HB 1721 -- PUBLIC SCHOOL BEAUTIFICATION PROGRAM

CO-SPONSORS:  Shelton, Carnahan, Thompson, Gambaro, Walton,
Bland, Bowman

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Education-Elementary and Secondary by a vote of 12 to 4.

This bill requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education to create a public school beautification adoption
program to permit individuals, groups, and corporations to
develop and implement programs to assist in maintaining and
improving public school grounds and buildings.  After a local
school board approves a potential sponsor's application, the
application will go to the department for review.  Upon
departmental approval, the sponsor may proceed with the program.
The program becomes the sponsor's responsibility until the
program comes to its planned end or until the local board revokes
the sponsorship.  Each year, the department will choose the 10
most effective programs to receive grants of up to $10,000.

FISCAL NOTE:  Cost to General Revenue Fund of $0 to $100,000 in
FY 2003, FY 2004, and FY 2005.  Subject to appropriation.
Estimated Net Effect on Public School Beautification Adoption
Program Fund of $0 in FY 2003, FY 2004, FY 2005.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill is modeled on a
successful program in Virginia.  The bill will create community
involvement with school districts.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Shelton; and City of
St. Louis Board of Education.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Becky DeNeve, Senior Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated October 11, 2002 at 9:02 am