Missouri House Bill HB2003

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 2/1/22
• Report Pass: 4/13/22
• Refer: 4/13/22
• Report Pass: 4/25/22

Caption

Adds all settlements and judments paid from the Legal Expense Fund to the list of financial transactions disclosed in the Missouri Accountability Portal.

Impact

If passed, HB 2003 would significantly impact the state's laws by broadening the scope of information available on the Missouri Accountability Portal. By incorporating legal settlements and judgments into the portal, the bill intends to create a more exhaustive resource for assessing how taxpayer money is spent. It aligns with broader goals of fostering fiscal responsibility in state governance and enhancing public trust in government transparency. Local political subdivisions, including public institutions of higher education, will be mandated to provide updated information on financial transactions, thereby creating uniformity in reporting obligations across government entities.

Summary

House Bill 2003 seeks to enhance the accountability and transparency of government financial transactions in Missouri by repealing and enacting a new section that focuses specifically on the Missouri Accountability Portal. The key feature of this bill is its requirement to include all settlements and judgments paid from the Legal Expense Fund to the existing database. This action aims to ensure that citizens can have access to comprehensive information regarding the financial obligations incurred by the state, thus promoting fiscal discipline and accountability in government operations.

Contention

While there seems to be broad support for increasing the transparency of government spending, the bill may face scrutiny regarding the feasibility of reporting requirements imposed on various governmental bodies. Critics may argue about potential administrative burdens on smaller political subdivisions or express concerns about the implications of public disclosure of certain legal settlements. Supporters, however, emphasize that improved access to financial data is crucial for informed citizen engagement and accountability in government operations.