Missouri legislature 2013

House Speaker Tim Jones said the House needs "an honest assessment" on everything from its operating rules to its administrative polices and its workplace conditions for staff and lawmakers.

The governor also listed funding for education, public safety and social services among other reasons for vetoing the income tax cut bill Wednesday.

Gov. Jay Nixon called the bill an "ill-conceived, fiscally irresponsible experiment" that would be at the expense of the budgets of public school and public safety.

Five days after the 2013 state legislative session ended, Rep. Chris Kelly shared his thoughts on the session Tuesday night at the Columbia Public Library.

If Gov. Jay Nixon signs bills covering motorcyclists, the riders won't be singled out in police checkpoints, and May will be motorcycle awareness month. However, a longstanding effort to change the state's motorcycle helmet law stalled again this year.

Rep. Tim Jones will use the upcoming tours to discuss legislation approved in the just-completed session and the items that will need work next year.

The bill would require the Joint Committee on Legislative Research to do an actuarial analysis of the costs associated with the potential coverage mandate.

Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey said he is considering appointing at least three committees to study issues before the 2014 session.

Republican leaders declared the session "historic" and "monumental," but the success depends on decisions of Gov. Jay Nixon.

Republican legislative leaders already were declaring the session a success.

The state already has a small number of what are known as veterans treatment courts that handle cases involving current and former military personnel with mental health or substance abuse issues.

The bill would restrict the use of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families cash benefits on items marketed exclusively for adults. It has been sent to Gov. Jay Nixon for approval. 

County sheriffs already have responsibility to review concealed weapons applications, applicants' backgrounds and issue the paper permits. 

The plan is a final offer to state senators, who would have to pass it before 6 p.m. Friday if it is to go to Gov. Jay Nixon. 

The measure is the product of a Missouri Bar committee charged with updating the criminal code for the first time since 1979.

It had been printed every two years until a 2010 law barred its continued paper publication. The intent was to save about $1.7 million in costs.

The two-part legislation is intended to reverse some of the consequences stemming from a 2005 state law that overhauled Missouri's workers' compensation system.

Missouri districts that lose state accreditation currently have two years before state education officials can step in.

The legislation would require a margin of less than one-half of a percent to request a recount.

Currently, school districts that lose accreditation have two years before state education officials can step in.