HCS SB 851 -- NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS

SPONSOR:  Schmitt (Parson)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Special
Committee on General Laws by a vote of 14 to 0.

This substitute requires the governing body of any county, city,
town, or village or any entity created by these political
subdivisions to give notice four business days prior to voting
and hold a public meeting to allow public comment on an issue
involving the implementation of a tax increase, a retail
development project which utilizes the power of eminent domain,
creation of a transportation development or community improvement
district, or the approval of a redevelopment plan that pledges
public funds as financing.  Any legal action challenging the
notice requirements must be filed within 30 days or the meeting
will be deemed to have been properly noticed and held.  These
provisions will not apply to any votes or discussions related to
proposed ordinances that require a minimum of two separate
readings on different days; and tax measures under these
provisions will not include the setting of the annual tax rates
in Sections 67.110 and 137.055, RSMo.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2011, FY 2012, and
FY 2013.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will provide additional
notice to the general public before a governing body votes on
important matters involving taxes, zoning, and property rights.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Schmitt; Missouri Retailers
Association; Missouri Press Association; and Mid America Retail
Food Joint Labor Management Committee.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that it is unclear how
the bill will interact with many existing statutory requirements
and how it will apply to closed meetings.  A statute of
limitations on lawsuits should be included.

Testifying against the bill was St. Louis County Municipal
League.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 14, 2010 at 3:15 pm