then effective rules of that general assembly. (L. 1971 H.B. 156 § 3)

Bills filed during the filing period with the secretary of the
senate or clerk of the house shall be automatically introduced on the
opening day of that session of the general assembly which next succeeds
the last day of the filing period in which the bills were filed. (L. 1971
H.B. 156 § 4)

The expenses of filing and printing of bills pursuant to sections
21.600 to 21.620 shall be paid out of the regular appropriation made to
each house for the printing of bills and approved according to the rules
or practices of the senate or house of representatives, as the case may
be. (L. 1971 H.B. 156 § 5)

1. The general assembly hereby occupies and preempts the entire
field of legislation touching in any way firearms, components, ammunition
and supplies to the complete exclusion of any order, ordinance or
regulation by any political subdivision of this state. Any existing or
future orders, ordinances or regulations in this field are hereby and
shall be null and void except as provided in subsection 3 of this section.

2. No county, city, town, village, municipality, or other political
subdivision of this state shall adopt any order, ordinance or regulation
concerning in any way the sale, purchase, purchase delay, transfer,
ownership, use, keeping, possession, bearing, transportation, licensing,
permit, registration, taxation other than sales and compensating use
taxes or other controls on firearms, components, ammunition, and supplies
except as provided in subsection 3 of this section.

3. Nothing contained in this section shall prohibit any ordinance of any
political subdivision which conforms exactly with any of the provisions
of sections 571.010 to 571.070, RSMo, with appropriate penalty
provisions, or which regulates the open carrying of firearms readily
capable of lethal use or the discharge of firearms within a jurisdiction.

4. The lawful design, marketing, manufacture, distribution, or sale of
firearms or ammunition to the public is not an abnormally dangerous
activity and does not constitute a public or private nuisance.

5. No county, city, town, village or any other political subdivision nor
the state shall bring suit or have any right to recover against any
firearms or ammunition manufacturer, trade association or dealer for
damages, abatement or injunctive relief resulting from or relating to the
lawful design, manufacture, marketing, distribution, or sale of firearms
or ammunition to the public. This subsection shall apply to any suit
pending as of October 12, 2003, as well as any suit which may be brought
in the future. Provided, however, that nothing in this section shall
restrict the rights of individual citizens to recover for injury or death
caused by the negligent or defective design or manufacture of firearms or
ammunition.

6. Nothing in this section shall prevent the state, a county, city, town,
village or any other political subdivision from bringing an action
against a firearms or ammunition manufacturer or dealer for breach of
contract or warranty as to firearms or ammunition purchased by the state
or such political subdivision. (L. 1984 H.B. 928 § 1, A.L. 2003 S.B. 13)

Effective 10-12-03; see § 21.250

*This bill was vetoed on July 9, 2003. The veto was overridden on
September 12, 2003.

(1994) City may enact ordinance regulating carrying of firearm capable of
lethal use. City of Cape Girardeau v. Joyce, 884 S.W.2d 33 (Mo.App. E.D.).

1. During the regular legislative session which convenes in an
odd-numbered year, the general assembly shall, by concurrent resolution,
employ an independent certified public accountant or certified public
accounting firm to conduct an audit examination of the accounts,
functions, programs, and management of the state auditor's office. The
audit examination shall be made in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards, including such reviews and inspections of books,
records and other underlying data and documents as are necessary to
enable the independent certified public accountant performing the audit
to reach an informed opinion on the condition and performance of the
accounts, functions, programs, and management of the state auditor's
office. Upon completion of the audit, the independent certified public
accountant shall make a written report of his findings and conclusions,
and shall supply each member of the general assembly, the governor, and
the state auditor with a copy of the report. The cost of the audit and
report shall be paid out of the joint contingent fund of the general
assembly.

