HCS SCS SB 252 -- MILITARY FACILITIES

SPONSOR:  Koster (Pearce)

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

This substitute establishes the Missouri Military Preparedness
and Enhancement Commission to design and implement measures to
protect, retain, and enhance the present and future mission
capabilities of military posts and bases around the state.

The commission's duties will include preparing a biennial
strategic plan and an annual report.  The nine-member commission
will meet quarterly or more often if additional meetings are
deemed necessary by the chair.  Funding for the commission will
be by appropriation, and the Department of Economic Development
will provide administrative support staff.

The governing body or the county planning commission of Johnson
County must provide for the planning and zoning within the
unincorporated area that extends 3,000 feet outward from the
boundaries of Whiteman Air Force Base and the area within the
perimeter of accident potential zones one and two.

For the purpose of student resident status, military personnel
stationed in Missouri, as well as their spouses and their
children younger than 24, will be regarded as Missouri residents.

The substitute contains an emergency clause.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Cost on General Revenue Fund of $11,400
in FY 2006, $11,742 in FY 2007, and $12,094 in FY 2008.  No
impact on Other State Funds in FY 2006, FY 2007, and FY 2008.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill helps protect military
installations in Missouri, specifically Whiteman Air Force Base.
The bill creates the Military Preparedness and Enhacement
Commission to study issues related to base realignment and
closures and authorizes Johnson County to control planning and
zoning around the base to prevent encroachment, which is a
primary reason for base closures.  The bill also allows
dependents of military personnel to pay in-state tuition at
Missouri colleges or universities.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Pearce; and Missouri
Municipal League.

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 1:21 pm