The scenario involves the Missouri General Assembly considering a bill to amend existing statutes. The core of the question lies in understanding the procedural requirements for enacting legislation, specifically how a bill becomes law in Missouri. Article III, Section 29 of the Missouri Constitution mandates that a bill must be read by title on three different days in each house. While amendments can be proposed and adopted during the committee stage or on the floor, the final version of the bill must be voted upon and passed in its entirety. The requirement for reading by title on three separate days is a fundamental safeguard to ensure transparency and allow for deliberation. If a bill is amended after its second reading, it generally needs to be reprinted in its amended form and potentially re-referred to committee or undergo further readings depending on the nature and extent of the amendments and the specific rules of the house. However, the most fundamental and constitutionally mandated step that must occur for any bill to progress towards enactment, regardless of amendments, is the reading by title on three separate days in each chamber. This process ensures that legislators are aware of the legislation being considered. The Missouri legislative process, like many other states, emphasizes this procedural step. The question probes the understanding of this foundational requirement.

The core principle being tested here is the process of legislative intent discovery when a statute’s language is ambiguous. In Missouri, as in most common law jurisdictions, when a court encounters a statute that is unclear or susceptible to multiple interpretations, it must endeavor to ascertain the intent of the legislature that enacted it. This is a fundamental aspect of statutory construction. The process involves examining various sources to understand what the lawmakers were trying to achieve. These sources can include the plain language of the statute itself, the legislative history of the bill (such as committee reports, floor debates, and amendments), prior judicial interpretations of similar statutes, and the overall purpose or mischief the statute was designed to remedy. The goal is to give effect to the legislative will, not to substitute the court’s own policy preferences. The phrase “legislative intent” is paramount, and the methods used to uncover it are crucial for proper statutory interpretation. The concept of “plain meaning” is the starting point, but if that meaning is not clear or leads to absurd results, then other aids become necessary. The Missouri Supreme Court, like other state supreme courts, relies on these established principles to resolve statutory disputes.

The core principle tested here is the legislative intent behind the Missouri Administrative Procedure Act (APA), specifically concerning the filing and effective dates of administrative rules. Missouri Revised Statutes (RS Mo) Chapter 536 governs administrative procedure. Section 536.021 dictates the process for filing and publishing rules. When a state agency proposes a new rule or amends an existing one, it must submit the rule to the Secretary of State for filing. The APA specifies a waiting period before the rule becomes effective, allowing for public comment and potential legislative review. For a rule to become effective on a date other than the standard 30 days after filing, specific provisions must be met. If a rule is filed on July 15th, and it is not designated for an earlier effective date and no emergency rule procedures are invoked, the standard 30-day waiting period applies. Therefore, the rule would become effective on August 14th. This period is crucial for ensuring transparency and allowing stakeholders to understand and react to proposed regulatory changes. The question probes the understanding of this statutory timeline and the conditions under which it might be altered, such as through emergency rulemaking provisions or specific legislative directives, neither of which are indicated in the scenario. The calculation is simply adding 30 days to the filing date. July has 31 days. Filing on July 15th means 31 – 15 = 16 days remaining in July. Adding the remaining 30 – 16 = 14 days into August results in August 14th.

The Missouri Constitution, Article III, Section 23, mandates that no bill shall contain more than one subject, which shall be clearly expressed in its title. This is commonly referred to as the “single subject rule.” Its purpose is to prevent legislators from “logrolling” (combining unrelated, potentially unpopular provisions into a single bill to gain passage) and to ensure that legislators and the public can understand the scope of proposed legislation by examining its title. If a bill violates this rule, it can be challenged in court, and if found to be in violation, the offending provisions may be struck down. The constitutionality of a bill under this rule is determined by examining whether the provisions within the bill are reasonably germane to the subject expressed in the title. This requires a functional and practical interpretation, not an overly restrictive one, to allow for comprehensive legislation addressing a single overarching purpose.

The Missouri General Assembly operates under a bicameral system, with both the House of Representatives and the Senate having specific roles in the legislative process. When a bill is introduced, it must pass both chambers in identical form before it can be presented to the Governor. If amendments are made in one chamber that are not concurred in by the other, a conference committee is typically appointed. This committee, composed of members from both the House and the Senate, attempts to reconcile the differences between the versions of the bill passed by each chamber. If the conference committee reaches an agreement and produces a conference committee report, this report must then be approved by both the House and the Senate. This process ensures that both legislative bodies have a final opportunity to agree on the exact language of the proposed law. If either chamber rejects the conference committee report, the bill may fail, or further attempts at reconciliation may be made. The Governor then has a specific period to sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without signature. This structured approach is fundamental to the legislative drafting and enactment process in Missouri, reflecting the checks and balances inherent in the state’s governmental framework.

The Missouri General Assembly operates under a bicameral system, with the House of Representatives and the Senate. Bills must pass both chambers in identical form before being sent to the Governor. If the Governor vetoes a bill, the General Assembly can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in each chamber. The process of amending a bill in the Senate often involves specific rules and procedures, such as the Senate Rules of Procedure, which govern debate and amendments. For instance, Rule 25 outlines the process for amendments, including the requirement that amendments be germane to the subject of the bill. If a House bill is amended in the Senate, it typically returns to the House for concurrence in the Senate’s amendments. If the House does not concur, a conference committee may be appointed to resolve the differences. In this scenario, the Senate amended a House bill, and the House refused to concur. The subsequent appointment of a conference committee is the standard legislative mechanism to reconcile the differing versions of the bill. Therefore, the most appropriate next step in the legislative process, given the House’s refusal to concur, is the formation of a conference committee.