2. The commissioner of administration shall bid these services, at the
direction of the general assembly, pursuant to state purchasing laws. (L.
1989 H.B. 36 §§ 1, 2)

The speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint a
nine-member interim study committee to review child visitation and child
support statutes. Such committee shall report its findings and
recommendations to the speaker of the house no later than December 1,
1995. (L. 1995 H.B. 232 & 485 § 1 merged with S.B. 174 § 1)

Every ten years after August 28, 1997, a review of county
salaries shall be made by the general assembly. A committee consisting of
three members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker
and three members of the senate appointed by the president pro tem shall
carry out the review. The committee shall complete its review by December
thirty-first of the year in which the committee is appointed. Legislation
to revise the then existing salary schedules may be filed at the next
following session of the general assembly. (L. 1997 S.B. 11 § 1)

1. There is established a permanent joint committee of the
general assembly to be known as the "Joint Committee on Transportation
Oversight" to be composed of seven members of the standing transportation
committees of both the senate and the house of representatives and three
nonvoting ex officio members. Of the fourteen members to be appointed to
the joint committee, the seven senate members of the joint committee
shall be appointed by the president pro tem of the senate and minority
leader of the senate and the seven house members shall be appointed by
the speaker of the house of representatives and the minority floor leader
of the house of representatives. No major party shall be represented by
more than four members from the house of representatives nor more than
four members from the senate. The ex officio members shall be the state
auditor, the director of the oversight division of the committee on
legislative research, and the commissioner of the office of
administration or the designee of such auditor, director or commissioner.
The joint committee shall be chaired jointly by both chairs of the senate
and house transportation committees. A majority of the committee shall
constitute a quorum, but the concurrence of a majority of the members,
other than the ex officio members, shall be required for the
determination of any matter within the committee's duties.

2. The transportation inspector general shall be appointed by majority
vote of a group consisting of the speaker of the house of
representatives, the minority floor leader of the house of
representatives, the president pro tempore of the senate, and the
minority floor leader of the senate. It shall be the duty of the
inspector general to serve as the executive director of the joint
committee on transportation oversight. The compensation of the inspector
general and other personnel shall be paid from the joint contingent fund
or jointly from the senate and house contingent funds until an
appropriation is made therefor. No funds from highway user fees or other
funds allocated for the operation of the department of transportation
shall be used for the compensation of the inspector general and his or
her staff. The joint committee inspector general initially appointed
pursuant to this section shall take office January 1, 2004, for a term
ending June 30, 2005. Subsequent joint committee on transportation
oversight directors shall be appointed for five-year terms, beginning
July 1, 2005. Any joint committee on transportation oversight inspector
general whose term is expiring shall be eligible for reappointment. The
inspector general of the joint committee on transportation oversight
shall:

(1) Be qualified by training or experience in transportation policy,
management of transportation organizations, accounting, auditing,
financial analysis, law, management analysis, or public administration;

(2) Report to and be under the general supervision of the joint
committee. The joint committee on transportation oversight shall, by a
majority vote, direct the inspector general to perform specific
investigations, reviews, audits, or other studies of the state department
of transportation, in which instance the director shall report the
findings and recommendations directly to the joint committee on
transportation oversight. All investigations, reviews, audits, or other
studies performed by the director shall be conducted so that the general
assembly can procure information to assist it in formulating
transportation legislation and policy for this state;

(3) Receive and process citizen complaints relating to transportation
issues. The inspector general shall, when necessary, submit a written
complaint report to the joint committee on transportation oversight and
the highways and transportation commission. The complaint report shall
contain the date, time, nature of the complaint, and any immediate facts
and circumstances surrounding the initial report of the complaint. The
inspector general shall investigate a citizen complaint if he or she is
directed to do so by a majority of the joint committee on transportation
oversight;

(4) Investigate complaints from current and former employees of the
department of transportation if the inspector general receives
information from an employee which shows:

(a) The department is violating a law, rule, or regulation;

(b) Gross mismanagement by department officers;

(c) Waste of funds by the department;

(d) That the department is engaging in activities which pose a danger to
public health and safety;

(5) Maintain confidentiality with respect to all matters and the
identities of the complainants or witnesses coming before the inspector
general except insofar as disclosures may be necessary to enable the
inspector general to carry out duties and to support recommendations;

(6) Maintain records of all investigations conducted, including any
record or document or thing, any summary, writing, complaint, data of any
kind, tape or video recordings, electronic transmissions, e-mail, or
other paper or electronic documents, records, reports, digital
recordings, photographs, software programs and software, expense
accounts, phone logs, diaries, travel logs, or other things, including
originals or copies of any of the above. Records of investigations by the
inspector general shall be an "investigative report" of a* law
enforcement agency pursuant to the provisions of section 610.100, RSMo.
As provided in such section, such records shall be a closed record until
the investigation becomes inactive. If the inspector general refers a
violation of law to the appropriate prosecuting attorney or the attorney
general, such records shall be transmitted with the referral. If the
inspector general finds no violation of law or determines not to refer
the subject of the investigation to the appropriate prosecuting attorney
or the attorney general regarding matters referred to the appropriate
prosecuting attorney or the attorney general and the statute of
limitations expires without any action being filed, the record shall
remain closed. As provided in section 610.100, RSMo, any person may bring
an action pursuant to this section in the circuit court having
jurisdiction to authorize disclosure of information in the records of the
inspector general which would otherwise be closed pursuant to this
section. Any disclosure of records by the inspector general in violation
of this section shall be grounds for a suit brought by any individual,
person, or corporation to recover damages, and upon award to the
plaintiff reasonable attorney's fees.

