HB 888 -- FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATION LIAISON ACT

SPONSOR:  Grisamore

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Special Committee on
General Laws by a vote of 7 to 1.

This bill establishes the Faith-based Organization Liaison Act
which requires the Director of the Department of Social Services
to designate regional department employees to serve as the
liaison to faith-based organizations in their respective region
to facilitate the need for and benefits of community services for
individuals in need of financial and/or other assistance.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2008, FY 2009, and
FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that there is no state mechanism to
provide clear guidance to service providers of the rights and
responsibilities under federal law of faith-based initiatives.
The bill encourages the department to find alternatives to state
programs, including faith-based initiatives.  The inconsistency
of information regarding faith-based initiatives made available
by the state continues to be a problem and is the major reason
why faith-based initiatives aren't more involved in solving
Missouri's problems.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Grisamore; and
Missouri Family Network.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:20 am