In search of intelligent design & public interest
by Byron Clemens

After SJR searched the State of Missouri's official site, it found a few bills that readers might find interesting. The dozen chosen range from creationism to Confederate flags. Readers in search of more gems like these dozen need look no further than www.house.state.mo.us and/or www.senate.state.mo.us. The following descriptions are not official.

HB 911-The education commissioner is required to appoint a committee of no fewer than five supporters of intelligent design. This bill prescribes definitions for the teaching of standard science in public elementary and secondary schools by distinguishing the differences between scientific law, scientific theory, and hypothesis and by requiring the equal treatment of viewpoints in written and orally presented material. Willful neglect of the requirements of the bill is cause for termination of a teaching contract.
Sponsor: Rep. Wayne Cooper (R-District 155).
Co-sponsor: Rep. Annie Reinhardt (R-District 34).

HB 1181-Suspends any motor vehicle emissions inspections established under the Air Quality Attainment Act.
Sponsor: Rep. Harold R. Selby (R-District 105).

HB 829-Enacts the Missouri Seed Availability and Competition Act. A farmer will be liable only if he or she intentionally or negligently fails to follow patent holder instructions regarding use of seed. Misappropriation of patented seed would be a class D felony.
Sponsor: Rep. Wes Shoemyer (D-District 9).

SJR 25-Removes portion of the Missouri Constitution that prohibits distribution of state funds to religious organizations. Article IX, Section 8 commonly referred to as the "Blaine Amendment."
Sponsor: Rep. Anita Yeckel (R-District 1).

HB 776-Doubles the limit on campaign contributions made by individuals and makes those limits applicable to political party committees. Also reduces, by 90 percent, the limit on campaign contributions made by political party committees.
Sponsor: Rep. Robert Thane Johnson (R-District 47).

SJR 26-Removes a portion of the Missouri Constitution limiting distribution of state funds to any church, religion, or preacher or teacher.
Sponsor: Rep. Anita Yeckel (R-District 1).

SJR 32-Allows private school students to ride public school buses.
Sponsor: Rep. John Cauthorn (R-District 18).

SB 701-Exempts public employees from union membership, prohibits payroll deductions and requirement of service fees.
Sponsor: Rep. John Russell (R-District 33).

SB 744-Exempts motorcyclists age 21 or older from wearing a helmet.
Sponsor: Rep. John Cauthorn (R-District 18).

HR 397-Grants the Missouri Catholic Conference use of the House Chamber and hearing rooms for purpose of a citizen's assembly.
Sponsor: Rep. Mark J. Bruns (R-District 113).

SB 1322-Prohibits displays and signs in public areas of the state capital.
Sponsor: Rep. Jim Mathewson (D-District 21).

HB 896-Authorizes Confederate flags to be flown over the Confederate Memorial State Historic Site and the Fort Davidson State Historic Site.
Sponsor: Rep. Robert Mayer (R-District 159).
Co-sponsor: Rep. J.C. Kuessner (D-District 152).