JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri lawmakers failed to pass a bill creating a “Rush Limbaugh Day” before their end-of-session deadline last week.
Several Republican state lawmakers proposed honoring the late Limbaugh every year on Jan. 12, his birthday.
But the measure was stripped from several bills after being deemed too controversial and never made it to Republican Gov. Mike Parson's desk as a standalone proposal.
The Cape Girardeau native gained national fame before he died in February at age 70 after a battle with cancer.
Supporters said Limbaugh was a conservative icon worthy of the honor, while opponents slammed his rhetoric as divisive.
Here's a look at some of the bills that did get passed during the 2021 session.
BUDGET
A $35 billion budget for next fiscal year boosts funding for public schools, universities, hospitals and nursing homes, among other things. But it doesn't include money to expand Medicaid coverage to low-income adults as approved by voters last year. HB 1 - HB 13
BOARDING SCHOOLS
Requires unlicensed children's residential care centers to notify the state of their existence and to have background checks run on staff, contractors and volunteers. HB 557
CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS
Prohibits local health orders approved during emergencies from imposing restrictions on businesses, churches, schools and gatherings for more than 30 days, unless extended by the local governing body. Prohibits cities and counties from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations to use transportation systems or public accommodations. SB 271
DRUG DATABASE
Authorizes a statewide database to provide physicians and pharmacists with a patient's prescription history for controlled substances, such as opioid painkillers and some anti-anxiety drugs. SB 63
GAS TAX
Gradually raises the state's 17-cent-a-gallon gas tax to 29.5 cents over five years, beginning with a 2.5-cent increase Oct. 1. Allows drivers to submit gas receipts to get a refund of the tax. SB 262
LOTTERY WINNERS
Keeps the identity of lottery winners secret, unless they ask for their names to be publicized. HB 402
POLICE POWERS
Limits when police can use chokeholds and requires more reporting of police-use-of-force actions. Allows prosecutors to file court motions to reverse past convictions if they believe the person was innocent or wrongly convicted. SB 53
PUBLIC RECORDS
Closes public access to government records containing the email addresses and phone numbers of individuals receiving electronic newsletters or periodic reports, among other Sunshine Law changes. HB 362
SCHOOL CHOICE
Creates a state tax credit for donors to nonprofits that provide scholarships that could be used for tuition at private K-12 schools and other school-related expenses. Applies only to students in some of Missouri's largest counties or cities with populations over 30,000. HB 349
