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Missouri Senate passes $1.3 billion COVID-19 bill

State lawmakers approved a billion-dollar supplemental spending bill last week allowing access to federal COVID-19 funds before they expire. A proposed liability bill designed to protect businesses was dropped, though it is likely to reappear for consideration next session.

Missouri lawmakers approved a $1.2 billion Covid-19 relief package Wednesday that will fund contract tracing, testing and child support payments. 

Gov. Mike Parson called the Legislature into a special session in October to approve the aid. He added a lawsuit bill that would make it harder for health care workers working during the pandemic from being sued for negligence or knowingly disregarding the safety of others. Parson backed off that proposal this week.

A spokeswoman for Parson didn’t explain why Parson abandoned the lawsuit bill. The issue is likely to come up during the Legislature’s regular session, which starts in January. 

The Covid-19 relief package includes a $135 million federal grant for testing, contact tracing, data collection and lab equipment. About $97 million of federal funding will go toward child support. About $752 million of the federal money must be spent by the end of the year, according to the AP.