Missouri budget, debt, and interest

The record addresses registration, access to voting, or the handling of cast ballots. Registered-voter turnout uses registered voters as its denominator, so registration and voting rules can concern different components of the displayed rate. This relationship does not establish an effect on the displayed statistic; actions after its measurement period cannot explain the earlier value.

Retained Missouri evidence context: Registered-voter turnout. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

HB 2531 -- ELECTIONS SPONSOR: Kelley (127) This bill changes election laws. In its main provisions, the bill: (1) Requires election authorities to enter voter history in their computerized registration system and forward such information to the Missouri Voter Registration System by the time required for election certification (Section 115.157, RSMo); (2) Beginning January 1, 2023, the bill requires the use of a paper ballot and repeals electronic voting system language with certain exceptions for voting equipment used for the disabled. Requires local election authorities to be members of the Center for Internet Security and allows the Secretary of State (SOS) to review cyber security for local election authorities and vendors as specified in the bill. Testing of vendor products such as programs and machines is allowed and subject to appropriation (Sections 115.225, 115.237, and 115.417); (3) Requires the use of antifraud countermeasures in ballots printed after January 1, 2023 and specifies certain antifraud measures that will be used (Section 115.247); (4) Allows the use of mail-in ballots by administrative or executive order only and repeals a currently expired exception to absentee ballot processing rules and an exception allowing mail-in voting which were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic (Section 115.302); (5) Requires use of photographic identification for purposes of voting in-person absentee ballots at an election authority site that is a designated polling place (Sections 115.257 and 115.427); (6) Authorizes the use of provisional ballots in cases where a voter appears without identification which may be verified and counted by use of either photographic identification or signature matching and repeals an affidavit requirement that was declared unconstitutional in Priorities U.S.A., et. al. v. State of Missouri (Mo. If federal money is not subject to legislative appropriation, then it stands automatically refused by Missouri (Section 115.1550); (9) Requires all federal laws relating to election security procedures, voter identification, and voter fraud to be subject to review by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules prior to implementation via the standard rulemaking process (Section 115.1552); and (10) Requires all agencies of the state or its political subdivisions to provide notice to the Governor, the President Pro Tem and Minority Leader of the Senate, and the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives of any communications received from the federal government relating to elections or the implementation of federal election laws (Section 115.1554).

The record addresses registration, access to voting, or the handling of cast ballots. Registered-voter turnout uses registered voters as its denominator, so registration and voting rules can concern different components of the displayed rate. This relationship does not establish an effect on the displayed statistic; actions after its measurement period cannot explain the earlier value.

Retained Missouri evidence context: Registered-voter turnout. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

HB 1976 -- ELECTIONS SPONSOR: Kelley (127) This bill changes election laws. In its main provisions, the bill: (1) Requires a centralized voter registration database that allows daily archiving of data. Local election authorities will keep separate electronic databases and regularly update their lists for conformity and comparison with the centralized database (Section 28.970, RSMo); (2) Requires automatic tabulating equipment to be air-gapped and unable to be connected to the internet or receive outside communications (Section 115.013); (3) Allows poll watchers and challengers to record and livestream the vote tabulation process so long as such activities do not impede the vote count. Election authorities will record the vote tabulation process for statewide and federal elections and make such recordings available as public records under Chapter 610 (Section 115.108); (4) Authorizes election authorities to remove names from the voter registration list at any time when it is discovered that an individual is not entitled to vote under the laws of this state and prohibits the inclusion of inactive and unverified voter registrations in the list used for an upcoming election (Section 115.178); (5) Beginning January 1, 2023, the bill requires the use of a paper ballot and repeals electronic voting system language with certain exceptions for voting equipment used for the disabled. Requires local election authorities to be members of the Center for Internet Security and allows the Secretary of State (SOS) to review cyber security for local election authorities and vendors as specified in the bill. Testing of vendor products such as programs and machines is allowed and subject to appropriation (Sections 115.225, 115.237, and 115.417); (6) Allows the use of mail-in ballots by administrative or executive order only and repeals a currently expired exception to absentee ballot processing rules and an exception allowing mail-in voting which were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic (Section 115.302); (7) Requires use of photographic identification for purposes of voting in-person absentee ballots at an election authority site that is a designated polling place (Sections 115.257 and 115.427); (8) Authorizes the use of provisional ballots in cases where a voter appears without identification which may be verified and counted by use of either photographic identification or signature matching and repeals an affidavit requirement that was declared unconstitutional in Priorities U.S.A., et. al. v. State of Missouri (Mo. (9) Requires the retention of ballots in all elections for one year from the date of certification in a secure location. Intentional destruction or tampering with such ballots will be a class one election offense (Section 115.449); and (10) Requires ballot matching regarding all ballots cast, unused ballots, spoiled ballots, and provisional ballots to ensure that the numbers sent to election authorities match the returns. Discrepancies must be immediately reported to the SOS. The election authority shall also provide number totals for absentee ballots and regular ballots cast and such totals will be public records under chapter 610 (Section 115.450).