3. The department of transportation shall submit a written report prior
to November tenth of each year to the governor, lieutenant governor, and
every member of the senate and house of representatives. The report shall
be posted to the department's Internet web site so that general assembly
members may elect to access a copy of the report electronically. The
written report shall contain the following:

(1) A comprehensive financial report of all funds for the preceding state
fiscal year which shall include a report by independent certified public
accountants, selected by the commissioner of the office of
administration, attesting that the financial statements present fairly
the financial position of the department in conformity with generally
accepted government accounting principles. This report shall include
amounts of:

(a) State revenues by sources, including all new state revenue derived
from highway users which results from action of the general assembly or
voter-approved measures taken after August 28, 2003, and projects funded
in whole or in part from such new state revenue, and amounts of federal
revenues by source;

(b) Any other revenues available to the department by source;

(c) Funds appropriated, the amount the department has budgeted and
expended for the following: contracts, right-of-way purchases,
preliminary and construction engineering, maintenance operations and
administration;

(d) Total state and federal revenue compared to the revenue estimate in
the fifteen-year highway plan as adopted in 1992.

All expenditures made by, or on behalf of, the department for personal
services including fringe benefits, all categories of expense and
equipment, real estate and capital improvements shall be assigned to the
categories listed in this subdivision in conformity with generally
accepted government accounting principles;

(2) A detailed explanation of the methods or criteria employed to select
construction projects, including a listing of any new or reprioritized
projects not mentioned in a previous report, and an explanation as to how
the new or reprioritized projects meet the selection methods or criteria;

(3) The proposed allocation and expenditure of moneys and the proposed
work plan for the current fiscal year, at least the next four years, and
for any period of time expressed in any public transportation plan
approved by either the general assembly or by the voters of Missouri.
This proposed allocation and expenditure of moneys shall include the
amounts of proposed allocation and expenditure of moneys in each of the
categories listed in subdivision (1) of this subsection;

(4) The amounts which were planned, estimated and expended for projects
in the state highway and bridge construction program or any other
projects relating to other modes of transportation in the preceding state
fiscal year and amounts which have been planned, estimated or expended by
project for construction work in progress;

(5) The current status as to completion, by project, of the fifteen-year
road and bridge program adopted in 1992. The first written report
submitted pursuant to this section shall include the original cost
estimate, updated estimate and final completed cost by project. Each
written report submitted thereafter shall include the cost estimate at
the time the project was placed on the most recent five-year highway and
bridge construction plan and the final completed cost by project;

(6) The reasons for cost increases or decreases exceeding five million
dollars or ten percent relative to cost estimates and final completed
costs for projects in the state highway and bridge construction program
or any other projects relating to other modes of transportation completed
in the preceding state fiscal year. Cost increases or decreases shall be
determined by comparing the cost estimate at the time the project was
placed on the most recent five-year highway and bridge construction plan
and the final completed cost by project. The reasons shall include the
amounts resulting from inflation, department-wide design changes, changes
in project scope, federal mandates, or other factors;

(7) Specific recommendations for any statutory or regulatory changes
necessary for the efficient and effective operation of the department;

(8) An accounting of the total amount of state, federal and earmarked
federal highway funds expended in each district of the department of
transportation; and

(9) Any further information specifically requested by the joint committee
on transportation oversight.

4. Prior to December first of each year, the committee shall hold an
annual meeting and call before its members, officials or employees of the
state highways and transportation commission or department of
transportation, as determined by the committee, for the sole purpose of
receiving and examining the report required pursuant to subsection 3 of
this section. The joint committee may also call before its members at the
annual meeting, the inspector general of the joint committee on
transportation oversight for purposes authorized in this section. The
committee shall not have the power to modify projects or priorities of
the state highways and transportation commission or department of
transportation. The committee may make recommendations to the state
highways and transportation commission or the department of
transportation. Disposition of those recommendations shall be reported by
the commission or the department to the joint committee on transportation
oversight.

