Mo. Rev. Stat. ch. 23

Mo. Rev. Stat. ch. 23
in effect

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.010 Establishing a committee on legislative research - members - appointment - ...

23.010. Establishing a committee on legislative research — members — appointment — discharge. — A permanent joint committee of the general assembly known as the "Committee on Legislative Research", to be comprised of the chairman of the senate appropriations committee and nine other members of the senate and the chairman of the house budget committee and nine other members of the house of representatives, is established and its offices are in the capitol building, Jefferson City, Missouri. The senate members of the committee shall be appointed by the president pro tem of the senate and the house members shall be appointed by the speaker of the house and appointment of each member shall continue during his term of office as a member of the general assembly, or until a successor is appointed to fill the place of any committee member whose term of office has expired. No major party shall be represented by more than six members from the house nor more than six from the senate on the committee. The general assembly, by a majority vote of the elected members, may discharge any or all of the members of the committee at any time and select their successors. (RSMo 1939 § 14737, A.L. 1943 p. 632, A.L. 1945 p. 1136, A.L. 1957 p. 595, A.L. 1984 H.B. 1087)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.020 Duties of committee.

23.020. Duties of committee. — The committee shall perform the following services for the members of the general assembly: (1) Provide a research and reference service on legislative problems; (2) Upon written request, make investigation into legislative and governmental institutions of this state or other states to aid the general assembly; (3) Upon written request, assist and cooperate with any interim legislative committee or commission created by the general assembly; (4) Upon written request, draft or aid in drafting bills, resolutions, memorials and amendments and render any other service in connection therewith for any member of the general assembly. (L. 1943 p. 632 § 14743A, A.L. 1957 p. 595) CROSS REFERENCE: Revision of statutes, duties of committee, Chap. 3

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.030 Legislative library - reference service.

23.030. Legislative library — reference service. — The legislative library room located on the third floor of the capitol building and in a northerly position between the senate chamber and the house chamber is set aside as a legislative library quarters under the direction and control of the committee on legislative research. Out of an appropriation made for that purpose, the committee on legislative research shall maintain a reference service which shall be available to the general assembly and the public. This service may include the following specific functions: (1) Maintain a legislative library and purchase for the library any printed or written reference material relating to problems of the state or political subdivisions as would in the judgment of the committee aid the members of the general assembly; (2) Secure and file copies of all bills, resolutions, amendments, memorials, reports of committees, journals and other documents printed by order of either house of the general assembly; and collect, catalogue and index material as soon as practicable after it has been printed; (3) Keep an index or digest of the action on each bill, resolution, and memorial by either body of the general assembly and the governor, the digest to be printed and distributed at intervals the committee deems practicable. (RSMo 1939 § 14743, A.L. 1943 p. 632, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.040 Service concerning bills.

23.040. Service concerning bills. — From the time the general assembly of the state convenes until it is adjourned finally, the committee on legislative research, through its representatives, shall give consideration to and service concerning any bill before the general assembly requested by any member of the senate or the house of representatives or any committee of the general assembly having the bills before it for consideration. This service shall continue after adjournment and during any recess or vacation. Employees of the committee shall not oppose or urge legislation but, upon request, shall assist members of the general assembly as to bills, resolutions and measures, draft them in proper form and furnish to members any available information upon matters which fall within the scope of the duties of the committee. (RSMo 1939 § 14745, A.L. 1943 p. 632, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.045 Revision bill, content.

23.045. Revision bill, content. — Any bill denominated as a revision bill by the committee shall contain only that subject matter approved by the committee and additional material may not be amended thereto, unless needed as a technical correction. (L. 1992 H.B. 1849 § 2) Effective 5-28-92

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.050 Committee empowered to obtain information concerning state departments and ...

23.050. Committee empowered to obtain information concerning state departments and institutions — assemble information and make report. — 1. The committee may obtain information upon the needs, organization, functioning, efficiency and financial status of any department of state government or of any institution or agency which is supported in whole or in part by revenue of the state; collect and assemble information concerning the revenue of the state and the tax resources of the state and upon questions of statewide interest which may reasonably become subjects of legislative action or of legislative consideration; make available such information as is requested by any member or member-elect of the general assembly. 2. The committee shall compile a report of its activities and a detailed account of its expenditures for submission to the general assembly, which report shall be completed at least thirty days prior to the convening of each regular session of the general assembly. The report shall be mailed to the post-office address of each member of the present and forthcoming general assembly and a copy of the report shall be submitted to each state elective officer. The report shall include any recommendations for legislative action as well as any recommendations which the committee desires to make concerning the efficient and economical operation of the state government. (L. 1943 p. 632 § 14745A, A.L. 1957 p. 595)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.060 Legislative library, material available to whom - procuring information ...

