HCS HB 1649 -- MULTICULTURAL PROGRAM

SPONSOR:  Harlan (Williams, 121)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Critical
Issues by a vote of 21 to 0.

This substitute establishes a Missouri Multicultural Center and
Program within the office of Lieutenant Governor.  The program
will serve as a resource for immigrants, state agencies,
businesses, advocacy groups, and political subdivisions in the
state.  The program must develop outreach material in various
formats and informational sources that will assist immigrants.
The information must be made available in an electronic format.

A Multicultural Citizens' Advisory Committee is also established
within the office of Lieutenant Governor which must develop and
implement the program.  The committee will consist of 25
members.  The appointment, terms, and compensation of the
committee are outlined in the substitute.  The Lieutenant
Governor is authorized to employ an executive director for the
committee.

The substitute contains an emergency clause.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not available at time of printing.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that many rural areas have
experienced an increase in immigration which presents challenges
for political subdivisions particularly with communication
issues.  Law enforcement and emergency personnel are presented
with challenges in providing services because of communication
difficulties.  This bill would provide communities with
assistance in meeting these challenges.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Williams (121),
Fitzwater, Crawford, and Levin; University of Missouri-Columbia
Department of Rural Sociology; University of Missouri-Columbia
Department of Social Work; Cole County Sheriff's Office; BJC
Health Systems; and Missouri Jewish Federations.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Katharine Barondeau, Legislative Analyst

HB 1649 -- Multicultural Program

Co-Sponsors:  Williams (121), Fitzwater, Shelton, Crawford,
Levin, Boucher

This bill establishes a Missouri Multicultural Center and
Program within the office of Lieutenant Governor.  The program
will serve as a resource for immigrants, state agencies,
businesses, advocacy groups, and political subdivisions in the
state.  The program must develop outreach material in various
formats and informational sources that will assist immigrants.
The information must be made available in various foreign
languages and in electronic format, but with an emphasis on the
immigrants' need to learn the English language.

A Multicultural Citizens' Advisory Committee is also established
within the office of Lieutenant Governor which must develop and
implement the program.  The committee will consist of 25
members.  The appointment, terms, and compensation of the
committee are outlined in the bill.

The bill contains an emergency clause.