5. In addition to the annual meeting required by subsection 4 of this
section, the committee shall meet two times each year. The co-chairs of
the committee shall establish an agenda for each meeting that may
include, but not be limited to, the following items to be discussed with
the committee members throughout the year during the scheduled meeting:

(1) Presentation of a prioritized plan for all modes of transportation;

(2) Discussion of department efficiencies and expenditure of cost-
savings within the department;

(3) Presentation of a status report on department of transportation
revenues and expenditures, including a detailed summary of projects
funded by new state revenue as provided in paragraph (a) of subdivision
(1) of subsection 3 of this section;

(4) Review of any report from the joint committee inspector general; and

(5) Implementation of any actions as may be deemed necessary by the
committee as authorized by law.

The co-chairs of the committee may call special meetings of the committee
with ten days' notice to the members of the committee, the director of
the department of transportation, and the department of transportation.

6. The committee shall also review for approval or denial all
applications for the development of specialty plates submitted to it by
the department of revenue. The committee shall approve such application
by unanimous vote. The committee shall not approve any application if the
committee receives a signed petition from five house members or two
senators that they are opposed to the approval of the proposed license
plate. The committee shall notify the director of the department of
revenue upon approval or denial of an application for the development of
a specialty plate.

7. The committee shall submit records of its meetings to the secretary of
the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives in
accordance with sections 610.020 and 610.023, RSMo. (L. 1998 H.B. 1681 &
1342 merged with S.B. 883, A.L. 2003 H.B. 668, A.L. 2004 S.B. 1233, et
al.)

Effective 1-1-05

*Word "a" does not appear in original rolls.

1. There is established a joint committee of the general assembly
to be known as the "Joint Committee on Terrorism, Bioterrorism, and
Homeland Security" to be composed of seven members of the senate and
seven members of the house of representatives. The senate members of the
joint committee shall be appointed by the president pro tem and minority
floor leader of the senate and the house members shall be appointed by
the speaker and minority floor leader of the house of representatives.
The appointment of each member shall continue during the member's term of
office as a member of the general assembly or until a successor has been
appointed to fill the member's place when his or her term of office as a
member of the general assembly has expired. No party shall be represented
by more than four members from the house of representatives nor more than
four members from the senate. A majority of the committee shall
constitute a quorum, but the concurrence of a majority of the members
shall be required for the determination of any matter within the
committee's duties.

2. The joint committee shall:

(1) Make a continuing study and analysis of all state government
terrorism, bioterrorism, and homeland security efforts;

(2) Devise a standard reporting system to obtain data on each state
government agency that will provide information on each agency's
terrorism and bioterrorism preparedness, and homeland security status at
least biennially;

(3) Determine from its study and analysis the need for changes in
statutory law; and

(4) Make any other recommendation to the general assembly necessary to
provide adequate terrorism and bioterrorism protections, and homeland
security to the citizens of the state of Missouri.

3. The joint committee shall meet within thirty days after its creation
and organize by selecting a chairperson and a vice chairperson, one of
whom shall be a member of the senate and the other a member of the house
of representatives. The chairperson shall alternate between members of
the house and senate every two years after the committee's organization.

4. The committee shall meet at least quarterly. The committee may meet at
locations other than Jefferson City when the committee deems it necessary.

5. The committee shall be staffed by legislative personnel as is deemed
necessary to assist the committee in the performance of its duties.

6. The members of the committee shall serve without compensation but
shall be entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses
incurred in the performance of their official duties.

7. It shall be the duty of the committee to compile a full report of its
activities for submission to the general assembly. The report shall be
submitted not later than the fifteenth of January of each year in which
the general assembly convenes in regular session and shall include any
recommendations which the committee may have for legislative action as
well as any recommendations for administrative or procedural changes in
the internal management or organization of state or local government
agencies and departments. Copies of the report containing such
recommendations shall be sent to the appropriate directors of state or
local government agencies or departments included in the report.