The record addresses registration, access to voting, or the handling of cast ballots. Registered-voter turnout uses registered voters as its denominator, so registration and voting rules can concern different components of the displayed rate. This relationship does not establish an effect on the displayed statistic; actions after its measurement period cannot explain the earlier value.

Retained Missouri evidence context: Registered-voter turnout. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

This committee will implement random election audits as specified. The integrity committee shall also conduct comprehensive risk assessments of election authorities to protect against cyber security threats to the election process. An "Election Integrity Fund" is created to fund audits and risk assessments (Section 21.1020); (4) Authorizes the Secretary of State (SOS) to audit voter registration lists and require election authorities to remove improper names. Audit procedures are specified in the bill and noncompliance could result in a withhold of funds (Section 28.960, RSMo); (5) Grants the SOS exclusive and broad authority over all types of election equipment. The SOS office will be a member of the Center for Internet Security. (7) Prohibits the state of Missouri or its political subdivisions from receiving or expending private money to prepare, administer, or conduct an election or register voters (Section 115.022); (8) Allows appointment of election judges who reside outside the requisite election authorities jurisdiction without the need for written consent from the election authority in whose jurisdiction the potential judge resides. Increases the number of election judges and specifies the procedures for selecting election judges from lists submitted by political party committees (Section 115.081; 115.085); (9) Allows election challengers to be present when election judges arrive at polling places and to remain until all ballots are returned and counted (Section 115.105); (10) Increases the number of watchers allowed from one to four for each political party. Candidates for watcher need not reside or be a registered voter within the jurisdiction they serve (Section 115.107); (11) Authorizes the Department of Revenue to use electronic applications when sending materials to election authorities under the existing voter registration program in place at the Division of Motor Vehicles and Drivers Licensing, within the Department of Revenue. Electronic applications shall be sent no later than three business days after completion of a form. The electronic applications shall be secure and in a format compatible with the existing Voter Registration System under Section 115.158. The SOS and Director of Revenue shall guarantee the security and transmission of electronic data. Images of signatures may be used for the purpose of voter registration (Sections 115.151, 115.160, 115.960); (12) Authorizes an election authority to remove names from voter registration lists at any time where it is determined that an individual is not allowed to vote under the laws of Missouri (Section 115.178); (13) Beginning January 1, 2023, the bill requires the use of a paper ballot and repeals electronic voting system language with certain exceptions for voting equipment used for the disabled. Requires local election authorities to be members of the Center for Internet Security and allows the SOS to review cyber security for local election authorities and vendors as specified in the bill. Testing of vendor products such as programs and machines is allowed and subject to appropriation (Sections 115.225, 115.237, 115.417); (14) Requires use of photographic identification for purposes of voting in-person absentee ballots at an election authority site that is a designated polling place (Sections 115.237, 115.257, 115.427); (15) Repeals a currently expired exception to absentee ballot processing rules and an exception allowing mail-in voting which were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic (115.277, 115.302); (16) Prohibits the distribution of unsolicited applications for absentee ballots by any person including election authorities. The violation of this rule will be a class four election offense (Sections 115.279, 115.637); (17) Prohibits the use of mail-in ballots subsequent to the effective date of the bill except by explicit reference and repeal of this section of the bill (Section 115.302); (18) Authorizes the use of provisional ballots in cases where a voter appears without identification which may be verified and counted by use of either photographic identification or signature matching and repeals an affidavit requirement that was declared unconstitutional in Priorities U.S.A., et. al. v. State of Missouri (Mo. (19) Requires the retention of ballots in all elections for one year from the date of certification in a secure location. Intentional destruction or tampering with such ballots will be a class one election offense (Section 115.449); and (20) Requires ballot matching regarding all ballots cast, unused ballots, spoiled ballots, and provisional ballots to ensure that the numbers sent to election authorities match the returns. Discrepancies must be immediately reported to the SOS (Section 115.450).

