JEFFERSON CITY - A bill passed Thursday in the House limits damages from medical malpractice and liability lawsuits. Several Democrats spoke against the measure before the vote.

JEFFERSON CITY - The Missouri House gave first round approval to a measure that would ban mercury and other heavy metals in vaccines given to children.

The measure also would ban mercury in dental fillins.

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JEFFERSON CITY - The Senate Appropriations Committee decided Wednesday that they needed more time to review the projects in question.

Most of the projects, including a renovation to the engineering building on the MU campus and the construction of a major life-sciences research center, involve the University of Missouri system. But the bond may have hit some political hot water.

JEFFERSON CITY - The House Transportation Committee is considering bills to create pro-life and pro-choice license plates.

Some legislators argue this issue is important, while others would rather the committee focus on more immediately important issues.

JEFFERSON CITY - Without ceremony, Democratic Gov. Bob Holden signed a bill Wednesday designed to improve mental health care for children.

The bill is supposed to put an end to parents having to give up custody of their mentally ill child just so that child could get treatment.

Sponsors of the proposal say they were disappointed the governor didn't hold a bill signing ceremony.

JEFFERSON CITY - A proposed constitutional amendment in the Missouri House would limit growth of general revenue appropriations made by the legislature.

The amendment would also establish a fund to hold excess revenue in good economic times.

JEFFERSON CITY - The Senate rejected a proposal to make public the lists of concealed weapons permit applicants.

The proposal was contained in an amendment to a broader bill to expand the state's laws requiring government meetings and records be open to the public.

The bill, approved by the Senate on a voice vote, also requires the University of Missouri to make public the names of persons who contribute for the salary increases of chancellors.

JEFFERSON CITY - Missouri's House gave first-round approval to a measure that would impose limits on liability lawsuits and lawsuit awards.

The proposal is similar to a measure vetoed by the governor last year.

The measure requires one final House vote before going to the Senate.

JEFFERSON CITY - Two bills that would allow St. Louis police to live outside city limits caused debate in the House Crime Prevention and Public Committee meeting on Tuesay.

One bill would lift the residency requirements in four years, the other in seven. Supporters say it is a right that the police deserve while some St. Louis representatives are angry representatives from other districts proposed the bill.

JEFFERSON CITY - The Missouri Senate Pensions Committee heard testimony on the proposed merger between Northwest Missouri State University and the University of Missouri system. Among those supporting the bill were University of Missouri-Columbia President Elson Floyd and Rollie Stadlman, a member of Northwest's Board of Regents.

JEFFERSON CITY - An effort to help pets brought a former manager of the St. Louis Cardinals to a committee of Missouri legislators Tuesday. Whitey Herzog, who had led the Cardinals to a World Series Championship in 1982, testified in favor of a bill that would let licensed physical therapists provide rehabilitation to animals without requiring that a veterinarian be present.

JEFFERSON CITY - Transportation chair Jon Dolan hears St. Charles business leaders' concerns over Missouri Roads. More than 30 leaders met with the Republican senator. Dolan hopes for reform of the state's entire transportation system.

JEFFERSON CITY - Students from Northwest Missouri State University came to show both support and opposition of the possible merger of their school into the University of Missouri System. The students had a range of opinions but all agreed that this was an important issue.

JEFFERSON CITY - The Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony from supporters and opponents of the death penalty. If passed, the series of bills would change the way Missouri handles capitol punishment.

JEFFERSON CITY - By an overwhelming margin, the House voted to require a mobile home park give at least 120 days notice before requiring a park tenant to move out.

The proposal now goes to the Senate.

JEFFERSON CITY - The Missouri Director of Revenue released a report saying general revenue collections for February are up 5.4 percent.

Budget Director Linda Luebbering said the governor will not release withheld money from education until after tax filing on April 15.