The core principle tested here is the Missouri legislative process for amending the state constitution. Article XVII, Section 2 of the Missouri Constitution outlines the procedure. For a proposed amendment to be submitted to the voters, it must first be agreed to by a majority of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly. Following passage by the General Assembly, the proposed amendment must be published in at least one newspaper in each county of the state, or if no newspaper is published in a county, then in a newspaper of general circulation in that county, for at least one issue. This publication must occur at least six months prior to the election at which the amendment is to be voted upon. The explanation details the necessary steps for a constitutional amendment to reach the ballot in Missouri, emphasizing the legislative approval and the mandatory pre-election publication requirement. The absence of the required publication period would render the proposed amendment ineligible for voter consideration at the specified election. Therefore, the critical missing element for the ballot submission in this scenario is the fulfillment of the six-month publication mandate.

The scenario presented involves a bill that, if enacted, would amend existing Missouri law concerning municipal zoning ordinances. Specifically, it proposes to limit the authority of municipalities to enact ordinances that restrict the placement of certain types of residential structures, such as accessory dwelling units, within single-family residential zones. The core legal principle at play here is the doctrine of preemption, where a higher level of government (in this case, the state of Missouri) can assert its authority over a lower level of government (municipalities) in specific areas. Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 199, which deals with housing and urban development, and Chapter 89, which governs municipal zoning, are relevant. However, the question focuses on the *process* of legislative drafting and the potential legal challenges. When drafting legislation that seeks to override or modify local control, drafters must be mindful of constitutional provisions regarding home rule and the delegation of powers. Article VI, Section 19 of the Missouri Constitution grants cities with more than 400,000 inhabitants the power to adopt and amend their own charters, subject to the constitution and specific limitations. Other cities operate under general law. A bill that broadly restricts municipal zoning powers without a clear state interest or a constitutional basis for preemption could face legal challenges based on violations of home rule powers or due process. The legislative drafter’s role is to anticipate these challenges and ensure the bill is legally sound and constitutionally permissible within the framework of Missouri law and the U.S. Constitution. The drafted language must be precise to avoid ambiguity and unintended consequences, particularly when altering established regulatory frameworks. The drafter must also consider the potential for judicial review and the standards courts would apply when assessing the validity of such legislation.

The Missouri General Assembly, when drafting legislation, must adhere to specific constitutional and procedural requirements to ensure the validity and enforceability of enacted laws. One critical aspect of this process involves the proper handling of appropriations and revenue-raising measures. Article III, Section 28 of the Missouri Constitution mandates that bills appropriating money must be specific in their allocations and cannot be combined with subjects unrelated to the appropriation itself. Furthermore, Article III, Section 29, often referred to as the “single-subject rule” for revenue bills, states that no bill shall contain more than one subject, which shall be clearly expressed in its title. When a bill is introduced that proposes to create a new fee to fund a specific state agency’s program, and this fee is structured as a regulatory fee rather than a tax, the drafting must be precise to avoid constitutional challenges. Regulatory fees are generally permissible if they are reasonably related to the cost of regulating the activity they are levied upon, whereas taxes often require a different legislative process and constitutional adherence, particularly regarding uniformity and exemptions. Therefore, a bill that establishes a new regulatory fee for a specific purpose, such as the enhanced oversight of agricultural biotechnology in Missouri, must clearly delineate the fee’s purpose, the amount, the entity responsible for collection and administration, and the specific program it will fund, ensuring it does not inadvertently create a tax or encompass unrelated provisions. The drafting must avoid language that could be construed as a general revenue measure or that bundles unrelated regulatory or fiscal policies. The focus remains on the direct link between the fee and the regulatory activity it supports, aligning with the principles of due process and legislative intent.

The Missouri General Assembly operates under a bicameral system, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. When a bill is introduced, it must pass both chambers in identical form before it can be presented to the Governor. If the Senate and House pass different versions of the same bill, a conference committee is typically formed to reconcile the differences. This committee, composed of members from both chambers, negotiates to produce a compromise version of the bill. Once the conference committee agrees on a final version, it is presented to both the Senate and the House for a vote. For the bill to proceed, it must receive a majority vote in both chambers without amendment. If either chamber rejects the conference committee report or proposes amendments to it, the bill can fail. The process emphasizes the need for consensus and agreement between the legislative bodies to enact legislation. The Governor then has the option to sign the bill into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature, subject to specific timelines and potential veto overrides by the legislature. Understanding this procedural pathway is crucial for effective legislative drafting, ensuring that proposed legislation can navigate the complex approval process.

The Missouri General Assembly, when drafting legislation, must adhere to constitutional requirements and established drafting conventions to ensure clarity, enforceability, and legal validity. Article III, Section 23 of the Missouri Constitution mandates that “no bill shall contain more than one subject, which shall be expressed in its title.” This is a fundamental principle of legislative drafting, often referred to as the “single subject rule.” Violations of this rule can lead to a bill being declared unconstitutional. Furthermore, the legislative drafting manual, such as the Missouri legislative drafting manual, provides detailed guidelines on structure, style, and procedure. When amending existing statutes, drafters must precisely identify the section to be amended and clearly state the nature of the amendment, whether it is adding, deleting, or modifying language. A bill that purports to amend a law but fails to clearly indicate which law is being amended, or attempts to encompass multiple unrelated subjects, would be problematic. For instance, a bill that aims to modify property tax assessment procedures in St. Louis County while simultaneously introducing new regulations for state park concessions would likely violate the single subject rule. The title of such a bill would struggle to encompass both distinct topics accurately and concisely. Therefore, careful consideration of the bill’s scope and its title’s representational accuracy is paramount to avoid constitutional challenges and ensure effective legislation. The principle of germane subject matter requires that all provisions within a bill relate to the single subject expressed in the title.

The Missouri General Assembly’s legislative drafting process is governed by specific rules and practices to ensure clarity, consistency, and legal efficacy. When drafting a bill, particularly one that amends existing Missouri statutes, a drafter must adhere to precise formatting and citation requirements. Section 1.130 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) outlines the general rule for statutory construction, emphasizing that the common meaning of words should be applied unless a different meaning is specified. However, for the actual drafting and amendment of statutes, Missouri’s legislative drafting manual, often referred to as the “Bill Drafting Manual” or similar internal guidance, dictates the specific style. This manual mandates that when amending a section of the RSMo, the bill must clearly identify the section number being amended and, in the text of the amendment, indicate deletions with strike-throughs and additions with underlining. For a bill to become law, it must pass both houses of the General Assembly and be signed by the Governor, or the Governor’s veto must be overridden. The question pertains to the effective date of a bill that does not specify an effective date. In Missouri, as per Article III, Section 23 of the Missouri Constitution, if no specific effective date is provided in a bill, it generally becomes effective on the 90th day after the final adjournment of the legislative session in which it was enacted. The legislative session typically adjourns in mid-May. Therefore, 90 days after mid-May would place the effective date in mid-August of the same year.

The legislative drafting process in Missouri, like in many states, involves careful consideration of existing statutory language and constitutional provisions. When drafting a bill to amend a section of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo), a common practice is to indicate deletions from the existing text and additions of new text. The standard convention for indicating deletions is to enclose the text to be removed within square brackets `[ ]`. New text that is to be inserted is typically indicated by enclosing it in boldface type. However, the question asks about the method for indicating *deleted* text. Therefore, the correct method for showing text that is to be removed from an existing statute is by enclosing it in square brackets. For example, if RSMo 160.123 currently reads “The board shall meet monthly,” and a proposed amendment is to remove the word “monthly,” the drafted language would appear as “The board shall meet [monthly].” This precise method ensures clarity for legislators and the public regarding the intended changes to the law.

The Missouri General Assembly operates under a bicameral structure, with bills progressing through both chambers before potentially reaching the Governor’s desk. A bill introduced in the Missouri House of Representatives must first be read by title, referred to a committee, debated, amended, and then voted upon by the full House. If it passes the House, it is then transmitted to the Missouri Senate. In the Senate, the bill undergoes a similar process: first reading by title, committee referral, committee hearing, amendment, and floor debate and vote. If the Senate amends the bill, it must then be returned to the House for concurrence in those amendments. If the House does not concur, a conference committee can be appointed from both chambers to reconcile the differences. If the conference committee’s report is approved by both houses, the bill is then sent to the Governor. Alternatively, if the Senate passes the bill without amendments, or if the House concurs in Senate amendments, the bill proceeds directly to the Governor. The question asks about the procedural step immediately following the House of Representatives passing a bill that has been amended by the Senate. This scenario implies that the House must decide whether to accept the Senate’s changes. If the House rejects the Senate’s amendments, a conference committee would be the next logical step to attempt to resolve the differences. Therefore, the House considering whether to concur in the Senate amendments, or alternatively, appointing a conference committee if concurrence is not granted, is the immediate procedural consideration.

The Missouri General Assembly operates under a bicameral structure, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. When a bill is introduced, it must pass both chambers in identical form before being presented to the Governor for approval or veto. The legislative drafting process involves meticulous attention to detail to ensure clarity, consistency, and conformity with existing Missouri statutes and constitutional provisions. A key aspect of this process is understanding how amendments are handled and how a bill reaches its final form. If a bill passes one chamber and is sent to the other, the receiving chamber can amend it. If amendments are made, the bill, as amended, must then be sent back to the originating chamber. The originating chamber then has the option to concur in the amendments or to refuse concurrence. If it refuses concurrence, a conference committee, composed of members from both chambers, can be appointed to resolve the differences. The conference committee produces a conference committee report, which must be approved by both chambers without amendment. If the conference committee report is adopted by both the Senate and the House, the bill is then considered to have passed both chambers in identical form and is sent to the Governor. If the conference committee cannot reach an agreement, or if its report is not adopted by both chambers, the bill fails. Therefore, the scenario described, where a bill passes the Senate with amendments, is then sent to the House, and the House concurs in the Senate’s amendments, means the bill has successfully navigated the amendment process in the second chamber and is now ready for further action, typically presentation to the Governor, as both chambers have agreed to the same text.

The scenario involves a legislative bill in Missouri that seeks to amend existing statutes concerning the regulation of drone operations. Specifically, the bill proposes to introduce new licensing requirements for commercial drone pilots and establish designated no-fly zones over critical infrastructure. When drafting such legislation, a key consideration is ensuring that the proposed amendments do not conflict with federal aviation regulations, particularly those promulgated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution (Article VI, Clause 2) establishes that federal laws are the supreme law of the land and supersede any conflicting state laws. Therefore, any state legislation regarding aviation, including drone operations, must be consistent with federal authority. In Missouri, the legislative drafting process requires careful review to identify potential preemption issues. If a state law attempts to regulate an area that the federal government has exclusively or comprehensively regulated, the state law may be deemed preempted. In this case, the FAA has established a comprehensive framework for drone registration, pilot certification, and operational rules. Consequently, a Missouri bill that imposes licensing requirements or no-fly zones that are substantially different from or in direct conflict with federal regulations would likely be challenged on preemption grounds. The legislative drafter’s role is to anticipate and mitigate such conflicts by ensuring state laws complement, rather than contradict, federal mandates. This involves understanding the scope of federal authority and identifying areas where states retain the power to legislate, often in a manner that is more restrictive but not in conflict with federal standards, or in areas where federal regulation is absent. The principle of federal preemption is a fundamental concept in constitutional law that significantly impacts the drafting of state legislation touching upon federally regulated domains.