23.060. Legislative library, material available to whom — procuring information from other state agencies. — The material, including books and other publications of the research library maintained by the committee, is available to the members of the general assembly. All officers of the state, all departments, commissions and bureaus of the state, and all persons connected therewith, the University of Missouri, the teachers' colleges and all agencies of the state which are supported in whole or in part by state funds shall give the committee, or its duly authorized representatives, complete access to their records and full information and all reasonable assistance in any matter of research or investigation which, in the judgment of the committee, requires recourse to them or to data within their knowledge or control; but this section does not compel the disclosure of any records or information which is declared to be privileged or confidential by any other law of this state, unless the committee is specifically authorized to procure the information by a concurrent resolution adopted by the general assembly. (RSMo 1939 § 14744, A.L. 1943 p. 632, A.L. 1957 p. 595, A.L. 1988 S.B. 519)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.070 Committee on legislative research, officers, how selected - director, ...

23.070. Committee on legislative research, officers, how selected — director, duties of — meetings, when held, quorum, number required for. — The committee on legislative research shall meet within ten days after the convening of each general assembly and organize by selecting a chairman and a vice chairman, one of whom shall be a member of the senate and one of whom shall be a member of the house of representatives. Until January of 1985, the chairman shall be a member of the house. In 1985 the chairman shall be a member of the senate. In 1987 the chairman shall be a member of the house. The chairmanship shall alternate between members of the senate and house each two years after 1987. The director shall serve as secretary to the committee on legislative research. Unless otherwise directed by the committee, he shall keep the records of the committee and be subject to the jurisdiction and order of the committee during the vacation or recess of the general assembly. The regular meeting place of the committee shall be in Jefferson City, Missouri, and after its inception and organization it shall regularly meet at least once every three months. A majority of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum and a majority of a quorum may act for the entire committee. Special meetings of the committee may be called at such time and place within the state as the chairman thereof designates. (RSMo 1939 § 14738, A.L. 1943 p. 632, A.L. 1945 p. 1126, A.L. 1957 p. 595, p. 614, A.L. 1977 S.B. 419, A.L. 1984 H.B. 1087, A.L. 1985 S.B. 354)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.080 Director of committee on legislative research - how employed, compensation, ...

23.080. Director of committee on legislative research — how employed, compensation, qualifications — staff — oversight division supervision — library expenditures authorized. — 1. The committee may regularly employ and fix the compensation of a director of research who is competent to assume administration of the necessary activities of the committee under the direction of the committee. The committee may also employ other attorneys, research assistants, clerks and other persons as it deems necessary within the limits of the appropriation made therefor to carry out the provisions of this chapter or to provide assistance for the members and committees of the general assembly. Except for those employees assigned to the oversight division, all employees of the committee shall be under the supervision of the director of research, and he shall, as directed by the committee, assign and supervise all work projects of those employees and keep all necessary personnel records for those employees and others of the committee if so directed. All employees of the oversight division shall be under the supervision of the director of the oversight division, and he shall, as directed by the subcommittee, assign and supervise all work projects of the employees of that division. 2. The committee may provide necessary legal reports and other publications to be kept in the library of the committee and pay for same out of any appropriations made to the committee. The secretary of state and the revisor of statutes shall furnish the librarian, without charge, the number of Missouri statutes and session laws as is desired by the committee to enable it to exchange the statutes and session laws for those of other states. (RSMo 1939 § 14746, A.L. 1943 p. 632, A.L. 1957 p. 595, A.L. 1977 S.B. 419, A.L. 1985 S.B. 354)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.090 Legislative library and other space under control of committee on ...

23.090. Legislative library and other space under control of committee on legislative research. — The committee on legislative research has charge and control of the legislative library and all other space within the capitol assigned to it. (RSMo 1939 § 14739, A.L. 1943 p. 632, A.L. 1957 p. 595, A.L. 1977 S.B. 419)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.140 Fiscal notes required for legislation - exceptions - contents - ...