8. The provisions of this section shall expire on December 31, 2007. (L.
2002 S.B. 712 § 38.050)

Expires 12-31-07

1. There is hereby established a joint committee of the general
assembly to be known as the "Joint Committee on the Life Sciences" to be
composed of seven members of the senate and seven members of the house of
representatives. The senate members of the joint committee shall be
appointed by the president pro tem and the minority floor leader of the
senate, and the house members of the joint committee shall be appointed
by the speaker and the minority floor leader of the house of
representatives. The appointment of each member shall continue during the
member's term of office or until a successor has been appointed to fill
the member's place when his or her term of office as a member of the
general assembly has expired. No party shall be represented by more than
four members from the house of representatives or more than four members
from the senate. A majority of the joint committee shall constitute a
quorum, but the concurrence of a majority of the members shall be
required for the determination of any matter within the joint committee's
duties.

2. The joint committee shall be charged with making recommendations to
the full general assembly in the following areas:

(1) Legislative implementation of Missouri's strategic plan for life
sciences, or successor plans;

(2) Executive branch actions and policies necessary to nurture and
support life sciences research and commercialization;

(3) State investments necessary to nurture and support life sciences
research and commercialization;

(4) Changes necessary in Missouri's tax system to nurture and support
life sciences research and commercialization;

(5) Laws and policies necessary to eliminate barriers to life sciences
research and commercialization and to encourage the start-up of new life
sciences companies in Missouri;

(6) Laws and policies necessary to encourage the retention and
recruitment of existing life sciences companies in Missouri;

(7) Laws and policies necessary to encourage the recruitment of expert
life scientists to Missouri;

(8) Coordination of Missouri's existing scientific resources, including
Missouri's colleges and universities; and

(9) Any other legislative action necessary to nurture and support life
sciences research and commercialization in Missouri.

3. The joint committee shall meet within thirty days after its creation
and organize by selecting a chairperson and vice chairperson, one of whom
shall be a member of the senate and the other a member of the house of
representatives. The chairpersonship shall alternate between members of
the house and senate every two years after the joint committee's
organization.

4. The joint committee shall meet at least quarterly and may meet at
locations other than Jefferson City when the joint committee deems it
necessary.

5. The joint committee shall be staffed by legislative personnel as is
deemed necessary to assist the joint committee in the performance of its
duties.

6. The members of the joint committee shall serve without compensation
but shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the
performance of their official duties.

7. The joint committee shall compile a full report of its activities for
submission to the general assembly. The report shall be submitted not
later than the fifteenth of January of each year in which the general
assembly convenes in regular session and shall include any
recommendations which the joint committee may have for legislative action
as well as any recommendations for administrative or procedural changes
in the internal management or organization of state government agencies
and departments. Copies of the report containing such recommendations
shall be sent to the appropriate directors of state departments and
agencies included in the report.

8. All state departments, agencies, boards, and commissions shall
cooperate with and assist the joint committee in the performance of its
duties and shall make available all information requested. (L. 2003 H.B.
465 merged with S.B. 511)

CROSS REFERENCES: Board of life sciences research established, powers and
duties, RSMo 196.1103 to 196.1130

Life sciences research trust fund established, RSMo 196.1100

1. There is established a permanent joint committee of the
general assembly to be known as the "Joint Committee on Tax Policy" which
shall be composed of five members of the senate, appointed by the
president pro tem of the senate, and five members of the house of
representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of
representatives. A majority of the members of the committee shall
constitute a quorum. The members shall annually select one of the members
to be the chair and one of the members to be the vice chair. The speaker
of the house of representatives and the president pro tem of the senate
shall appoint the respective majority members. The minority leader of the
house and the minority leader of the senate shall appoint the respective
minority members. The members shall receive no additional compensation,
but shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred by
them in the performance of their duties. No major party shall be
represented on the committee by more than three members from the senate
nor by more than three members from the house. The committee is
authorized to meet and act year round and to employ the necessary
personnel within the limits of appropriations. The staff of the committee
on legislative research, house research, and senate research shall
provide necessary clerical, research, fiscal, and legal services to the
committee, as the committee may request.

