Missouri Bar reports on conclusion of state’s 100th General Assembly

The Second Regular Session of Missouri’s 100th General Assembly adjourned May 27, 2020, after consideration of bills concluded May 15. The coronavirus pandemic prompted a truncated session, but after an extended legislative break, legislators returned to the State Capitol for the final three weeks of the regular session, approving the state's operating budget and a limited number of substantive bills.    

This year, the General Assembly Truly Agreed and Finally Passed 47 bills (including 18 appropriations bills), two concurrent resolutions and one joint resolution (proposed constitutional amendment). Gov. Parson has already signed two bills (professional licensing reciprocity and reimbursement allowance taxes) and two appropriations bills. Those bills approved in the final weeks of the session were enrolled, engrossed and signed by the presiding officers of the Senate and the House on May 27. Parson has until July 14 to act on the bills presented to him. The remaining appropriations bills comprising the state's operating budget must be signed before the start of Fiscal Year 2021 which is July 1, 2020.   

The General Assembly will reconvene Sept. 16, 2020, for the annual veto session. It is possible that the governor may call an extraordinary session of the legislature prior to or concurrent with the veto session.   

Missouri Bar members can review the 2020 Truly Agreed and Finally Passed legislation here. Summer editions of ESQ. - the state bar’s weekly e-newsletter to all members - will include additional legislative updates on TAFP legislation. Current legislative actions taken by the governor are available here. 

Except for those bills with an emergency clause or contingent or delayed effective dates, bills signed by the governor will take effect Aug. 28, 2020. Prior to the regular effective date of newly enacted laws, The Missouri Bar will publish the Legislative Digest, which will include section-by-section summaries for all legislation passed during the 2020 regular session and other tools for navigating the new laws. The Legislative Digest is available on the Legislative Engagement Center, and members may subscribe to it by clicking here.    

The Missouri Bar Board of Governors endorsed three committee-drafted proposals for introduction during the 2020 regular session: 

• 2020-02 – Mediation (House Bill 2534, sponsored by Rep. Louis Riggs); 

• 2020-03 – General Assignments for the Benefit of Creditors (House Bill 2277, sponsored by Rep. Louis Riggs); and 

• 2020-04 – Revised Trust Decanting (House Bill 2533, sponsored by Rep. Louis Riggs).  

Each bill was referred to a House committee for review, but they did not advance to the floor for debate. Click here for more information about these proposals.    

The Missouri Bar limits its legislative activities to proposed legislation that affects the administration of justice, the integrity of the judiciary or the dignity of the profession of law. To learn more about The Missouri Bar's legislative program and procedures, go to the Government Relations Department webpage or our Legislative Engagement Center.