23.140. Fiscal notes required for legislation — exceptions — contents — interference with staff prohibited — cooperation of agencies — changes in fiscal notes, hearings, procedure. — 1. Legislation, with the exception of appropriation bills, introduced into either house of the general assembly shall, before being acted upon, be submitted to the oversight division of the committee on legislative research for the preparation of a fiscal note. The staff of the oversight division shall prepare a fiscal note, examining the items contained in subsection 2 and such additional items as may be provided either by joint rule of the house and senate or by resolution adopted by the committee or the oversight subcommittee. 2. The fiscal note shall state: (1) The cost of the proposed legislation to the state for the next two fiscal years; (2) Whether or not the proposed legislation will establish a program or agency that will duplicate an existing program or agency; (3) Whether or not there is a federal mandate for the program or agency; (4) Whether or not the proposed program or agency will have significant direct fiscal impact upon any political subdivision of the state; (5) Whether or not any new physical facilities will be required; and (6) Whether or not the proposed legislation will have an economic impact on small businesses. For the purpose of this subdivision "small business" means a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other business entity, including its affiliates, that: (a) Is independently owned and operated; and (b) Employs fifty or fewer full-time employees. 3. The fiscal note for a bill shall accompany the bill throughout its course of passage. No member of the general assembly, lobbyist or persons other than oversight division staff members shall participate in the preparation of any fiscal note unless the communication is in writing, with a duplicate to be filed with the fiscal note or unless requested for information by the fiscal analyst preparing the note. Violations of this provision shall be reported to the chairman of the legislative research committee and subject the fiscal note and proposed bill to subcommittee review. Once a fiscal note has been signed and approved by the director of the oversight division, the note shall not be changed or revised without prior approval of the chairman of the legislative research committee, except to reflect changes made in the bill it accompanies, or to correct patent typographical, clerical or drafting errors that do not involve changes of substance, nor shall substitution be made therefor. Appeals to revise, change or to substitute a fiscal note shall be made in writing by a member of the general assembly to the chairman of the legislative research committee and a hearing before the committee or subcommittee shall be granted as soon as possible. Any member of the general assembly, upon presentation of new or additional material, may, within three legislative days after the hearing on the request to revise, change or substitute a fiscal note, request one rehearing before the full committee to further consider the requested change. The subcommittee, if satisfied that new or additional material has been presented, may recommend such rehearing to the full committee, and the rehearing shall be held as soon as possible thereafter. 4. The director of the division, hereinafter provided for, or the director's designees, shall seek information and advice from the affected department, division or agency of state government and shall call upon the research staffs of the house of representatives and of the senate, and upon the staffs of the house and senate appropriations committees for assistance in carrying out fiscal notes and evaluations of programs selected by the committee, during the interim, and each staff shall supply such information or advice as it deems appropriate in response to the inquiry. The state auditor shall, upon request, cooperate and provide assistance in the conduct of audits and the preparation of reports made in connection therewith. (L. 1984 H.B. 1087, A.L. 1985 S.B. 354, A.L. 1996 H.B. 1123, A.L. 2012 H.B. 1029)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.150 Oversight division organized, duties - subcommittee may be formed - number ...

23.150. Oversight division organized, duties — subcommittee may be formed — number appointed, qualifications, powers and duties — oversight director and staff employed, qualifications. — 1. The committee on legislative research shall organize an oversight division to prepare fiscal notes and to conduct program evaluations of state agencies, including program evaluations involving budget transparency and accountability. The committee may form a subcommittee of not less than six members to provide direct supervision of the personnel and practices of the division. The subcommittee shall consist of one-half of the members appointed by the chair from the house which he or she represents and one-half of the members appointed by the vice chair from the house which he or she represents. 2. Within the limits of the appropriations made for this division, the committee shall employ a director of the oversight division and other personnel as it deems necessary. The director shall be qualified by training and experience to conduct such evaluations, and he or she shall be directly responsible for those activities. The director of the oversight division, with the consent of the joint committee, may employ personnel necessary to carry out the duties prescribed in this chapter. Persons employed to work in the oversight division shall be professional persons possessing a wide knowledge and demonstrated expertise in governmental programming and financial planning, in conducting program review evaluations and analytic studies, and of federal, state, and local government budgetary processes, laws and regulations of the state of Missouri. (L. 1984 H.B. 1087, A.L. 1985 S.B. 354, A.L. 2012 H.B. 1029) CROSS REFERENCE: Federal mandate auditor, director of oversight to serve, duties, 33.825 to 33.829 (1997) Section declared unconstitutional pursuant to article II, section 1 and article IV, section 13 of the Missouri Constitution. State Auditor v. Joint Committee on Legislative Research, 956 S.W.2d 228 (Mo.banc).

