HB 267 -- COUNTY GOVERNMENT

CO-SPONSORS:  Smith (118), Wilson (119), Lipke (157), Schlottach,
Bearden, Purgason, Ruestman

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Local
Government by a vote of 15 to 2.

This bill authorizes any county without a charter form of
government to adopt ordinances, resolutions, and regulations
related to its property, affairs, and government that are not
governed by the constitution or state statute.  The General
Assembly has the power to further define, broaden, limit, or
otherwise regulate the power of a county to adopt any ordinance,
resolution, or regulation.  The county may submit any ordinance,
resolution, or regulation to the voters for approval.  The bill
also allows a petition to be submitted by a qualified voter to
the governing body of the county proposing an ordinance,
resolution, or regulation.  The petition must be signed by 15% of
the qualified voters outlined in the bill.  Upon the filing of a
valid petition, the governing body of the county must place the
question on the ballot at the next general election for approval
or rejection.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that it is difficult for counties to
operate efficiently because the state has to authorize so much
that counties do.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Smith (118); Missouri
Association of Counties; and Livingston County Presiding
Commissioner.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Steve Bauer, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:11 am