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At the
request of the Missouri Commission for the Deaf, Representative
David Reynolds introduced HCR5 on January 10. It was referred to the
House "Miscellaneous Bills and Resolutions Committee" on January 17,
had a public hearing on January 30, and was reported out of that
committee on February 6 with a “Do Pass” recommendation. The House
adopted HCR5 on February 7, with only one minor amendment, by a vote
of 148 “For” and 0 “Against.” It was reported to the Senate on
February 11, and referred to the Senate “Rules, Joint Rules,
Resolutions and Ethics Committee” on February 12.
HCR5 basically does two things:
(1)
recognizes American Sign Language as the first or native language of
many deaf and hard of
hearing citizens of Missouri, and
(2) urges
the Governor to establish by executive order an annual "Deaf
Awareness Week" to be
held in September of each year to coincide with the
International Deaf Awareness Week, at
which time the language, culture, and contributions of
Missouri's deaf and hard of hearing
citizens will be recognized.
The Missouri Commission for the Deaf has been told by Senator
Kenney, Chair of the Senate Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and
Ethics Committee, that HCR5 was voted out of his committee on
February 28. Advocates who are in support of this bill should now
call or send an e-mail to their Senators and ask for their support
of HCR5. In addition, you should contact the
President Pro Tem of the Senate
and ask that he put HCR5 on
the Senate calendar as soon as possible. As always, the Missouri
Commission for the Deaf would appreciate receiving copies of any
mail, fax or e-mail sent to legislators regarding this bill.
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