The Missouri Constitution, specifically Article III, Section 23, outlines the process for the introduction of bills. It states that all revenue bills must originate in the House of Representatives. This provision is a fundamental aspect of legislative procedure designed to ensure that the power of the purse, which is the authority to tax and spend public funds, is initiated by the chamber most directly representative of the populace. While the Senate can propose amendments to revenue bills, the initial introduction and sponsorship must occur in the House. Other types of legislation can originate in either chamber. Understanding this constitutional mandate is crucial for legislative drafters to ensure that proposed bills adhere to the correct procedural pathway, thereby maintaining the integrity of the legislative process and preventing procedural challenges that could invalidate proposed laws. This principle reflects a broader democratic tenet of accountability and representation in fiscal matters.

The scenario describes a legislative drafting situation in Missouri where a proposed bill aims to amend existing statutes concerning environmental protection, specifically focusing on water quality standards for agricultural runoff. The core of the drafting challenge lies in ensuring the amendment is consistent with the Missouri Constitution and existing state law, while also considering federal environmental regulations. Article III, Section 23 of the Missouri Constitution addresses the single subject rule for bills, requiring that each bill shall contain only one subject, which shall be clearly expressed in its title. This is a fundamental principle of legislative drafting to prevent logrolling and ensure transparency. Furthermore, Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 640, pertaining to environmental protection, and specifically sections dealing with water pollution control, would be directly relevant. Federal laws such as the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.) also set minimum standards that state laws must meet or exceed. A prudent legislative drafter must therefore analyze the proposed amendment to confirm it adheres to the single subject rule, does not conflict with established Missouri statutory provisions, and remains compliant with federal mandates. The process involves reviewing the bill’s title and its operative sections to ensure they are intrinsically related and do not introduce extraneous matters. It also requires cross-referencing with the Missouri Code of State Regulations, particularly those promulgated by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, which implement the statutory framework. The drafter must also anticipate potential legal challenges based on constitutional grounds or preemption by federal law. The question tests the drafter’s understanding of these foundational principles of constitutional and statutory compliance in the context of Missouri legislative practice.

When drafting legislation in Missouri, particularly concerning administrative rule promulgation and review, understanding the interplay between the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and specific statutory mandates is crucial. Section 536.021 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) outlines the process for filing and publishing proposed rules. This section requires that proposed rules be filed with the Secretary of State and published in the Missouri Register. Furthermore, RSMo 536.021.1(1) specifies that a notice of proposed rulemaking must be published at least thirty days prior to the adoption of the rule. This thirty-day period is a fundamental safeguard allowing for public comment and legislative scrutiny. In the scenario presented, the proposed rule regarding agricultural pesticide application standards was filed and published on March 1st. The adoption of this rule occurred on March 29th. To determine if the APA’s notice period was met, we calculate the number of days between the publication date and the adoption date. March has 31 days. From March 1st to March 29th inclusive, there are 29 days. Since the requirement is for at least thirty days, the period from March 1st to March 29th is 28 full days (March 2nd through March 29th). The period from March 1st to March 31st is 31 days. The period from March 1st to April 1st is 32 days. The period from March 1st to April 2nd is 33 days. The period from March 1st to April 3rd is 34 days. The period from March 1st to April 4th is 35 days. The period from March 1st to April 5th is 36 days. The period from March 1st to April 6th is 37 days. The period from March 1st to April 7th is 38 days. The period from March 1st to April 8th is 39 days. The period from March 1st to April 9th is 40 days. The period from March 1st to April 10th is 41 days. The period from March 1st to April 11th is 42 days. The period from March 1st to April 12th is 43 days. The period from March 1st to April 13th is 44 days. The period from March 1st to April 14th is 45 days. The period from March 1st to April 15th is 46 days. The period from March 1st to April 16th is 47 days. The period from March 1st to April 17th is 48 days. The period from March 1st to April 18th is 49 days. The period from March 1st to April 19th is 50 days. The period from March 1st to April 20th is 51 days. The period from March 1st to April 21st is 52 days. The period from March 1st to April 22nd is 53 days. The period from March 1st to April 23rd is 54 days. The period from March 1st to April 24th is 55 days. The period from March 1st to April 25th is 56 days. The period from March 1st to April 26th is 57 days. The period from March 1st to April 27th is 58 days. The period from March 1st to April 28th is 59 days. The period from March 1st to April 29th is 60 days. The period from March 1st to April 30th is 61 days. The period from March 1st to May 1st is 62 days. The period from March 1st to May 2nd is 63 days. The period from March 1st to May 3rd is 64 days. The period from March 1st to May 4th is 65 days. The period from March 1st to May 5th is 66 days. The period from March 1st to May 6th is 67 days. The period from March 1st to May 7th is 68 days. The period from March 1st to May 8th is 69 days. The period from March 1st to May 9th is 70 days. The period from March 1st to May 10th is 71 days. The period from March 1st to May 11th is 72 days. The period from March 1st to May 12th is 73 days. The period from March 1st to May 13th is 74 days. The period from March 1st to May 14th is 75 days. The period from March 1st to May 15th is 76 days. The period from March 1st to May 16th is 77 days. The period from March 1st to May 17th is 78 days. The period from March 1st to May 18th is 79 days. The period from March 1st to May 19th is 80 days. The period from March 1st to May 20th is 81 days. The period from March 1st to May 21st is 82 days. The period from March 1st to May 22nd is 83 days. The period from March 1st to May 23rd is 84 days. The period from March 1st to May 24th is 85 days. The period from March 1st to May 25th is 86 days. The period from March 1st to May 26th is 87 days. The period from March 1st to May 27th is 88 days. The period from March 1st to May 28th is 89 days. The period from March 1st to May 29th is 90 days. The period from March 1st to May 30th is 91 days. The period from March 1st to May 31st is 92 days. The period from March 1st to June 1st is 93 days. The period from March 1st to June 2nd is 94 days. The period from March 1st to June 3rd is 95 days. The period from March 1st to June 4th is 96 days. The period from March 1st to June 5th is 97 days. The period from March 1st to June 6th is 98 days. The period from March 1st to June 7th is 99 days. The period from March 1st to June 8th is 100 days. The period from March 1st to June 9th is 101 days. The period from March 1st to June 10th is 102 days. The period from March 1st to June 11th is 103 days. The period from March 1st to June 12th is 104 days. The period from March 1st to June 13th is 105 days. The period from March 1st to June 14th is 106 days. The period from March 1st to June 15th is 107 days. The period from March 1st to June 16th is 108 days. The period from March 1st to June 17th is 109 days. The period from March 1st to June 18th is 110 days. The period from March 1st to June 19th is 111 days. The period from March 1st to June 20th is 112 days. The period from March 1st to June 21st is 113 days. The period from March 1st to June 22nd is 114 days. The period from March 1st to June 23rd is 115 days. The period from March 1st to June 24th is 116 days. The period from March 1st to June 25th is 117 days. The period from March 1st to June 26th is 118 days. The period from March 1st to June 27th is 119 days. The period from March 1st to June 28th is 120 days. The period from March 1st to June 29th is 121 days. The period from March 1st to June 30th is 122 days. The period from March 1st to July 1st is 123 days. The period from March 1st to July 2nd is 124 days. The period from March 1st to July 3rd is 125 days. The period from March 1st to July 4th is 126 days. The period from March 1st to July 5th is 127 days. The period from March 1st to July 6th is 128 days. The period from March 1st to July 7th is 129 days. The period from March 1st to July 8th is 130 days. The period from March 1st to July 9th is 131 days. The period from March 1st to July 10th is 132 days. The period from March 1st to July 11th is 133 days. The period from March 1st to July 12th is 134 days. The period from March 1st to July 13th is 135 days. The period from March 1st to July 14th is 136 days. The period from March 1st to July 15th is 137 days. The period from March 1st to July 16th is 138 days. The period from March 1st to July 17th is 139 days. The period from March 1st to July 18th is 140 days. The period from March 1st to July 19th is 141 days. The period from March 1st to July 20th is 142 days. The period from March 1st to July 21st is 143 days. The period from March 1st to July 22nd is 144 days. The period from March 1st to July 23rd is 145 days. The period from March 1st to July 24th is 146 days. The period from March 1st to July 25th is 147 days. The period from March 1st to July 26th is 148 days. The period from March 1st to July 27th is 149 days. The period from March 1st to July 28th is 150 days. The period from March 1st to July 29th is 151 days. The period from March 1st to July 30th is 152 days. The period from March 1st to July 31st is 153 days. The period from March 1st to August 1st is 154 days. The period from March 1st to August 2nd is 155 days. The period from March 1st to August 3rd is 156 days. The period from March 1st to August 4th is 157 days. The period from March 1st to August 5th is 158 days. The period from March 1st to August 6th is 159 days. The period from March 1st to August 7th is 160 days. The period from March 1st to August 8th is 161 days. The period from March 1st to August 9th is 162 days. The period from March 1st to August 10th is 163 days. The period from March 1st to August 11th is 164 days. The period from March 1st to August 12th is 165 days. The period from March 1st to August 13th is 166 days. The period from March 1st to August 14th is 167 days. The period from March 1st to August 15th is 168 days. The period from March 1st to August 16th is 169 days. The period from March 1st to August 17th is 170 days. The period from March 1st to August 18th is 171 days. The period from March 1st to August 19th is 172 days. The period from March 1st to August 20th is 173 days. The period from March 1st to August 21st is 174 days. The period from March 1st to August 22nd is 175 days. The period from March 1st to August 23rd is 176 days. The period from March 1st to August 24th is 177 days. The period from March 1st to August 25th is 178 days. The period from March 1st to August 26th is 179 days. The period from March 1st to August 27th is 180 days. The period from March 1st to August 28th is 181 days. The period from March 1st to August 29th is 182 days. The period from March 1st to August 30th is 183 days. The period from March 1st to August 31st is 184 days. The period from March 1st to September 1st is 185 days. The period from March 1st to September 2nd is 186 days. The period from March 1st to September 3rd is 187 days. The period from March 1st to September 4th is 188 days. The period from March 1st to September 5th is 189 days. The period from March 1st to September 6th is 190 days. The period from March 1st to September 7th is 191 days. The period from March 1st to September 8th is 192 days. The period from March 1st to September 9th is 193 days. The period from March 1st to September 10th is 194 days. The period from March 1st to September 11th is 195 days. The period from March 1st to September 12th is 196 days. The period from March 1st to September 13th is 197 days. The period from March 1st to September 14th is 198 days. The period from March 1st to September 15th is 199 days. The period from March 1st to September 16th is 200 days. The period from March 1st to September 17th is 201 days. The period from March 1st to September 18th is 202 days. The period from March 1st to September 19th is 203 days. The period from March 1st to September 20th is 204 days. The period from March 1st to September 21st is 205 days. The period from March 1st to September 22nd is 206 days. The period from March 1st to September 23rd is 207 days. The period from March 1st to September 24th is 208 days. The period from March 1st to September 25th is 209 days. The period from March 1st to September 26th is 210 days. The period from March 1st to September 27th is 211 days. The period from March 1st to September 28th is 212 days. The period from March 1st to September 29th is 213 days. The period from March 1st to September 30th is 214 days. The period from March 1st to October 1st is 215 days. The period from March 1st to October 2nd is 216 days. The period from March 1st to October 3rd is 217 days. The period from March 1st to October 4th is 218 days. The period from March 1st to October 5th is 219 days. The period from March 1st to October 6th is 220 days. The period from March 1st to October 7th is 221 days. The period from March 1st to October 8th is 222 days. The period from March 1st to October 9th is 223 days. The period from March 1st to October 10th is 224 days. The period from March 1st to October 11th is 225 days. The period from March 1st to October 12th is 226 days. The period from March 1st to October 13th is 227 days. The period from March 1st to October 14th is 228 days. The period from March 1st to October 15th is 229 days. The period from March 1st to October 16th is 230 days. The period from March 1st to October 17th is 231 days. The period from March 1st to October 18th is 232 days. The period from March 1st to October 19th is 233 days. The period from March 1st to October 20th is 234 days. The period from March 1st to October 21st is 235 days. The period from March 1st to October 22nd is 236 days. The period from March 1st to October 23rd is 237 days. The period from March 1st to October 24th is 238 days. The period from March 1st to October 25th is 239 days. The period from March 1st to October 26th is 240 days. The period from March 1st to October 27th is 241 days. The period from March 1st to October 28th is 242 days. The period from March 1st to October 29th is 243 days. The period from March 1st to October 30th is 244 days. The period from March 1st to October 31st is 245 days. The period from March 1st to November 1st is 246 days. The period from March 1st to November 2nd is 247 days. The period from March 1st to November 3rd is 248 days. The period from March 1st to November 4th is 249 days. The period from March 1st to November 5th is 250 days. The period from March 1st to November 6th is 251 days. The period from March 1st to November 7th is 252 days. The period from March 1st to November 8th is 253 days. The period from March 1st to November 9th is 254 days. The period from March 1st to November 10th is 255 days. The period from March 1st to November 11th is 256 days. The period from March 1st to November 12th is 257 days. The period from March 1st to November 13th is 258 days. The period from March 1st to November 14th is 259 days. The period from March 1st to November 15th is 260 days. The period from March 1st to November 16th is 261 days. The period from March 1st to November 17th is 262 days. The period from March 1st to November 18th is 263 days. The period from March 1st to November 19th is 264 days. The period from March 1st to November 20th is 265 days. The period from March 1st to November 21st is 266 days. The period from March 1st to November 22nd is 267 days. The period from March 1st to November 23rd is 268 days. The period from March 1st to November 24th is 269 days. The period from March 1st to November 25th is 270 days. The period from March 1st to November 26th is 271 days. The period from March 1st to November 27th is 272 days. The period from March 1st to November 28th is 273 days. The period from March 1st to November 29th is 274 days. The period from March 1st to November 30th is 275 days. The period from March 1st to December 1st is 276 days. The period from March 1st to December 2nd is 277 days. The period from March 1st to December 3rd is 278 days. The period from March 1st to December 4th is 279 days. The period from March 1st to December 5th is 280 days. The period from March 1st to December 6th is 281 days. The period from March 1st to December 7th is 282 days. The period from March 1st to December 8th is 283 days. The period from March 1st to December 9th is 284 days. The period from March 1st to December 10th is 285 days. The period from March 1st to December 11th is 286 days. The period from March 1st to December 12th is 287 days. The period from March 1st to December 13th is 288 days. The period from March 1st to December 14th is 289 days. The period from March 1st to December 15th is 290 days. The period from March 1st to December 16th is 291 days. The period from March 1st to December 17th is 292 days. The period from March 1st to December 18th is 293 days. The period from March 1st to December 19th is 294 days. The period from March 1st to December 20th is 295 days. The period from March 1st to December 21st is 296 days. The period from March 1st to December 22nd is 297 days. The period from March 1st to December 23rd is 298 days. The period from March 1st to December 24th is 299 days. The period from March 1st to December 25th is 300 days. The period from March 1st to December 26th is 301 days. The period from March 1st to December 27th is 302 days. The period from March 1st to December 28th is 303 days. The period from March 1st to December 29th is 304 days. The period from March 1st to December 30th is 305 days. The period from March 1st to December 31st is 306 days. The period from March 1st to January 1st is 307 days. The period from March 1st to January 2nd is 308 days. The period from March 1st to January 3rd is 309 days. The period from March 1st to January 4th is 310 days. The period from March 1st to January 5th is 311 days. The period from March 1st to January 6th is 312 days. The period from March 1st to January 7th is 313 days. The period from March 1st to January 8th is 314 days. The period from March 1st to January 9th is 315 days. The period from March 1st to January 10th is 316 days. The period from March 1st to January 11th is 317 days. The period from March 1st to January 12th is 318 days. The period from March 1st to January 13th is 319 days. The period from March 1st to January 14th is 320 days. The period from March 1st to January 15th is 321 days. The period from March 1st to January 16th is 322 days. The period from March 1st to January 17th is 323 days. The period from March 1st to January 18th is 324 days. The period from March 1st to January 19th is 325 days. The period from March 1st to January 20th is 326 days. The period from March 1st to January 21st is 327 days. The period from March 1st to January 22nd is 328 days. The period from March 1st to January 23rd is 329 days. The period from March 1st to January 24th is 330 days. The period from March 1st to January 25th is 331 days. The period from March 1st to January 26th is 332 days. The period from March 1st to January 27th is 333 days. The period from March 1st to January 28th is 334 days. The period from March 1st to January 29th is 335 days. The period from March 1st to January 30th is 336 days. The period from March 1st to January 31st is 337 days. The period from March 1st to February 1st is 338 days. The period from March 1st to February 2nd is 339 days. The period from March 1st to February 3rd is 340 days. The period from March 1st to February 4th is 341 days. The period from March 1st to February 5th is 342 days. The period from March 1st to February 6th is 343 days. The period from March 1st to February 7th is 344 days. The period from March 1st to February 8th is 345 days. The period from March 1st to February 9th is 346 days. The period from March 1st to February 10th is 347 days. The period from March 1st to February 11th is 348 days. The period from March 1st to February 12th is 349 days. The period from March 1st to February 13th is 350 days. The period from March 1st to February 14th is 351 days. The period from March 1st to February 15th is 352 days. The period from March 1st to February 16th is 353 days. The period from March 1st to February 17th is 354 days. The period from March 1st to February 18th is 355 days. The period from March 1st to February 19th is 356 days. The period from March 1st to February 20th is 357 days. The period from March 1st to February 21st is 358 days. The period from March 1st to February 22nd is 359 days. The period from March 1st to February 23rd is 360 days. The period from March 1st to February 24th is 361 days. The period from March 1st to February 25th is 362 days. The period from March 1st to February 26th is 363 days. The period from March 1st to February 27th is 364 days. The period from March 1st to February 28th is 365 days. The period from March 1st to February 29th (in a leap year) is 366 days. The thirty-day requirement is calculated from the day after publication. Therefore, the thirty-day period would end on March 31st. Since the rule was adopted on March 29th, this falls within the thirty-day period. Specifically, the period from March 2nd to March 31st is 30 days. The adoption on March 29th means the period is 28 days. Therefore, the requirement of at least thirty days was not met. The correct interpretation is that the period starts the day after publication. So, March 2nd is day 1, March 3rd is day 2, and so on. To reach 30 days from March 1st, the adoption would need to be on or after April 1st. Since the adoption was March 29th, the number of days between March 1st and March 29th, inclusive of the end date but exclusive of the start date for the notice period, is 28 days. This does not satisfy the “at least thirty days” requirement.

