KC Reporter

Jefferson City — This morning, during a bill signing at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson signed House Bill (HB) 1495 and Senate Bill (SB) 912. The legislation provides additional support to Missouri veterans and military members and requires the Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC) to review current practices and recommend additional efforts to prevent veteran suicide. Governor Parson also signed five additional bills during the public ceremony: HB 2111, SB 1453, SB 1111, SB 802, and SB 1359.

HB 1495 directs MVC to review current practices and recommend additional efforts to prevent veteran suicide. SB 912 contains provisions relating to military and veterans affairs, including an identical directive for MVC as HB 1495. Additionally, SB 912 allows active-duty military members and their spouses stationed in Missouri to serve as election judges, clarifies that signing bonuses are considered salary or compensation for military income tax deductions in Missouri, establishes a new medallion for the Missouri Veterans Program for every military operation during the Afghanistan War, authorizes certain tuition fee waivers and grants for Missouri National Guard members seeking an undergraduate degree, and establishes the Missouri Veterans and Job Opportunity Grant Program.

"We are proud to be a leading state for veterans, military members, and their families where they can find professional success, affordability, welcoming communities, and above all, support and respect for their service to our great nation," Governor Parson said. "The legislation we are signing today continues our commitment to our nation's heroes that Missouri will remain one of the best places for veterans and service members to live, work, and raise a family. A special thank you to Representative Dave Griffith and Senator Ben Brown for leading these important efforts to protect, honor, and support Missouri's military members both past and present."

HB 2111 relates to the powers of the State Auditor. It allows the State Auditor to audit any political subdivision or government entity when improper government activity is suspected after an investigation or upon request from a prosecuting attorney, circuit attorney, or law enforcement agency.

SB 1111 pertains to child care regulation. It establishes licensing, operating, and inspection requirements for Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care facilities while exempting before- and after-school programs serving school-aged children from certain licensure requirements.

SB 802 addresses business investment incentives by establishing the Missouri Rural Access to Capital Act.

SB 1359 involves financial institutions by creating the Model Money Transmission Act and Missouri Family Trust Company Act. It removes the requirement for women to be screened first by a Missouri Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment provider before receiving MO HealthNet coverage.

SB 1453 designates the Dr. Dan Brown Memorial Highway in Phelps County.

For additional provisions and more information on the legislation signed into law today visit senate.mo.gov or house.mo.gov.

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