Friday, July 14, 2017

Greitens takes action on remaining legislation

(From Gov. Eric Greitens)

Today, Governor Eric Greitens signed SB 501, a bill to combat the opioid crisis, and SB 62, a bill that modifies provisions related to pension systems. SB 62 makes a number of changes to benefit dedicated state employees and introduces common-sense cost saving measures.

The Governor also vetoed HB 850, SB 65, and SB 128. HB 850 would have removed the ability of Missouri National Guard soldiers to forward a complaint against a commanding officer to the Governor. It is the Governor’s belief that the Missouri National Guard’s Commander-in-Chief should remain engaged in assisting guardsmen. The full veto letter can be read here:https://governor.mo.gov/sites/governor/files/legislative_actions/veto_letters/HB%20850%20Veto%20Letter%2072017.pdf

SB 65 would have allowed passengers to ride on the bow and gunwales of boats with outboard jet motors and boats that were not originally manufactured with adequate guards or railings. The Governor vetoed this bill after conversations with law enforcement officers who expressed serious concerns that removing these safety measures would cause a spike in injuries and deaths on larger waterways with more boats and more dangerous water conditions. The full veto letter can be read here:https://governor.mo.gov/sites/governor/files/legislative_actions/veto_letters/SB%2065%20Veto%202017.pdf

SB 128 was originally conceived as a measure to modify a single provision regarding judicial proceedings. The final bill spans 77 pages and impacts unrelated issues in 68 statutory sections. The bill raises constitutional concerns, creates troubling inconsistencies in state law, and could negatively impact Missouri taxpayers. The full veto letter can be read here:https://governor.mo.gov/sites/governor/files/legislative_actions/veto_letters/SB%20128%20Veto%202017.pdf

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