Today marks the 50th day of the 80th regular session. This day has been labeled “cross-over day,” which means today is the last day legislators can consider bills or joint resolutions on third reading in the house of origin, excluding the budget bill and supplementary appropriation bills. Legislators endured a lengthy floor session discussing and debating a total of 35 bills read on third reading during the morning session.
House Joint Resolution 113, which involves the “Homestead Exemption Increase Amendment,” was adopted unanimously today in the House. This resolution would extend homestead exemption to a surviving spouse who is under 65 years of age and not totally disabled under certain circumstances after the death of the qualifying spouse. The resolution would also allow each county the option to increase the homestead exemption from $20,000 to an amount of no more than 50 percent of the average residential property value. The House also read and passed Senate Bill 221 on third reading. This bill, also known as the Jason Flatt Act of 2012, would require routine suicide prevention training for all teachers and principals.
The following committees will meet tomorrow morning:
Agriculture- 8:30 a.m.- 215E
Natural Resources- 9:15 a.m.- 215E
Pensions and Retirement- 10 a.m.- 460M
The House is in recess until 3 P.M.
Update:
The House continued its passage of bills on third reading during session this afternoon following a recess. Of those passed, House Bill 4251 would permit the restructuring of child support payments for inmates who are released, and House Bill 4626 would increase the amount of state police principal supervisors.
The House also suspended the constitutional rule requiring that House Bill 4396be read three separate days and voted for the passage of the bill during today’s session. House Bill 4396 would authorize death benefits to the surviving spouse of law enforcement officers.
Five bill were advanced to second reading as well.
The House is in recess until 5:30 p.m.
Update:
The House met once more today for the passage of three bills on third reading. House Bill 3157 would add another family court judge to the twenty-third family court district, House Bill 4549 would impose a monetary penalty on unemployment compensation recipients for obtaining benefits through the use of fraudulent statements, and House Bill 4613 would further develop the state’s broadband internet reach and capabilities in remote areas.
The House is adjourned until 11 a.m. tomorrow morning
