HJR 11 -- CITY OF ST. LOUIS

CO-SPONSORS:  Gambaro, Hanaway, Fraser, Merideth, O'Toole,
Carnahan, Bray

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Miscellaneous Bills and Resolutions by a vote of 9 to 0.

This proposed constitutional amendment allows the City of St.
Louis, in its capacity as a county, to amend or revise its
charter in order to provide for the number, manner of selection,
terms of office, and salaries of its county officers.  The
exercise of all powers and duties of counties and county
officers are prescribed by the Constitution and laws of the
State.

The amendment repeals the requirement that such amendments are
to take effect immediately, except as otherwise provided.
Section 32 (b) of the Missouri Constitution is also repealed and
a new section is proposed.  The proposed section pertains to the
revision or amending of the charter of the City of St. Louis
which affects the reorganization of county offices or transfers
any or all duties, powers, or functions of current county
officers.  Current county officers will complete their present
term and the revision or amendment of the charter of the City of
St. Louis will take effect upon the expiration of the current
county officeholder's term.  Current members of the staff of
county officers are given the opportunity to remain employees of
the City of St. Louis with individual seniority and compensation
unaffected.  The amendment does not affect a person's right or
privilege to retire or retirement benefits to which a person was
entitled immediately prior to the effective date of the
amendment.

FISCAL NOTE:  Cost to General Revenue Fund of $0 in FY 2002,
$43,800 in FY 2003, and $0 in FY 2004.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the amendment would allow the
citizens of St. Louis to change the charter that governs them.
All other citizens of Missouri political subdivisions have this
ability.  There are aspects of St. Louis government which could
be updated for the benefit of those doing business and living in
the city.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Gambaro, Hanaway,
and Carnahan; Empower St. Louis; former Mayor Jim Conway; St.
Louis Home Rule; Focus St. Louis; City of St. Louis; Metropolis
St. Louis;  St. Louis County Municipal League; and St. Louis
Regional Chamber and Growth Association.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the amendment say that the problem
is not the structure of government but leadership.  What the
city needs is a vigorous marketing campaign to attract business
to the city.  If the people of St. Louis want the charter
changed, they will start an initiative to do so.

Testifying against the bill were Mariano Favazza, St. Louis
Circuit Clerk; and Larry C. Williams.

Donna Schlosser, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated November 26, 2001 at 11:47 am