The record addresses immigration or residents with a specified immigration status. The foreign-born population includes naturalized citizens and both lawfully and unlawfully present noncitizens, so an enforcement measure addresses only a subset. This relationship does not establish an effect on the displayed statistic; actions after its measurement period cannot explain the earlier value.

Retained Missouri evidence context: Residents who are foreign-born. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

HB 3340 -- USE OF STATE FUNDS FOR CIVIL IMMIGRATION DETENTION SPONSOR: Ealy This bill requires a specific appropriation line item before any state agency can expend funds appropriated by the State to: (1) Lease, build, or retrofit facilities for civil immigration detention; or (2) Contract to provide ongoing facility operations such as food, medical, or security functions for civil immigration detainees. The bill does not limit or otherwise interfere with information- sharing requirements under State or Federal law.

The record addresses high-school completion, equivalency, or adult education relevant to the diploma-or-higher share of adults age 25 and older. Current student programs affect only a potential future component of that adult population. This relationship does not establish an effect on the displayed statistic; actions after its measurement period cannot explain the earlier value.

Retained Missouri evidence context: Adults with at least a high school diploma. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

HB 1183 -- ADULT HIGH SCHOOLS SPONSOR: Hovis Currently, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is required to authorize the operation of four adult high schools across the state. This bill transfers such authority to the Department of Social Services and requires each nonprofit organization to submit an annual report to the Department. In addition, the Department shall authorize a fifth adult high school to be located in a county with more than 700,000 but fewer than 800,000 inhabitants, or a contiguous county. When this bill goes into effect, this will apply to Jackson County or an adjacent county. The Department shall administer funding to the adult high schools, subject to appropriations. For the existing adult high schools, the Department shall maintain authorization for the nonprofit organizations to operate the high school, provided that no more than one organization may be authorized to operate an adult high school in each of the current four locations. An organization may establish satellite campuses for any adult high school it is authorized to operate. By January 1, 2024, the Department shall select a Missouri-based nonprofit organization to operate the new adult high school, provided the organization meets current law requirements and demonstrates the ability to commit at least $500,000, rather than $2 million, for the necessary infrastructure to establish the school. The bill also provides that such organization must limit the administrative fee to no more than 10%.

The record addresses registration, access to voting, or the handling of cast ballots. Registered-voter turnout uses registered voters as its denominator, so registration and voting rules can concern different components of the displayed rate. This relationship does not establish an effect on the displayed statistic; actions after its measurement period cannot explain the earlier value.

Retained Missouri evidence context: Registered-voter turnout. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

HB 1327 -- VISUALLY IMPAIRED VOTERS SPONSOR: Allen This bill requires an election authority with 300,000 or more residents in its jurisdiction to make available at least one voting machine per polling location for use by voters who are blind or visually impaired in all state and local elections. An election authority with fewer than 300,000 residents in its jurisdiction shall make available at least one voting machine for use by voters who are blind or visually impaired in all state and local elections. Any additional costs for the maintenance and use of voting machines shall be paid by the state, subject to appropriation. No voter will be required to prove the existence of blindness or visual impairment in order to utilize a voting machine. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a voter who is blind or visually impaired to use a voting machine. Upon signing an affidavit, voters who are blind or visually impaired may continue to vote by absentee ballot or any other legal method of voting. This bill is the same as HB 1075 (2023).

The record addresses high-school completion, equivalency, or adult education relevant to the diploma-or-higher share of adults age 25 and older. Current student programs affect only a potential future component of that adult population. This relationship does not establish an effect on the displayed statistic; actions after its measurement period cannot explain the earlier value.

Retained Missouri evidence context: Adults with at least a high school diploma. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

The SBE shall adopt and implement the performance standards relating to health and family education beginning with the 2024-25 school year. ADULT HIGH SCHOOLS (Sections 160.2705, 160.2720, and 160.2725) Currently, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is required to authorize the operation of four adult high schools across the state. This bill transfers such authority to the Department of Social Services (DSS) and requires each nonprofit organization that operates an adult high school to submit an annual report to DSS. In addition, DSS shall authorize a fifth adult high school to be located in a county with more than 700,000 but fewer than 800,000 inhabitants, or a contiguous county. When the bill goes into effect, this will apply to Jackson County or an adjacent county. DSS shall administer funding to the adult high schools subject to appropriations. For the existing adult high schools, DSS shall maintain authorization for the nonprofit organizations to operate the high school, provided that no more than one organization may be authorized to operate an adult high school in each of the current four locations. An organization may establish satellite campuses for any adult high school it is authorized to operate. By January 1, 2024, the DSS shall select a Missouri-based nonprofit organization to operate the new adult high school, provided the organization meets current requirements and demonstrates the ability to commit at least $500,000 for the necessary infrastructure to establish the school. GRANT AWARDS AUTHORITY (Sections 161.243 and 205.565) DESE shall provide grants directly to private entities, as defined, for the provision of early childhood education services, subject to appropriations.

The record addresses a Missouri gasoline-cost or supply component. The displayed price is EIA’s 15-state Midwest regional proxy, not a Missouri statewide average; this record does not set pump prices across that region. This relationship does not establish an effect on the displayed statistic; actions after its measurement period cannot explain the earlier value.

Retained Missouri evidence context: Midwest regular gasoline price. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

HCS HB 2072 -- MOTOR FUEL TAX EXEMPTION SPONSOR: Mayhew COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass with HCS" by the Standing Committee on Transportation Accountability by a vote of 10 to 3. Voted "Do "Pass" by Rules-Regulatory Oversight by a vote of 6 to 2. The following is a summary of the House Committee Substitute for HB 2072. This bill creates the "Motor Fuel Tax Fund of 2021", into which the refundable revenue up to $550 million, adjusted annually for inflation, collected under subdivision (1) of subsection 3 of Section 142.803, RSMo, will be deposited. Any money in the Fund not refunded to a motor fuel purchaser within the required time will remain in the Fund and be subject to appropriation by the General Assembly for road and bridge projects for state-owned infrastructure. (Section 142.803, RSMo). Beginning October 1, 2024, this bill authorizes a taxpayer to donate the motor fuel tax refund to a tax-exempt nonprofit entity by providing the entity with all required documentation and a signed statement indicating that the nonprofit is entitled to the taxpayer's refund. The nonprofit entity must submit the documentation and statement, along with proof of its tax-exempt status, to the Director of Revenue. The taxpayer is then entitled to subtract from the taxpayer's Missouri adjusted gross income the amount of the refund donated to the nonprofit (Sections 142.815 and 142.824). Currently, motor fuel is exempt from fuel tax, and an exemption and refund may be claimed by a taxpayer if the tax has been paid and no refund has been previously issued. These exemptions and refunds are currently issued on a fiscal year basis. If the amount of refunds claimed in a tax year exceeds the tax collected for the tax year, refunds shall be allowed based on the order in which they are claimed (Section 142.822). Currently, the motor fuel tax rebate under Section 142.822 is eligible only for vehicles with a gross weight of 26,000 pounds or less. This bill extends the eligibility to motor fuel delivered into a motor vehicle with a gross weight over 26,000 pounds if the motor vehicle is owned by a corporation licensed in Missouri with its primary headquarters in this state, or owned by a sole proprietor whose home office is located in Missouri; provided that the corporation or sole proprietor submits documentation that any exemption and refund claimed is based solely on fuel delivered into a motor vehicle while it was operating in Missouri. If the vehicle was operated in multiple states, the submitted documentation must separate the fuel delivered while operating in Missouri and the other states (Section 142.822). Currently, exemptions and refunds issued for any additional tax on motor fuel are based on a fiscal year. Beginning in fiscal year 2025, they will be based on the tax year.