Legislative Update 3/13 The House focused this week on the Budget spending the entire day debating amendments on Tuesday. It was not the “smoothest” day on Tuesday. Representative Fitz Patrick (Shell Knob) stood out in debate a leader as Vice Chair of Budget. On Thursday the final version was passed and sent to the Senate. The Medical Malpractice Reform bill did receive approval after the trial attorneys and health professionals agreed to a compromise. Public schools received $74 million that should address the funding on hold harmless and nonhold harmless districts. Education funding on the formula is still short $482 million from being fully funded. The Governor’s race is getting mere interesting as Senator Kehoe and Senator Mike Parson have set up exploratory committees for Governor as former Republican candidate John Bruner of St. Louis has not ruled out another run. News this week includes: Senate Transportation, Infrastructure, and Public Safety The Senate Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure, and Public Safety heard testimony over House bill 524, which allows the director of the Department of Revenue to adopt rules and regulations allowing specified vehicle or trailer lienholders to electronically release a lien. Testifying in support of House Bill 524 was the Department of Revenue, who said the bill is a legislative priority for them, and they believe this will allow them to give provide better service to the people they serve. Also testifying in favor of the bill was the Missouri Auto Dealers Association, Missouri Credit Union Association, Missouri Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association and Missouri Bankers Association. There was no opposition to the bill. Next Week The Missouri General Assembly will now begin final review in Senate Appropriations of the House version of the Budget. Spring break begins next Thursday upon adjournment. Only 6 weeks remain in the 2015 legislative session.