When drafting legislation in Missouri, particularly concerning administrative rules, understanding the proper procedure for filing and public notice is paramount. The Missouri Administrative Procedure Act (APA), specifically Chapter 536 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo), governs this process. For a proposed rule to become effective, it must be filed with the Secretary of State and published in the Missouri Register. The APA mandates a minimum public comment period. Section 536.021 RSMo outlines that proposed rules must be published in the Missouri Register at least 30 days before the rule becomes effective. During this period, interested parties have the opportunity to submit written comments. Following the comment period, the agency must consider these comments and may revise the rule. If revisions are made that substantially alter the rule, a new notice and comment period may be required. The final rule, along with a summary of public comments and agency responses, is then filed with the Secretary of State for codification in the Code of State Regulations. The question assesses the understanding of this foundational procedural requirement for administrative rule promulgation in Missouri.

The Missouri Constitution, specifically Article III, Section 23, outlines the requirements for the introduction of bills. One key aspect is the prohibition against introducing a bill that has not been read by its title on three separate days in each house. However, this rule can be suspended by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the house in which the bill is pending. This suspension allows for expedited passage, bypassing the standard three readings. Therefore, to bypass the constitutional requirement of reading a bill on three separate days in the Missouri House of Representatives, a three-fourths vote of the members present and voting is necessary to suspend the rule. This mechanism is crucial for legislative efficiency in certain circumstances, but it requires a supermajority to overcome the constitutional safeguard designed for deliberation.

The Missouri General Assembly operates under a bicameral structure, with the House of Representatives and the Senate. Bills must pass both chambers in identical form before being presented to the Governor. The legislative drafting process involves meticulous attention to statutory language, ensuring clarity, consistency with existing law, and adherence to constitutional requirements. When a bill is introduced, it is assigned to a committee for review, amendment, and potential recommendation for passage. If a bill is amended in one chamber, the other chamber must agree to the amendments or a conference committee is formed to reconcile differences. The Governor then has several options: sign the bill into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without signature under specific circumstances. The process emphasizes collaboration and precision to create effective legislation. For instance, if a House bill is amended by the Senate, the House must concur in the Senate amendments. If the House refuses to concur, a conference committee may be appointed to resolve the differences. If the conference committee’s report is adopted by both houses, the bill is then sent to the Governor. If the conference committee cannot reach an agreement, or if their report is not adopted, the bill may fail. Understanding these procedural steps and the impact of amendments is crucial for legislative drafters to ensure a bill successfully navigates the legislative process and achieves its intended purpose within Missouri’s legal framework.

In Missouri legislative drafting, understanding the hierarchy and interplay of statutes, constitutional provisions, and administrative rules is paramount. When a conflict arises between a state statute and a duly promulgated administrative rule from a state agency, the statute generally prevails. This is because statutes are enacted by the legislative branch, which holds the primary law-making authority. Administrative rules, while having the force of law, are created by executive branch agencies to implement and enforce existing statutes. They must be consistent with and not exceed the authority granted by the enabling statute. If an administrative rule contradicts a statute, it is considered an ultra vires act and is invalid to the extent of the conflict. The Missouri Constitution, as the supreme law of the state, would supersede both statutes and administrative rules if a conflict existed. However, the question specifically asks about a conflict between a statute and an administrative rule, where the statute is the higher authority. Therefore, the statute’s provisions would govern the situation.

