SPONSOR: Steinmeyer
COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Corrections and Public Institutions by a vote of 12 to 1. Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Rules-Administrative by a vote of 9 to 0.
This bill prevents funds remaining in the Highway Patrol Academy Fund, the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund, the Boiler and Pressure Vessels Safety Fund, and the Elevator Safety Fund at the end of the biennium from being transferred to the General Revenue Fund.
PROPONENTS: Supporters say that the bill prevents shocks to funding. This protects fee-payer purpose and program continuity. The funds were collected for a specific reason, and this provides predictability for operations impacted. Predictable funding allows for stability and long-term planning. If dedicated funds can’t carry forward, the related programs end up underfunded. Some funds might receive more money in some years and need to expend more money in another year. The Highway Patrol academy is used by other agencies, and they’re charged so that the facilities can be maintained. Those funds shouldn’t be sent to general revenue simply because larger repairs aren’t needed for few years. Boiler and elevator inspections are difficult to staff, so sweeps to general revenue while the inspections are understaffed will just mean having to appropriate money back to the program later.
Testifying in person for the bill were Representative Steinmeyer; Jayln Talbot, Department Of Public Safety ; and Alexander Vivas, Missouri State Highway Patrol.
OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.
OTHERS: Others testifying on the bill say the General Assembly should investigate how the funds in these accounts affect the Hancock amendment and whether agencies using the Highway Patrol's academy facilities are paying an adequate amount for the spaces.
Testifying in person on the bill were Angie Giddings, Department of Public Safety; and Jon Stambaugh. Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Statutes affected: