The bill's sponsor, Democrat Senator Danny Staples, killed the entire package of specialized license plates in protest after the Senate voted in favor of the "Respect Life" license plate.

Part of his plan addresses meth on the Internet. A packaged internet bill that includes Nixon's proposal has already passed the House.

But, opponents of the bill say research is okay, but the state shouldn't stop executions while the study is taking place.

The increase, if approved by city and county voters, would raise sales tax in St. Louis City and County by four-tenths of a cent. Harmon, Eagleton, and Danforth all say the tax is vital for the survival of downtown St. Louis.

Jon Bennett, R-St. Charles, says that state litigation against such industries as tobacco is on the rise, and fears gun manufacturers may be the next target. The city of St. Louis has already taken steps to hold the firearm industry accountable for gun violence. If passed, supporters contend that Bennett's bill may not hinder that lawsuit from going forward.

About 30 people joined Amber and her mother in support of two resolutions that seek to adopt the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Myrna and Amber joined about 30 other people on Wednesday in support of two bills in the Missouri General Assembly that seek to adopt the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The House attached to an unrelated tax bill a provision to exempt from the state sales tax the sale of coffins, caskets, urns, grave markers and other merchandise used with funerals, burials and cremations. Also approved was an amendment to exempt the sale clothes with a value less than $500.

The two amendments were attached to a bill that provided a sales tax exemption for fees for game-bird shooting and for bird feed purchases. The bill was given preliminary approval by the House. It faces a final House vote before going to the Senate.

The committee heard testimony from nearly a dozen proponents of the bill. Sponsor Pat Kelley, said there must be an opportunity for prisoners with life sentences without parole to have a hearing.

Representative Don Koller, chair of the House Transportation Committee, says something has to be done to stop the U.S. from being at the mercy of OPEC.

Gas prices have been on the rise since OPEC cut its production of crude oil last year.

Gov. Mel Carnahan also came out in favor of a law that would allow police to pull over drivers who are seen not wearing a seatbelt.

Bills on death penalty are going to be heard Wednesday; one would abolish it and another would give a moratorium.

However, there is not a penalty for businesses that don't put up a sign.

Representative Don Kissell, who proposed the bill, says Missouri has had problems with untrained agents and the lack of outlined procedures.

Sen. Lacy Clay, D-St. Louis, is sponsoring a bill that would place several limitations and restrictions on these loans, also known as predatory loan practices.

Proponents of the measure wore yellow buttons proclaiming "Stop the Sharks." Several lobbyists for the mortgage and banking industries spoke against the bill.