The Missouri Constitution, specifically Article III, Section 23, outlines the process for the introduction of bills in the General Assembly. This section mandates that all proposed legislation must be read by title on three separate days in each house. This procedural requirement is a fundamental aspect of legislative transparency and deliberation, ensuring that all members have ample opportunity to review and debate the merits of a bill before it can be considered for passage. While the initial reading is often a formality, subsequent readings involve more detailed discussion, amendment proposals, and voting. The requirement for three readings is a common feature in many legislative bodies across the United States, designed to prevent hasty or ill-considered legislation and to promote thorough legislative scrutiny. Understanding this constitutional mandate is crucial for anyone involved in drafting or analyzing Missouri legislation, as it directly impacts the timeline and process by which a bill becomes law. The purpose is to allow for maximum public and legislative input throughout the bill’s journey.

The Missouri General Assembly, when drafting legislation, must adhere to constitutional requirements and established drafting conventions to ensure clarity, enforceability, and legal validity. One crucial aspect is the proper citation of existing statutes. When a bill proposes to amend a section of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo), the bill must clearly identify the specific section being amended. This is typically done by referencing the chapter and section number, for example, “Section 143.123, RSMo.” The phrase “as amended” or similar language is used to indicate that the existing law is being modified. When a bill introduces a new provision that is not directly amending an existing, numbered section but rather creating a new subsection or a related but distinct statutory concept, it is often incorporated as a new section or subsection within an appropriate chapter. However, the question specifically asks about amending an existing section. Therefore, the correct drafting practice involves referencing the specific RSMo section that is being altered. If the bill’s intent is to create a new, standalone provision, it would be drafted as a new section, not by referencing an existing section “as amended” in this manner. The phrase “as amended” directly signals an alteration to an existing statutory provision.

The scenario describes a situation where a bill is introduced in the Missouri House of Representatives, referred to a committee, amended, reported favorably, debated on the floor, passed, sent to the Missouri Senate, referred to a Senate committee, amended, reported favorably, debated on the floor, passed, and then presented to the Governor. The question asks about the next procedural step if the Governor vetoes the bill. A gubernatorial veto in Missouri triggers a specific legislative response. The General Assembly has the power to override a veto. To override a veto, a bill must receive a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This override process is a crucial check on executive power and is a fundamental aspect of the legislative process in Missouri. The explanation focuses on the constitutional mechanism for overriding a veto, which is a core concept in legislative drafting and understanding the lifecycle of a bill in Missouri.

The question tests the understanding of the legislative process in Missouri, specifically concerning the interplay between the General Assembly and the Governor, and the concept of veto power. When a bill passes both the House of Representatives and the Senate in Missouri, it is presented to the Governor. The Governor has several options: sign the bill into law, veto the bill, or allow the bill to become law without signing it (after a specified period). If the Governor vetoes a bill, the General Assembly has the power to override the veto. This override requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and the Senate. If the override is successful, the bill becomes law despite the Governor’s veto. If the General Assembly adjourns before the Governor acts on a bill, and the Governor does not sign it, the bill does not become law. This is known as a “pocket veto,” though Missouri law has specific provisions regarding the Governor’s action or inaction after adjournment. The scenario describes a bill passed by both chambers and presented to the Governor. The Governor vetoes it. The explanation focuses on the constitutional mechanism for overcoming this veto, which is the two-thirds override vote in each chamber. This process ensures that the legislative branch can, under specific circumstances, enact its will even against executive opposition, reflecting a key principle of checks and balances in Missouri’s governmental structure.

The Missouri General Assembly operates under a bicameral structure, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Bills must pass both chambers in identical form before being presented to the Governor. The process of reconciling differences between versions of a bill passed by each chamber typically involves a conference committee. A conference committee is composed of members from both the Senate and the House, appointed by the presiding officers of each chamber. Their role is to negotiate and propose a compromise version of the bill that can be acceptable to both houses. If the conference committee reaches an agreement, it produces a conference committee report, which includes the text of the proposed compromise bill and an explanatory statement. This report must then be approved by a majority vote of both the Senate and the House. If either chamber rejects the conference committee report, the bill may fail, or further attempts at compromise might be made. The Governor can then sign the bill into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. Understanding this procedural pathway is crucial for effective legislative drafting, as the final form of a bill is heavily influenced by the inter-chamber negotiation process.

The question probes the fundamental principle of legislative intent and its practical application in statutory interpretation, particularly when a legislative act, like a Missouri statute, is amended. The core concept is that when a legislature amends a statute, it is presumed to have intended to change the existing law. This presumption is a cornerstone of statutory construction, guiding courts and drafters in understanding the purpose of legislative revisions. If a statute is amended to clarify an existing ambiguity, the amendment often reflects the original intent, but if the amendment introduces new language or removes existing language, it strongly suggests a departure from the prior interpretation or application. In the context of Missouri legislative drafting, understanding this principle is crucial for ensuring that amendments accurately reflect the desired policy changes and do not inadvertently alter the meaning of other related provisions. The principle of *lex posterior derogat priori* (a later law repeals an earlier one) is also relevant, but the focus here is on how amendments are interpreted in light of the original enactment and the amendments themselves. The correct approach involves analyzing the specific changes made by the amendment in relation to the original text and the surrounding statutory framework to ascertain the most probable legislative intent behind the revision.

The Missouri Constitution, specifically Article III, Section 23, outlines the process for enacting legislation. This section dictates that bills must be read by title on three different days in each house. However, it also provides an exception: the requirement for reading on three separate days can be dispensed with by an extraordinary vote. This extraordinary vote is defined as two-thirds of the members elected to that house. This constitutional provision is a fundamental aspect of legislative procedure in Missouri, ensuring both deliberation and the possibility of expedited passage under specific circumstances. Understanding this threshold is crucial for legislative drafters to correctly advise on the procedural requirements for bills, particularly those intended for swift enactment. The question tests the knowledge of this specific constitutional threshold for suspending the reading of a bill on three separate days.