HCS HB 163, 213 & 216 -- VETERANS' MEDALLION PROGRAMS

SPONSOR:  Jackson (Smith, 14)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Veterans by a vote of 11 to 0.

Currently, any World War II veteran who wants to receive a
medallion, medal, and certificate of appreciation must have been
a Missouri resident before August 28, 2000, and must have made
application for the medals prior to July 1, 2004.  Veterans of
the Korean War who want to receive the medallion, medal, and
certificate of appreciation must have been Missouri residents
before August 28, 2003, and must have made application for the
medals prior to January 1, 2005.

This substitute allows veterans of World War II or the Korean War
to receive the medals of appreciation as long as they are a
resident of Missouri, had been a resident at the time of entering
or being discharged from the military, or had been a resident at
the time of death.  The application deadlines for both medical
programs are removed.

In both programs, the substitute requires that the medallions,
medals, and certificates be awarded until the supply is
exhausted.  When there are fewer than 100 medallions, medals, and
certificates for either program, the Adjutant General must notify
the General Assembly.

The substitute has an emergency clause.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2006, FY 2007, and
FY 2008.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters of the bills say that the Adjutant
General has medals and medallions in his possession, but because
the programs expired on December 31, 2004, he does not have the
authority to distribute the remaining medals to veterans who
applied after the deadline.  The bills give him the authority to
process applications received in 2005 and to distribute medals to
World War II and Korean War veterans.  The bills will not cost
the state any additional money and the medals are an important
way to honor our veterans.

Testifying for HB 163 were Representative Smith (14); Marine
Corps League; Missouri Veterans Commission; Missouri National
Guard Association; Missouri Veterans of Foreign Wars; and
Missouri Association of Veterans Organizations.  Testifying for
HB 213 were Representative Deeken; Marine Corps League; Missouri
Veterans Commission; Missouri National Guard Association;
Missouri Veterans of Foreign Wars; and Missouri Association of
Veterans Organizations.  Testifying for HB 216 were
Representative Pollock; Marine Corps League; Missouri Veterans
Commission; Missouri Veterans of Foreign Wars; and Missouri
Association of Veterans Organizations.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Alice Hurley, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated August 25, 2005 at 1:18 pm