Provides that, after the appointment of the initial board, members of the board of directors of a conservancy district shall be chosen by vote of the freeholders of the conservancy district in the general election held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even-numbered year. Establishes qualifications for candidates for conservancy district board positions and establishes a procedure by which an individual may become a candidate. Makes candidates for conservancy district board positions subject to certain requirements concerning campaign committees and contribution limits that apply to other candidates for elective office. Makes provisions for the voting for and election of conservancy district board members. Makes conforming changes.
Eliminates the state individual adjusted gross income tax by reducing the rate to 0%. Provides that in calculating the local income tax (LIT), which is imposed based on a local taxpayer's state adjusted gross income, the calculation of a taxpayer's state adjusted gross income for LIT purposes shall be calculated under the adjusted gross income tax provisions as if those provisions, and the most recent adjusted gross income tax rate before its elimination, were still in effect.
Provides that a person convicted of: (1) rioting; (2) criminal mischief; (3) burglary; (4) residential entry; or (5) criminal trespass; committed on state property is ineligible to receive or continue receiving state public assistance, including tuition assistance, for a period of three years. Requires the office of judicial administration to establish a procedure to notify the secretary of family and social services and the board of trustees of a state educational institution of the conviction.
Authorizes wagering on video gaming terminals in certain establishments. Establishes a licensing structure for participants in video gaming. Imposes a video gaming wagering tax of 30% of adjusted gross receipts.
Provides that a health care provider, health care entity, and a health carrier may not be required to provide or refer an individual for a health care service that violates the conscience of the health care provider, health care entity, or health carrier. Establishes an exception for a health carrier. Specifies that a health care provider, health care entity, or a health carrier may not be subject to discrimination and certain other acts and liability for declining to provide the health care service. Establishes a civil action for a violation of these provisions. Provides that a person who prevails in a civil action is entitled to certain relief.
Requires the circuit court clerk of each county to place a copy of each campaign finance report, notice, or other instrument filed with the county election board on the circuit court clerk's or county election board's website in portable document format.
Requires the department of natural resources (department), before January 1, 2026, to designate at least one undivided area comprising at least 10% of each state forest as an old forest area. Provides that, wherever possible, the size of a designated old forest area must be at least 500 acres. Sets forth certain purposes to guide the department in designating the old forest areas. Prohibits the department from conducting or allowing timber management in the old forest areas. Requires the department to produce and keep on file maps and legal descriptions of the designated old forest areas. Provides that the designation of the old forest areas may not affect hunting, fishing, trapping, and other recreational uses of the state forests, the maintenance of access roads in the state forests, or rights of access through the state forests.
HB 1492 removes a current rule that prohibits students from transferring to a new school district primarily to join sports teams or participate in athletic programs. This change directly affects students who wish to move school districts specifically for athletic opportunities, such as joining a competitive team in another district. The bill's key provision eliminates the existing restriction, allowing such transfers without requiring an alternative educational reason. It was introduced by Representative Criswell and referred to the Education Committee for review. (3 sentences)
Specifies restrictions that apply to wake boarding or wake surfing on a public freshwater lake. Establishes a penalty. Specifies restrictions that apply to wake boarding or wake surfing on a small lake. Prohibits operation of a motorboat with: (1) an outboard motor; or (2) an outdrive unit; with a propeller that extends past the motorboat's transom, swim platform, boarding platform, swim step, or swim ladder for the purpose of wake surfing.
Removes the following licensing provisions: (1) hearing aid dealers; (2) auctioneers and auction companies; and (3) electrologists. Removes specific courses required for certain behavioral health licensure. Replaces specific courses required for certain behavioral health licensure with a requirement that the program be nationally accredited. Makes conforming changes.
HB 1517 would establish "American Professional Football Day" as a state holiday, meaning state government offices and possibly schools would close on this designated day. Introduced by Representative Gore with Representative Manning as coauthor, the bill is currently under review by the Government and Regulatory Reform Committee. This procedural bill creates a new observance without changing existing laws or affecting specific groups beyond standard state holiday closures.
Provides that a taxpayer is entitled to a credit against the taxpayer's state income tax liability in a taxable year equal to the lesser of: (1) 20% multiplied by the safe gun storage expenses incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year; or (2) $200 (or $100 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return). Defines "safe gun storage expenses" as the purchase price of a qualified firearms storage device. Defines "qualified firearms storage device" as: (1) a safe, lockbox, cabinet, or other container designed to store firearms securely by restricting access to the firearms by a locking device; or (2) a locking device that, when installed on a firearm, is designed to prevent the firearm from being operated without first deactivating the device. Provides that to obtain the credit, the taxpayer must claim the credit in the manner prescribed by the department of state revenue (department). Requires the taxpayer to submit to the department proof of the taxpayer's safe gun storage expenses and all information that the department determines is necessary for the calculation of the credit. Provides that the department shall not share any information submitted by the taxpayer with any other state or federal agency. Prohibits the taxpayer from claiming any carryover, carryback, or refund of any unused credit.