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.153 Record kept by staff member on persons initiating inquiries or attempting ...

23.153. Record kept by staff member on persons initiating inquiries or attempting to influence content of fiscal note — penalty. — 1. As part of the preparation of any fiscal note for any proposed piece of legislation, the staff member of the oversight division assigned to prepare that note shall maintain a log, which shall be a public record as defined in chapter 610 . That log shall contain a record of any contact initiated by any other person who either inquires regarding the content of the fiscal note or who attempts to influence the preparation of the fiscal note. The log shall contain, at a minimum, the name and position of the person initiating the contact, the time and date of the contact, the number of the fiscal note and the number of the proposed piece of legislation, and a narrative summary of the comments made by the person who initiated the contact. 2. Violation of the provisions of this section is a class A misdemeanor. (L. 1984 H.B. 1087)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.156 Oath required, oversight division employees - violation, penalty.

23.156. Oath required, oversight division employees — violation, penalty. — 1. Every employee of the oversight division of the joint committee on legislative research shall, before entering upon his or her duties, take and file in the offices of the secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives an oath: (1) To support the constitution of the state, to faithfully demean himself or herself in office; (2) To not disclose to any unauthorized person any information furnished by any state department, state agency, political subdivision, or instrumentality of the state; and (3) To not accept as presents or emoluments any pay, directly or indirectly, for the discharge of any act in the line of his or her duty other than the remuneration fixed and accorded to the employee by law. 2. For any violation of his or her oath of office or of any duty imposed upon him or her by this section, any employee shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor. (L. 2010 H.B. 1868 merged with H.B. 2226, et al.)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.160 Definition of program evaluation.

23.160. Definition of program evaluation. — 1. As used in this chapter, the term "program evaluation" means a study which determines and evaluates program performance according to program objectives, responsibilities, and duties as set forth by statute or regulation. Program evaluations, in accordance with generally accepted program evaluation standards, shall determine: (1) Whether the program is being performed and administered as authorized or required by law, and whether this action conforms with statutory intent; (2) Whether the objectives and intended benefits are being achieved, and whether the absence of such achievements suggest the need for correction or additional legislation; (3) Benefits derived from any program in relation to the expenditures made therefor; and (4) Whether the program duplicates, overlaps, or conflicts with any other state program. 2. As used in this chapter, the term "resources" includes appropriated funds, federal funds, grants, and personnel, and also includes equipment and space, whether assigned, owned or leased. 3. As used in this chapter, the term "agency" includes each department and office within the executive branch of government and each identifiable unit thereof, including institutions of higher learning, and each identifiable unit of the legislative and judicial branches of government. (L. 1984 H.B. 1087, A.L. 2012 H.B. 1029) (1997) Section declared unconstitutional pursuant to article II, section 1 and article IV, section 13 of the Missouri Constitution. State Auditor v. Joint Committee on Legislative Research, 956 S.W.2d 228 (Mo.banc).

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.170 Evaluations, procedures to require or request - inspection of agency ...

23.170. Evaluations, procedures to require or request — inspection of agency records, exceptions — time limitation for evaluations — presentation of completed evaluations, when. — 1. The oversight division of the committee on legislative research shall, pursuant to a duly adopted concurrent resolution of the general assembly, or pursuant to a resolution adopted by the committee on legislative research, conduct program evaluations of agencies as directed by any such resolution. 2. The staff of any agency subject to a program evaluation shall fully cooperate with the staff of the oversight division and shall provide all necessary information and assistance for such an evaluation. All records of an agency, unless otherwise expressly declared by law to be confidential, may be inspected by the oversight division staff while conducting the evaluation, and the agency subject to the evaluation shall afford the oversight division staff with ample opportunity to observe agency operations. 3. All evaluations shall be completed within one year unless an extension is authorized by the committee, but progress reports shall be made to the committee at least quarterly. 4. Any member of the general assembly and any committee of either house of the general assembly may submit requests for program evaluations to the committee on legislative research, and any agency may request an evaluation of its operations. The director of the division shall present program evaluations completed during the previous legislative interim period to appropriate committees of each chamber during early hearings of those committees at the next regular session. (L. 1984 H.B. 1087, A.L. 1985 S.B. 354, A.L. 2012 H.B. 1029) (1997) Section declared unconstitutional pursuant to article II, section 1 and article IV, section 13 of the Missouri Constitution. State Auditor v. Joint Committee on Legislative Research, 956 S.W.2d 228 (Mo.banc).