2. It shall be the duty of the committee:

(1) To make a continuing study and analysis of the current and proposed
tax policy of this state as it relates to:

(a) Fairness and equity;

(b) True economic impact;

(c) Burden on individuals and businesses;

(d) Effectiveness of tax expenditures;

(e) Impact on political subdivisions of this state;

(f) Agreements and contracts with the federal government, other states
and territories, political subdivisions, and private entities relating to
the collection and administration of state and local taxes and fees;

(g) Compliance with the state and United States Constitution and federal
and international law; and

(h) The effects of interstate commerce;

(2) To make a continuing study and review of the department of revenue,
the department of economic development, the state tax commission, and any
other state agency, commission, or state executive office responsible for
the administration of tax policies;

(3) To study the effects of the coupling or decoupling with the federal
income tax code as it relates to the state income tax;

(4) To make recommendations, as and when the committee deems fit, to the
general assembly for legislative action or to report findings and to the
departments, commissions, and offices for administrative or procedural
changes;

(5) To study the effects of a sales tax holiday; and

(6) To examine and assess the public benefit of any tax credit program
that is the subject of an audit by the state auditor pursuant to section
620.1300, RSMo, and provide a report to the general assembly and the
governor with the committee's findings and recommendations, if any,
regarding such tax credit program within six months of receiving the
audit report.

3. All state departments, commissions, and offices responsible for the
administration of tax policies shall cooperate with and assist the
committee in the performance of its duties and shall make available all
books, records and information requested, except individually
identifiable information regarding a specific taxpayer. The committee may
also consult with public and private universities and academies, public
and private organizations, and private citizens in the performance of its
duties. The committee may contract with public and private entities,
within the limits of appropriation, for analysis and study of current or
proposed changes to state and local tax policy. The committee shall have
the power to subpoena witnesses, take testimony under oath, compel the
attendance of witnesses, the giving of testimony and the production of
records. (L. 2003 H.B. 600 merged with S.B. 11, A.L. 2004 S.B. 1099)

1. The joint committee on tax policy, as established in section
21.810, shall review and analyze the local property tax assessment
practices of this state. The committee shall make recommendations to the
general assembly regarding its findings with regard to the state's
assessment practices. The committee shall submit a preliminary report to
the general assembly by January 1, 2006, and a final report by June 30,
2006.

2. The committee shall report to the state tax commission any concerns it
finds regarding the state's assessment practices as outlined under
chapter 137, RSMo. The state tax commission shall ensure that all
counties are accurately assessed, as provided by statute. (L. 2005 S.B.
287 § 1)

Effective 7-1-06

1. There is established a joint committee of the general assembly
to be known as the "Joint Committee on Government Accountability" to be
composed of seven members of the senate and seven members of the house of
representatives. The senate members of the joint committee shall be
appointed by the president pro tem and minority floor leader of the
senate and the house members shall be appointed by the speaker and
minority floor leader of the house of representatives. Each member shall
be appointed for a term of two years or until a successor has been
appointed to fill the member's place when his or her term has expired.
Members may be reappointed to the joint committee. No party shall be
represented by more than four members from the house of representatives
nor more than four members from the senate. A majority of the committee
shall constitute a quorum, but the concurrence of a majority of the
members shall be required for the determination of any matter within the
committee's duties.

2. The joint committee shall:

(1) Make a continuing study and analysis of inefficiencies, fraud and
misconduct in state government;

(2) Determine the appropriate method of obtaining data on each entity of
state government that will provide relevant information at least
biennially for the identification of potential and actual inefficiencies
in each state entity's function, duties, and performance;

(3) Determine from its study and analysis the need for changes in
statutory law, rules, or policies; and

(4) Make any other recommendation to the general assembly necessary to
reduce inefficiencies in state government;

(5) Identify and acknowledge government agencies and officials who
perform functions in an efficient and effective manner.

3. The joint committee shall meet within thirty days after its creation
and organize by selecting a chairperson and a vice chairperson, one of
whom shall be a member of the senate and the other a member of the house
of representatives. The chairperson shall alternate between members of
the house and senate every two years after the committee's organization.

4. The committee shall meet at least four times a year. The committee may
meet at locations other than Jefferson City when the committee deems it
necessary.

5. The committee shall be staffed by legislative personnel as is deemed
necessary to assist the committee in the performance of its duties.

6. The members of the committee shall serve without compensation but
shall be entitled to reimbursement from the joint contingent fund for
actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their
official duties.

7. It shall be the duty of the committee to compile a full report of its
activities for submission to the general assembly. The report shall be
submitted not later than the fifteenth of January of each year in which
the general assembly convenes in regular session and shall include any
recommendations which the committee may have for legislative action as
well as any recommendations for administrative or procedural changes in
the internal management or organization of state government agencies and
departments. Copies of the report containing such recommendations shall
be sent to the appropriate directors of state or local government
agencies or departments included in the report. (L. 2004 H.B. 1599)

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