Lawmakers pass contraception bill in legislative veto session

Intro:	Missouri lawmakers voted to override Governor Jay Nixon's veto of contraception legislation.
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Wrap: The new law gives employers and insurers discretion in deciding whether they will provide contraception and abortion procedure coverage if its against their religious beliefs.

Democratic Representative Ed Schieffer said a majority of his constituents believe employers should have that choice.

Actuality:	SCHIEF3.WAV
Run Time:	00:15
Description: "I don't take this vote lightly. I have never disagreed with the governor in the six years I've been here. On this particular issue I feel like I have a moral obligation to vote with the majority party to override the governor's veto."

Actuality: SCHIEF3.WAV

Run Time: 00:15
Description: "I don't take this vote lightly. I have never disagreed with the governor in the six years I've been here. On this particular issue I feel like I have a moral obligation to vote with the majority party to override the governor's veto."

Schieffer joined six of the 56 democrats present to help reach the necessary two-thirds majority to override Nixon's veto.

From the state capitol, I'm Alex Mallin.

Intro:	After some debate, Missouri lawmakers in both chambers voted to override Governor Jay Nixon's veto on contraception legislation.
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OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The new law allows employers and health care providers to deny health insurance coverage of contraception and abortion if the employer has a religious objection.

The legislation's sponsor, Republican Senator John Lamping, said the law clarifies already-existing religious protections provided by state law.

Actuality:	LAMPF.WAV
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Description: "If they are not provided in the health care plan, you go and access them. This bill does not restrict access. This bill makes clear you can't force someone who disagrees with you to pay for your services."

The only Republican to vote against the override, Columbia Senator Kurt Schaefer, said the law was unnecessary.

From the state capitol, I'm Alex Mallin.

Intro:	Employers and insurance providers in Missouri now have the right to deny health care coverage of contraception and abortions if they have a religious objection.
RunTime:	0:42
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Both chambers voted to override Governor Jay Nixon's veto of legislation introduced as a response to a federal mandate requiring employers to cover contraceptive and abortion services for employees.

But Democratic Senator Jolie Justus said that the new law might cause insurance companies to sue the state out of confusion over which law prevails.

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Description: "To follow this law they will be in violation of federal law which will require them to either sue the Feds or the state of Missouri to figure out which law they are supposed to follow."

Dallas County Republican Representative Sandy Crawford supported the override and said the law would protect life and help small businesses.

From the state capitol, I'm Alex Mallin.