HCS HB 885 -- NONDISCRIMINATION POLICIES

SPONSOR:  Hunter (Wilson, 130)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Workforce
Development and Workplace Safety by a vote of 9 to 5.

This substitute prohibits any public institution or entity that
receives state funds from adopting a nondiscrimination policy
that exceeds current federal protections provided by federal
workplace discrimination laws.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not available at time of printing.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that public institutions adopting
nondiscrimination policies which exceed federal requirements
place state funds at risk.  State funds used to defend against a
lawsuit or to pay a settlement are not being used in the
taxpayer's best interest.  The bill will prevent well-intended
acts by entities and institutions which could cost tax dollars.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Wilson (130);
Missouri Family Network; Missouri Baptist Convention; and
Christian Life Convention.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that it prohibits the
state from using venders who may not comply with the provisions
of the bill.  Civil liberties must not be denied, and all
Missouri citizens should receive equal protection under the law.

Testifying against the bill were PROMO; Missouri Women's Network;
and Missouri National Organization for Women.

Roland Tackett, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:14 am