HJR 32 -- SCHOOL DISTRICT BOND ELECTIONS

SPONSOR:  Barry

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Education-
Elementary and Secondary by a vote of 15 to 7.

This proposed constitutional amendment changes the vote required
to approve a school district bond issue from four-sevenths to a
simple majority at general municipal elections and general
elections.

FISCAL NOTE:  Cost to General Revenue Fund of $43,800 in FY 2003,
$0 in FY 2004, and $0 in FY 2005.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the current constitutional
requirement for a 2/3 super-majority on bond votes dates
unchanged from the 1875 Constitution until 1988, when the 4/7
requirement was added for issues voted upon on municipal
election day and primary and general election days.  Inability to
pass a bond issue sometimes causes school districts to use lease-
purchase arrangements, which results in a larger cost overall, or
to postpone repairs until dangerous conditions occur.
Super-majorities contradict the principle of "one person, one
vote."

Testifying for the bill were Representative Barry; Margi Cook and
John Cary, Mehlville School District; Missouri National Education
Association; Cooperating School Districts of Greater St. Louis;
Missouri PTA; Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas
City; Missouri School Boards Association; and several
organizations expressed their support in writing.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Becky DeNeve, Senior Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated October 11, 2002 at 9:03 am