Built with by
Will Vandergrift
Surface Less noise. More truth.

Commerce Committee

February 19, 2025

HB 344

Surface Score: 7/10
Summary:
This bill was voted on to pass, with a House Committee substitute focusing on municipalities and raising the age to purchase tobacco products to 21 statewide.
Noteworthy Points:
  • The House Committee substitute added language about the age of 21 for purchasing tobacco products.
  • Representative Miller raised concerns about the impact on 18-year-olds employed where tobacco products are sold.
Highlights:
Additional Notes:

Source:

Full Video

Surface Score Reasoning:

This bill involves changing regulations around tobacco sales, which is a significant issue, and the discussion includes concerns about potential job impacts.

HB 437

Surface Score: 3/10
Summary:
House Bill 437 was voted to pass, but the summary of the bill's intention isn't identified in the transcript.
Noteworthy Points:
  • Bill passes 9-1.
Highlights:
Additional Notes:

Source:

Full Video

Surface Score Reasoning:

Standard bill passage. Since the details surrounding this bill weren't described, this has low impact.

HB 567

Surface Score: 9/10
Summary:
This bill aims to address unintended consequences of Proposition A, which mandated sick leave and minimum wage increases. The proposed committee substitute ensures businesses have flexibility in tailoring their sick leave policies. It also proposes delaying the $15 minimum wage implementation and removing provisions tying Missouri's minimum wage to the CPI.
Noteworthy Points:
  • The bill sponsor argues Prop A imposes regulations on private businesses that the government itself is exempt from.
  • The committee substitute is significantly different from the original bill, focusing on removing the paid sick leave mandate.
  • Debate centers on whether the bill undermines the will of the people, who voted for Prop A, versus providing necessary relief to businesses.
  • Concerns raised about the potential for abuse of sick leave and the impact on businesses' ability to manage operations and maintain food safety.
  • Discussion includes the potential economic impact of Prop A, such as job losses and increased costs for consumers.
Highlights:
  • 00:06:36 - 00:06:45 : Representative Gallic introduces House Bill 567, stating it's essential for businesses' success.
  • 00:07:03 - 00:07:33 : The bill seeks to address some of the unintended consequences of Proposition A.
  • 00:08:49 - 00:09:34 : Discussion of Proposition A excluding government entities and the confusing ballot language.
  • 00:10:51 - 00:11:45 : Representative Gallic shares a story about a neighbor who voted for minimum wage but didn't understand the sick leave provision.
  • 00:18:08 - 00:18:30 : Representative May questions the big difference between the filed bill and the House Committee substitute.
  • 00:23:36 - 00:23:44 : Representative Quarer challenges the definition of 'at-will employment' used in testimony.
  • 00:24:43 - 00:25:08 : Representative Quarer questions if the fact that this bill was passed by a statewide vote of the people is being pushed a little.
  • 00:30:53 - 00:31:18 : Representative Miller explains that the legislation seems to talk about how the business should pay employees for services they don't provide.
  • 00:33:04 - 00:33:44 : A representative elaborates, the will of the people does not get to dictate how I run my business.
  • 00:38:36 - 00:39:24 : Representative Montserrat questions why this proposition is extraordinarily burdensome to business.
  • 00:44:25 - 00:45:49 : Committee expresses frustration over what seems to be an attempt to undo the will of the people who are working Missourians.
  • 00:53:11 - 00:54:45 : Representative Kimball questions about paid sick time and its relationship to the committee substitute.
  • 01:00:51 - 01:01:22 : Discussion of whether or not there were any formal oppositions to this from business groups.
  • 01:13:31 - 01:14:02 : Kara Corches testifies a study found that more than a third of Missouri business leaders say Prop A will cause them to hire fewer employees.
  • 01:15:54 - 01:16:18 : Kara Corches explains that the financial piece is the cost of paid time off.
Additional Notes:

Source:

Full Video

Surface Score Reasoning:

This bill sparks extensive debate about workers' rights, business burdens, and the role of government mandates, all of which are highly relevant to Missouri citizens.

HB 555

Surface Score: 6/10
Summary:
This bill delays the implementation of the minimum wage increase to 2028 and postpones CPI increases until 2030. It also includes a provision to increase the threshold for prevailing wage requirements for local park boards, aiming to ease the financial burden of remodeling projects.
Noteworthy Points:
  • The bill includes a provision to increase the threshold for prevailing wage requirements for local park boards, which is not in other similar bills.
  • The prevailing wage piece is the most contentious aspect, drawing opposition based on prior negotiations and agreements.
  • Delaying the minimum wage increase is intended to align better with CPI increases and reduce the financial strain on businesses.
Highlights:
  • 01:50:34 - 01:50:45 : Representative Lewis introduces House Bill 555 and explains what the bill does.
  • 01:50:57 - 01:51:18 : Representative Lewis explains the prevailing wage increase is brought to him by the local part board.
  • 01:53:10 - 01:53:17 : Mark Dalton states his name and announces that the mid-America Carpenter's regional council is testifying against house bill 555.
  • 01:54:12 - 01:54:24 : Mark Dalton points out this is a whole modification that was done to the entire section without having to change something else and plug in place so.
  • 01:54:56 - 01:55:20 : Representative buts shows strong support against the bill.
Additional Notes:

Source:

Full Video

Surface Score Reasoning:

While less contentious than HB 567, this bill still affects wages and local government projects, making it moderately important to citizens.