Missouri REALTORS®,
Last week was the first week back in session since the General Assemble took off a week for spring break. The Senate has been focused on finding a path to a congressional map that makes sense and the House continues to move forward with their priorities.
Continuing my appreciation for member advocacy – Missouri REALTORS® has hosted REALTOR® Days every Tuesday and Wednesday since February. When I walk into a House or Senate office, I can easily spot our brochures on the member’s desk, so I know they are paying attention. As you can imagine, it always helps when the people who vote for you come in to discuss issues important to them.
Now, on to the four issues our members have been advocating for during REALTOR® Day’s visits.
Eviction Moratorium:
HB 1682, sponsored by Rep. and REALTOR® Chris Brown (Kansas City), is now on the House Bills for Perfection (Informal) Calendar. This means it can be taken up any time they go to that calendar. It is now up to the Majority Leader, Rep. Dean Plocher. It is my hope we can get this bill before the House sometime next week. As a substitute, there are several bills we can possibly amend to carry the issue.
In the Senate, SB 1044, introduced by Sen. Andrew Koenig, is out of Committee and ready for the Perfection Calendar. Like HB 1682, we are also looking for bills that will take this issue as an amendment.
Restrictive Covenants:
HB 1662, sponsored by Rep. Craig Fishel (Springfield), is on the House Bills for Perfection-Consent Calendar. It will stay on this Calendar for five legislative days before it is transferred to the House Bills for Third Reading-Consent Calendar. On the other hand, if five members of the House, including at least two members of each party, file a written objection to the bill, it will then be placed on the House Bills for Perfection calendar. The value of the Consent Calendar is that once a bill reaches the appropriate third reading calendar, it cannot be amended.
There is no companion Senate Bill.
Low Income Housing Tax Credits:
Our request on this issue is simple, leave LIHTCs alone and let them work. When Governor Greitens came to power, he ultimately shut down the LIHTC program. Governor Parson restarted the program and directed the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) to enact rules that limited the Missouri credit to 70% of the federal credit. That makes sense, especially to do so by rule because that makes it much easier to increase the credit when there is a significant need. For example, in the event of a natural disaster, the MHDC could immediately change the rules and get replacement housing started. Several House and Senate members want to make the 70% statutory. That's a bad idea because it limits the inherent flexibility in the administrative process. So far, nothing has passed but we are still watching the issue closely.
MONA-Mo Nondiscrimination Act:
This proposal would extend LGBTQ people the same protections against discrimination in housing, employment, and places of public accommodation that all other Missourians enjoy. It's not going to pass this year but REALTORS® taking a stand in support of this issue has increased its visibility and shown that REALTORS® genuinely believe in their Code of Ethics.
I will update you on additional issues that aren’t part of the REALTOR® Day’s presentation in a later report.
Sincerely,
Sam Licklider
Chief Lobbyist, Missouri REALTORS®