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.180 Powers of committee.

23.180. Powers of committee. — The committee may: (1) Subpoena and examine witnesses by subpoena issued under the hand of the speaker of the house or the president pro tem of the senate and may require the appearance of any person and the production of any paper or document in the same manner; (2) Cause witnesses appearing before the committee or its staff to give testimony under oath; (3) Require that testimony given or a record of the proceedings of any hearing be recorded by an official court reporter or other competent person, under oath, in writing or by electronic, magnetic, or mechanical sound or video recording devices. Any such transcript or record, when certified by the reporter or recorder, shall be prima facie a correct statement of the testimony or proceedings. (L. 1984 H.B. 1087, A.L. 2012 H.B. 1029)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.190 Recommendations made to agency - response procedure for agency - evaluation ...

23.190. Recommendations made to agency — response procedure for agency — evaluation reports, distribution, charge for public — review of agency in one year, report. — 1. In making program evaluations the division shall make recommendations and suggestions, in writing, to the personnel of the agency being evaluated. Such personnel shall be given an opportunity to respond, in writing, to those recommendations and suggestions. Thereafter, as soon as practicable after completion of the evaluation, the committee shall issue a public report of the evaluation. The report shall contain recommendations for changes in practices and policies as well as recommendations for changes in statutes and regulations, and shall contain the response of the agency involved. Each report shall be a public record and shall be signed by the committee chair. Each report shall be presented to the governor and the agency involved. Copies may be made available to members of the general assembly and to the general public. The committee may charge a fee to recover publication costs for copies made available to the general public. 2. One year after completion of each evaluation, the oversight division shall review the operations of the agency evaluated to determine whether or not there has been substantial compliance with the recommendations contained in the report, and if not, a further review shall be conducted at the end of another year. In each instance a further report shall be made and distributed in the same manner as an initial report is made and distributed. (L. 1984 H.B. 1087, A.L. 2012 H.B. 1029)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.195 Register of all state bonds and evidence of indebtedness - content of ...

23.195. Register of all state bonds and evidence of indebtedness — content of register — report by division to general assembly, when, purpose — copies delivered to whom — all state agencies and state auditor to furnish information. — 1. The oversight division of the committee on legislative research shall maintain a register of all state bonds or other evidences of indebtedness of all state agencies and of entities of the state given authority by law to incur indebtedness, whether or not the indebtedness is a liability of the state, including lease purchase agreements of at least ten thousand dollars for personal property which have been issued or entered into by the state of Missouri or by any state agency, authority or institution. Indebtedness compiled in the register shall include but not be limited to that incurred by the third state building fund, the higher education loan authority, the agriculture and small business revenue authority, the health and education facilities authority, the Missouri economic development commission, the environment improvement authority, the state-supported educational institutions of higher learning, the bi-state development authority, the several interstate bridge authorities, and any metro transportation districts. The register shall contain all the details concerning the issuance and retirement of such bonds or other evidence of indebtedness, including, but not limited to, the date of issuance and maturity, the name of the issuing state agency, terms and costs of any lease purchase agreement if applicable, the rate of interest, the manner of redemption, the purpose for which issued, and, if retired, the date and manner of retirement. 2. The oversight division shall report on the total bonded and other indebtedness including lease purchase agreements of this state and its various agencies, entities, and institutions to the individual members of the general assembly on or before January fifteenth of each year. Copies of the report shall also be delivered to the governor, state auditor, state treasurer, and the state librarian. Copies shall be made available to other interested parties. Such report shall contain sufficient data and information to enable the members of the general assembly to determine the amount of indebtedness outstanding for each purpose for which bonded and other indebtedness has been incurred and the total amount of money which will be necessary to fully repay all principal and interest due on such bonded or other indebtedness or to fulfill the terms of any lease purchase agreement; including, but not limited to, a summary of all pertinent information contained in the register required by subsection 1 of this section. 3. Inclusion of any indebtedness in this register shall not be construed that the indebtedness is, or is not, state indebtedness. 4. The state auditor and each state agency and entity shall cooperate fully with the oversight division in collecting information for this register, and shall provide information as requested for inclusion therein. (L. 1989 H.B. 493 § 2, A.L. 1995 H.B. 574)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.205 Annual report by committee on laws which expire, sunset, terminate or ...

