MISSOURI — House Approves Bill to Support and Promote Missouri Agriculture (HB 1720)
The members of the Missouri House have approved legislation that will renew key programs designed to support and promote agriculture in the state. With bipartisan support, the House approved HB 1720 to continue several agriculture programs that are priorities for the agriculture community in Missouri.
In explaining the importance of the bill, the sponsor of HB 1720 noted the programs created and extended by the legislation would be responsible for creating hundreds of jobs. He pointed out that, “Agriculture is the number one revenue-producing industry in the state, generating just under $94 billion in economic contributions. One in ten jobs in the state of Missouri are directly related to the agriculture industry.”
The bill would extend existing credits available under the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority. The sponsor noted these credits have supported projects in 103 counties and have generated direct and indirect benefits of more than $260 million since 2000.
HB 1720 also expands the Family Farm Livestock Loan Program so that more Missouri farmers will qualify. The program is currently limited to farmers with less than $250,000 in gross sales per year. The bill would double that amount to allow farmers with less than $500,000 in gross sales to qualify. The bill would also double the maximum amount of the loan for each type of livestock. The loan program has a return on investment of $7.85 per dollar invested.
The bill creates the Ethanol Retailers Incentive to provide a tax credit to retail dealers selling higher ethanol blend at the dealer’s service station, as well as a biodiesel tax credit for retail dealers selling a biodiesel blend and a credit for Missouri biodiesel producers. The bill’s sponsor noted Missouri ranks in the top third of states for biodiesel consumption. The credits would go into effect January 1, 2023.
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
House Approves Bill to Improve Opioid Addiction Treatment and Prevention Services (HB 2162)
The Missouri House has given initial approval to legislation that would give the General Assembly greater flexibility when appropriating funds to fight opioid addiction. The bill was created in anticipation of a settlement with opioid distributors, and is designed to allow lawmakers to allocate funds to programs in state government that provide resources to victims of addiction.
It was in July that the Missouri Attorney General announced the state had reached a settlement with Johnson & Johnson and multiple opioid distributors. If all municipalities in Missouri sign onto the proposed settlement, the state will receive just over half a billion dollars. These funds would be used for addiction treatment, recovery, and intervention programs.
In 2020, 1,842 people in Missouri lost their lives to drug overdose. The majority (73 percent) of the drug overdose deaths involved opioids. Supporters say HB 2162 is important to ensure the various state departments receive the funds they need to offer life-saving treatment to those battling addiction.
The bill received strong bipartisan support in the House. It requires an additional vote before moving to the Senate.
Bipartisan Citizens Commission Files Final House Redistricting Plan
The House Independent Bipartisan Citizens Commission recently approved a final state redistricting plan. The final plan, which was approved unanimously by all 20 commission members, is the first plan approved by a House Commission since 1991.
The final redistricting plan has an overall difference in population of 5.8 percent between its largest and smallest districts. The commission has posted the final plan for public viewing and can be accessed from the Redistricting Office’s website at https://oa.mo.gov/budget-planning/redistricting-office. The page will include an interactive map as well as the official filing documents submitted to the Secretary of State, and other supplemental maps and tables.
The Senate Independent Bipartisan Citizens Commission failed to submit a tentative plan to the Secretary of State’s office by the December 23, 2021 deadline. Per the Missouri Constitution, the Missouri Senate will now be redistricted by a new commission of six members appointed from among the judges of the appellate courts by the Missouri Supreme Court.
Representative Chad Perkins
Proudly Serving the 40th House District
Lincoln, Monroe, Pike, & Ralls Counties
Missouri House of Representatives
573-751-4028