Dear NFIB/Missouri members,
NFIB Missouri is pleased that
the following bills are moving through the legislature.
Punitive damage caps pass the House
By a vote of 101 to 50, the
House passed a bill that will restore punitive damage caps in medical
malpractice cases. HB 118, offered by Rep. Eric Burlison, would cap noneconomic
damage claims at $350,000. There is still no ceiling on economic claims.
The state previously had caps
but they were overturned by the Supreme Court in 2012. NFIB testified in favor
of this bill because it gets at the heart of medical costs and availability of
physicians. The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration.
House approves “Get Off Back Act”
The full House met on
Wednesday and passed the “Big Government Get Off My Back Act” which was
introduced by NFIB member Rep. Denny Hoskins. The bill will next move to the
Senate. It also put a moratorium on
raising state user and licensing fees. Rep. Hoskins’ HB 32 asks for a five year
extension of the act. According to the
Department of Revenue, 196 small businesses took advantage of the new employee
deduction. NFIB testified that although 196 new jobs may not sound like a lot,
a few new jobs in a rural community is a big deal and certainly worth keeping
the program. The bill passed the House 131-22.
Lower the
fees! UPDATE
Last Wednesday, the House Small Business Committee heard a bill
that would dramatically cut the filing fees for almost every business related
service offered by the Secretary of State. HB 513, offered by Small Business
Chairman John McCaherty, would save Missouri businesses almost six million
dollars in filing fee costs. Basically, all fees would be five dollars. NFIB
enthusiastically testified in favor of the bill. The bill passed the Small
Business Committee 18-0.
Sincerely,
Brad Jones
NFIB/Missouri State Director