23.205. Annual report by committee on laws which expire, sunset, terminate or become ineffective in two years. — The joint committee on legislative research shall file a report with the general assembly by January third of each year which provides a detailed listing of all statutes which expire, sunset, terminate, or otherwise become ineffective by their own provisions within the next two years. (L. 2003 S.B. 548)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.250 Title.

23.250. Title. — Sections 23.250 to 23.298 shall be known and may be cited as the "Missouri Sunset Act". (L. 2003 S.B. 299 & 40)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.253 New programs to sunset, when - definitions - reauthorized programs, effect ...

23.253. New programs to sunset, when — definitions — reauthorized programs, effect of — review of programs, when. — 1. As used in sections 23.250 to 23.298 , the following terms mean: (1) "Agency" , any department, division, or agency of the state responsible for the administration of a program; (2) "Committee" , the committee on legislative research established in Section 35, Article III, Constitution of Missouri and section 23.010 ; (3) "Program" , a distinct and coherent set of activities authorized by the general assembly through the legislative process intended to affect a clearly definable target group, problem, or issue and which can be appropriated through the budget process or nonappropriated, as in the case of tax credits; (4) "Sunset" , the termination of legislative authorization of a program. 2. After August 28, 2003, any new program authorized by the general assembly shall sunset not more than six years after its effective date unless reauthorized by an act of the general assembly. No funds may be expended on a program after its authorization has terminated. Legislation passed after August 28, 2003, shall indicate whether it contains a program subject to the Missouri sunset act. Any such program shall have a sunset clause clearly indicating the date of termination without reauthorization. 3. Any program reauthorized by the general assembly pursuant to this section shall include a provision specifying that the program shall sunset at a date not more than twelve years from the effective date of the program's reauthorization. 4. Any program to which money was appropriated prior to August 28, 2003, may at any time be subject to review of the committee by a majority vote of its members for the purpose of recommending to the general assembly its continuation or sunset. The committee shall conduct public hearings concerning but not limited to the application to the program of the criteria provided in section 23.268 , and shall issue a report pursuant to subsection 1 of section 23.271 . The committee may recommend to the general assembly by a majority vote of its members that a program under review, to which money was appropriated prior to August 28, 2003, be sunset, continued, or reorganized. The committee shall submit such recommendation to all members of the general assembly within thirty calendar days of the vote in which such recommendation is made. (L. 2003 S.B. 299 & 40)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.256 Information to be reported by agencies to joint committee on legislative ...

23.256. Information to be reported by agencies to joint committee on legislative research, when. — Before October thirtieth of the second calendar year prior to the year in which a state program subject to sections 23.250 to 23.298 is scheduled to sunset, the agency shall report to the committee: (1) Information regarding the application to the program of the criteria in section 23.268 ; and (2) Any other information that the agency considers appropriate or that is requested by the committee. (L. 2003 S.B. 299 & 40)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.259 Sunsetting of programs, duties of the committee.

23.259. Sunsetting of programs, duties of the committee. — 1. Before September first of the calendar year prior to the year in which a program subject to sections 23.250 to 23.298 is scheduled to sunset, the committee shall: (1) Review and take action necessary to verify the reports submitted by the agency pursuant to section 23.256 ; (2) Consult with the budget committee of the house of representatives, the appropriations committee of the senate, the office of budget and planning, the state auditor, and the state treasurer on the application to the agency of the criteria provided in section 23.268 ; and (3) Conduct a performance evaluation of the program based on the criteria provided in section 23.268 and prepare a written report. 2. The written report prepared by the committee pursuant to subdivision (3) of subsection 1 of this section shall be deemed a public record. (L. 2003 S.B. 299 & 40)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.262 Public hearings conducted for sunsetting programs, when.

23.262. Public hearings conducted for sunsetting programs, when. — 1. Between September first and December first of the calendar year prior to the year in which a program subject to sections 23.250 to 23.298 is scheduled to sunset, the committee shall conduct public hearings concerning but not limited to the application to the program of the criteria provided in section 23.268 . 2. The committee may hold the public hearings prior to September first if the evaluation of the program required in subdivision (3) of subsection 1 of section 23.259 * is complete and available to the public. (L. 2003 S.B. 299 & 40) *Section "23.268" appears in original rolls.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.265 Report to general assembly on sunsetting programs, content - presentation ...

