JEFFERSON CITY - This morning, during a bill signing at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson signed House Bill (HB) 1495 and Senate Bill (SB) 912. Together, the legislation provides additional support to Missouri veterans and military members and requires the Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC) to review current practices and recommend additional efforts to prevent veteran suicide. Governor Parson signed five additional bills during the public signing ceremony: HB 2111, SB 1453, SB 1111, SB 802, and SB 1359.

- HB 1495 -directs MVC to review current practices and recommend additional efforts to prevent veteran suicide.
- SB 912 - provisions relating to military and veterans affairs.
        -- Directs MVC to review current practices and recommend additional efforts to prevent veteran suicide.
            --- This provision is identical to HB 1495.   
        -- Allows active-duty military members and their spouses stationed in Missouri to serve as election judges.
        -- Clarifies that signing bonuses are considered salary or compensation for military income tax deductions in Missouri.    
        -- Establishes a new medallion for the Missouri Veterans Program for every military operation during the Afghanistan War.
        -- Authorizes certain tuition fee waivers and grants for Missouri National Guard members seeking an undergraduate degree.
        -- Establishes the Missouri Veterans and Job Opportunity Grant Program.

"We are proud to be a leading state for veterans, military members, and their families where they can find professional success, affordability, welcoming communities, and, above all, support and respect for their service to our great nation," Governor Parson said. "The legislation we are signing today continues our commitment to our nation's heroes that Missouri will remain one of the best places for veterans and service members to live, work, and raise a family. A special thank you to Representative Dave Griffith and Senator Ben Brown for leading these important efforts to protect, honor, and support Missouri's military members, both past and present."

- HB 2111 -relating to the powers of the State Auditor.

        -- In addition to existing authority, allows the State Auditor to audit any political subdivision or government entity when the Auditor suspects improper government activity after an investigation or upon the request of a prosecuting attorney, circuit attorney, or law enforcement agency.

- SB 1111 -relating to the regulation of child care.

        -- Establishes licensing, operating, and inspection requirements for Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care facilities.
        -- Exempts before and after school programs serving school-aged children from certain licensure requirements.

- SB 802 -relating to business investment incentives.

        -- Establishes the Missouri Rural Access to Capital Act.

- SB 1359 -financial institutions.

        -- Creates the Model Money Transmission Act and Missouri Family Trust Company Act.
        -- Removes the requirement for women to be screened first by a Missouri Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment provider before receiving MO HealthNet coverage.

- SB 1453 -designates the Dr. Dan Brown Memorial Highway in Phelps County.

For additional provisions and more information on the legislation signed into law, visit senate.mo.gov or house.mo.gov.