SPONSOR: Cupps
COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on General Laws by a vote of 11 to 4. Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Rules- Legislative Oversight by a vote of 8 to 2 with 1 voting Present.
This bill changes the specific publication requirements for the text of statewide ballots to provisions provided in Article XII, Section 2(b) of the Missouri Constitution.
The bill also provides that the State Treasurer can provide required notices regarding abandoned property by any other method that the Treasurer deems appropriate and consistent with the intent of the existing notice requirements.
This bill is the same as HB 926 (2021).
PROPONENTS: Supporters say that this bill allows notice about unclaimed property to reach more people. The bill does not remove notice through newspaper, but allows for the Treasurer to use other means when appropriate. The bill will also reduce costs from providing notice where it may not be effective.
Testifying for the bill were Representative Cupps; and Scott Fitzpatrick, Missouri State Treasurer's Office.
OPPONENTS: Those who oppose the bill say that older and rural residents depend on notice in the newspaper. This bill puts the burden on Missourians to actively look on the website, which may not be as accessible as the newspaper. The bill also will mean that smaller newspapers, which may be the only source of news for some communities, will struggle.
Testifying against the bill were Arnie Dienoff; Gary Castor, Jefferson City News Tribune; and the Missouri Press Association.
OTHERS: Others testifying on the bill say that the deleted portion in Section 116.260 is already in the Missouri Constitution.
Testifying on the bill was the office of the Missouri Secretary of State.
Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Statutes affected: