####First bills voted in upper chamber reach governor’s desk
Senate Bill 20, 15 and 19 all sponsored by Sen. Bob Dixon, R-Springfield, are the first bills to reach Gov. Jay Nixon’s desk this year. The pieces of legislation all modify clauses in state law regarding particular tax credits.
Under SB 20, the Public Safety Officer Surviving Spouse tax credit program would be extended, allowing widows to continue receiving benefits as long as they don’t remarry. The legislation would change the Children in Crisis tax credit to Champion for Children tax credit, instituting a $2 million per year tax cap on in-state adoptions.
Dixon’s legislation would also extend the tax credit for eligible taxpayers who alter their homes to make them handicapped-accessible.
If the governor signs the legislation, SB 20, 15 and 19 would immediately go into effect under the emergency clause outlined in the bill.
Senate Bill 10 is also awaiting the governor’s signature. The legislation would create a refundable income and a tax credit available to sports commissions, specific non-profits and counties to counteract the expenses in attracting amateur sporting events.
####Gov. Nixon announces his nominations for board and commission appointments
Gov. Nixon declared his nominations for eight boards and commissions yesterday. The nominees must receive confirmation from the Missouri Senate before taking their positions.
Elizabeth Pierson of Norborne was nominated a second time to serve on the Advisory Committee for 911 Service Oversight. Her new term would end April 9, 2016.
Nixon nominated Michael Radar of Kansas City to the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners, under which we would oversee the operations of the Kansas City Police department. His term would expire March 11, 2017.
Carolyn Allen of Columbia was nominated to the Missouri Juvenile Justice Advisory Group yesterday. The objective of the committee is to provide education and leadership to Missourians regarding juvenile justice. Her term will last until the governor deems it fit.
Nixon also re-nominated Boyd L. Harris of Centralia to the Missouri Real Estate Appraisers Commission, which regulates real estate appraisal businesses. His term would end Sept. 12, 2014.
Noelle C. Collins of St. Louis was nominated to the Missouri Women’s Council. The Council promotes women’s economic and employment opportunities. Her term would end Dec. 6, 2014.
Nixon has nominated Robert E. George of Aurora to serve on the Public Defender Commission. The board hires state public defender director and establishes rules for the administration of the state public defender system. His term would end March 11, 2019.
Kathleen Tofall, of St. Louis, was nominated to the Sentencing and Corrections Oversight Commission, which monitors the establishment of the Justice Reinvestment Act. Her term would end March 11, 2016.
Sara C. Michael, of Jefferson City, was nominated to the State Committee Martial and Family Therapists. Her term would end Jan. 26, 2014.