HB 435 -- Protection of Human Life

Sponsor:  Rector

This bill allows for a special license plate bearing the words
"Respect Life," with an image of a single red rose.  There is no
limit on the number of plates an individual may obtain, as long
as they either solely or jointly own the vehicle and pay the $25
annual or $50 biennial registration fees.  The bill also
establishes the Alternatives to Abortion Support Fund and the
Respect Life Commission.

ALTERNATIVES TO ABORTION SUPPORT FUND

The bill:

(1)  Requires the State Treasurer to deposit into this fund
appropriations from the General Assembly and any amounts received
from general revenue or other sources;

(2)  Requires the amount in this fund to exceed $1 million before
more than half of the money credited to the fund plus all
investment earnings credited during the previous fiscal year can
be available for disbursement.  When the State Treasurer
certifies that assets in the fund exceed $1 million, all earnings
plus future credits from all sources will be available for
disbursement;

(3)  Prohibits funds from being distributed to any person or
entity that performs, induces, or refers for abortions; and

(4)  Promotes childbirth and supports alternatives to abortion by
grants or contracts.

RESPECT LIFE COMMISSION

The bill:

(1)  Stipulates that the commission will consist of a number of
members equal to the number of congressional districts, to serve
four-year terms with the consent from the Senate;

(2)  Requires eligible persons to demonstrate an agreement with
the principles of respect for human life and the need to promote
childbirth;

(3)  Requires each member to serve without compensation, but
allows for the reimbursement of any expenses incurred;

(4)  Requires the commission to consult with state agencies,
commissions, boards, and public and private agencies to determine
the effectiveness and need for programs that promote human life;

(5)  Authorizes the commission to disburse funds from the
Alternatives to Abortion Support Fund;

(6)  Requires the commission to develop statewide educational and
public informational programs to promote awareness and identify
the problems and conditions that cause some women not to carry
their pregnancies to term;

(7)  Allows the commission to appoint an executive director,
responsible for the administrative operations of the commission
and to hire staff members; and

(8)  Requires the commission to submit an annual report of its
activities by December 31 of each year to the President Pro Tem
of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and
the Governor.

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated August 25, 2005 at 1:19 pm