HB 1161 -- COUNTY ORDINANCES

SPONSOR:  Smith (118)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Local
Government by a vote of 15 to 1 with 1 present.

This bill authorizes all counties without a charter form of
government to adopt ordinances or resolutions related to its
property, affairs, and local government.  The bill limits the
types of ordinances that may be passed.  Ordinances may be
submitted to the voters for approval.  No county may pass an
ordinance which will submit a tax to the voters without
authorization by the General Assembly or pass an ordinance that
governs any railroad, telecommunications or wireless company,
public utility, electric cooperative, or municipal utility.
Under current law, only counties of the first, second, or fourth
classification may adopt ordinances related to their property,
affairs, and local government.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2005, FY 2006, and
FY 2007.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill is a step toward
greater autonomy for third classification counties.

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

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that allowing the
initiative petition process would be too costly for third
classification counties.

Testifying against the bill were Howell County Commission; and
Oregon County Commission.

Julie Jinkens McNitt, Legislative Analyst

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