23.265. Report to general assembly on sunsetting programs, content — presentation by oversight division. — 1. At the beginning of each regular session of the general assembly, the committee shall present to the general assembly and the governor a report on the programs scheduled to be sunset. 2. In the report, the committee shall include: (1) Its specific findings regarding each of the criteria prescribed by section 23.268 ; (2) Its recommendations based on the matters prescribed by section 23.271 ; and (3) Any other information the committee deems necessary for a complete evaluation of the program. 3. The director of the oversight division shall present such reports to the house budget committee and the senate appropriations committee at such time as requested by the chairs of such committees. (L. 2003 S.B. 299 & 40, A.L. 2012 H.B. 1029)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.268 Criteria considered by committee.

23.268. Criteria considered by committee. — The committee and its staff shall consider the following criteria in determining whether a public need exists for the continuation of a program, or for the performance of the functions of the program: (1) The efficiency with which the program operates; (2) An identification of the objectives intended for the program and the problem or need that the program was intended to address, the extent to which the objectives have been achieved, and any activities of the agency in addition to those granted by statute and the authority for such activities; (3) An assessment of less restrictive or alternative methods of performing any rule or regulation that the agency performs that could adequately protect the public; (4) The extent to which the jurisdiction of the agency and the programs administered by the agency overlap or duplicate those of other agencies and the extent to which the programs administered by the agency can be consolidated with the programs of other state agencies; (5) Whether the agency has recommended to the general assembly statutory changes calculated to be of benefit to the public rather than to an occupation, business, or institution that the agency regulates; (6) The promptness and effectiveness with which the agency disposes of complaints concerning persons affected by the program; (7) The extent to which the agency has encouraged participation by the public in making rules and decisions as opposed to participation solely by those it regulates and the extent to which the public participation has resulted in rules compatible with the objectives of the program; (8) The extent to which the agency has complied with applicable requirements of: (a) An agency of the United States or this state regarding equality of employment opportunity and the rights and privacy of individuals; and (b) State law and applicable rules of any state agency regarding purchasing goals and programs for historically underutilized businesses; (9) The extent to which changes are necessary in the enabling statutes of the program so that the agency can adequately comply with the criteria established in this section; (10) The extent to which the agency issues and enforces rules relating to potential conflicts of interest of its employees; (11) The extent to which the agency complies with chapter 610 and follows records management practices that enable the agency to respond efficiently to requests for public information; and (12) The effect of federal intervention or loss of federal funds if the program is sunset. (L. 2003 S.B. 299 & 40)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.271 Program reports, content - portions of report to be submitted to state auditor.

23.271. Program reports, content — portions of report to be submitted to state auditor. — 1. In its report on a program, the committee shall: (1) Make recommendations on the sunset, continuation, or reorganization of each affected program and on the need for the performance of the functions of the program; (2) Make recommendations on the consolidation, transfer, or reorganization of programs within state agencies not under review when the programs duplicate functions performed in programs under review; (3) Recommend appropriation levels for each program for which sunset or reorganization is recommended pursuant to subdivision (1) or (2) of this subsection; and (4) Include drafts of legislation necessary to carry out the committee's recommendations pursuant to subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection. 2. On the date the committee presents its report to the general assembly pursuant to section 23.265 , the committee shall present to the state auditor the committee's recommendations that do not require a statutory change to be put into effect. The state auditor shall examine the recommendations and shall prepare, as part of the next scheduled audit of the program, a report on the manner in which the agency has implemented the recommendations. (L. 2003 S.B. 299 & 40)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.274 Exemption for certain agencies, when.

23.274. Exemption for certain agencies, when. — 1. In the two-year period preceding the date scheduled for the sunset of a program pursuant to sections 23.250 to 23.298 , the committee may exempt certain agencies from the requirements of sections 23.250 to 23.298 relating to staff reports, hearings, and evaluations. 2. The committee shall only exempt programs that have been inactive for a period of two years preceding the date the program is scheduled to sunset. 3. The committee's action in exempting programs pursuant to this section shall be done by an affirmative record vote of all members of the committee. (L. 2003 S.B. 299 & 40)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.277 Monitoring of legislation during session.

