Major, Non-budget Bills Passed in 2015

Impose restrictions on the ability of students to transfer out of unaccredited school districts. Establish a system for accrediting attendance centers within a district rather than the entire district.

"Right to Work." Prohibit requiring an employee to join a union or pay dues to a union. The governor indicated he will veto this bill.

Lower of weeks a person can get unemployment benefits when the unemployment rate drops. The governor vetoed a similar bill, SB 673, in 2014. The House voted to override the veto. A Democratic filibuster in the Senate prevented on the override, along with a long list of other bills.

Establish a program for the state Agriculture Department to pay some of the insurance costs of dairy producers when margins are below threshold levels for payments. Earmark sales taxes from dairy products to a dairy revitalization fund. Create a college scholarship program for dairy students.

Provide a one-time amnesty of penalties for persons who owe back state taxes owed in 2014 if they are paid by July of 2015. Legislative staff estimate the bill would bring in an more than $60 million.

Require public school sex education teach about the danger of sex predators and the consequences of text messaging.

Provide tax breaks for redevelopment of unused automobile manufacturing plants in St. Louis County that ceased operations after 2007. Aimed at the Chrysler plan in Fenton. The Senate version includes tax breaks for development of land to keep a federal mapping facility in St. Louis.

Require stores offer customers with the option of paper or plastic bags. Ban cities from banning plastic bags.

Reduce from 30 percent to 20 percent the amount of a city budget that can be financed from traffic violations for all but towns in St. Louis County. Lower the limit of St. Louis County and towns in the county to 12.5 percent. Transfer the excess to county schools. Limit the total of fines and court costs that can be charged in minor traffic violations to $300.

A number of unrelated issues dealing with agriculture. Establish college student scholarships for dairy students. Restrict fees charged under the Livestock Marketing Law to no more required to adminster the law. Ease requirements on filing proof of bonding by pesticide applicators. Change requirements for alternative fuel labeling at pumps. And more.

Require the Revenue Department to notify a seller of a change in sales tax coverage caused by a rule change or court decision before a seller is liable for the tax.

The final CCS would impose work-program restrictions on the welfare programs. Expand the requirement for seeking a job for food stamps and impose a 45 month life-time limit for TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families).

Establish free speech rights on public universities and colleges. Declare outdoor areas of campuses public forums and limit restrictions universities can impose on speech or gatheriengs in those areas.

Impose a deadline for a court to issue a decision on a lawsuit challenging a statewide ballot issue no later than 56 days before the election date. The House version would prohibit a person from running for public office if the person is delinquent in state or local taxes.

Require the Natural Resources Department file with the legsilature a regulatory impact statement at least one month before submitting any implementation plan to federal Environmental Protection Agency.

Require health insurance cover eating disorders.

Provide tax breaks for large-data storage centers and technology companies. Let local government enter into financial agreements for technology projects.

Restrict the A+ scholarship program for college students to U.S. citizens or permanent residents in the U.S.

Restrict the grounds under which a health care provider can be sued for malpractice. The Supreme Court recently struck down a legislation that had limited non-economic damage awards in medical malpractice lawsuits.

Require the Children's Services Division to immediately notify it's local office when it gets a report of a juvenile with a sexual behavior problem. Require the local office to use a "family assessment and services approach" in evaluating the case.