23.277. Monitoring of legislation during session. — During each regular or special session of the general assembly, the staff of the committee shall monitor legislation affecting programs that have undergone sunset review and shall periodically report to the members of the committee on proposed changes which would modify prior recommendations of the committee. (L. 2003 S.B. 299 & 40)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.280 Sunset act not to prohibit certain activities of the general assembly.

23.280. Sunset act not to prohibit certain activities of the general assembly. — Sections 23.250 to 23.298 shall not prohibit the general assembly from: (1) Terminating a program at a date earlier than that provided in sections 23.250 to 23.298 ; or (2) Considering any other legislation relative to a program subject to sections 23.250 to 23.298 . (L. 2003 S.B. 299 & 40)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.283 Sunset program to continue until when, procedures for terminated programs.

23.283. Sunset program to continue until when, procedures for terminated programs. — 1. A program that is sunset may continue in existence until September first of the following year to conclude its business. Unless the law provides otherwise, sunset does not reduce or otherwise limit the powers and authority of the agency during the concluding year. A program is terminated and shall cease all activities at the expiration of the one-year period. Unless the law provides otherwise, all rules adopted by the state agency shall expire at the expiration of the one-year period. 2. Any unobligated and unexpended appropriations of a sunset program lapse on September first of the year after sunset. 3. Except as provided by subsection 5 of this section or as otherwise provided by law, all moneys in a dedicated fund of a program that sunsets on September first of the year after sunset shall be transferred to the credit of the general revenue fund. Any law or portion of a law dedicating the moneys to a specific fund of a program that sunsets shall become void on September first of the year after sunset. 4. Unless the governor designates an appropriate state agency as prescribed in subsection 5 of this section, property and records in the custody of an agency administering a sunset program on September first of the year after sunset shall be transferred to the office of administration. If the governor designates an appropriate state agency, the property and records shall be transferred to the designated state agency. 5. In recognition of the state's continuing obligation to pay bonded indebtedness and all other obligations, including lease, contract, and other written obligations, incurred by a program pursuant to sections 23.250 to 23.298 , sections 23.250 to 23.298 shall not impair or impede payment of bonded indebtedness and all other obligations, including lease, contract, and other written obligations, in accordance with their terms. If an agency has outstanding bonded indebtedness or other outstanding obligations for a sunset program, including lease, contract, or other written obligations, the bonds and all other such obligations remain valid and enforceable in accordance with their terms and subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the laws and proceedings authorizing the bonds and all other such obligations. The governor shall designate an appropriate state agency to continue to carry out all covenants contained in the bonds and all other such obligations, and the proceedings authorizing them, including the issuance of bonds, and the performance of all other such obligations to complete the construction of projects or the performance of other such obligations. The designated state agency shall provide payment from the sources of payment of the bonds in accordance with the terms of the bonds and shall provide payment from the sources of payment from all other such obligations in accordance with their terms, whether from taxes, revenues, or otherwise, until the bonds and interest on the bonds are paid in full and are performed and paid in full. If the proceedings so provide, all funds established by law or proceedings authorizing the bonds or authorizing other such obligations shall remain with the state treasurer or previously designated trustees. If the proceedings do not provide that the funds remain with the state treasurer or previously designated trustees, the funds shall be transferred to the designated state agency. (L. 2003 S.B. 299 & 40)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.292 State agencies and officers to provide assistance to committee, when.

23.292. State agencies and officers to provide assistance to committee, when. — 1. The committee may request the assistance of state agencies and officers to assist in gathering information pursuant to the committee objective. 2. In carrying out its functions pursuant to sections 23.250 to 23.298 , the committee or its designated staff member may inspect the records, documents, and files of any state agency. (L. 2003 S.B. 299 & 40)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.295 Division of workforce development to assist displaced employees.

23.295. Division of workforce development to assist displaced employees. — If an employee is displaced because a program is sunset, reorganized, or continued, the state agency and the division of workforce development in the department of economic development shall make a reasonable effort to relocate the displaced employee. (L. 2003 S.B. 299 & 40)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 23.298 Rights and duties not affected by sunsetting of programs.

23.298. Rights and duties not affected by sunsetting of programs. — Except as otherwise expressly provided, sunset of a program does not affect the rights and duties that matured, penalties incurred or imposed, civil or criminal liabilities that arose, or proceedings initiated before the effective date of the sunset. (L. 2003 S.B. 299 & 40)
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=23Fetched: 10/17/2026