The measure would eliminate the state's Children's Health Insurance Program, which offers coverage for children from families with incomes up to 300 percent of the poverty level. The move would reduce Missouri coverage for children to the federal minimums.

The governor walked out of a later news conference when asked about the education budget cuts that would be necessary under the bill.

His staff said the governor was waiting on an emergency appropriations bill to fund the bond issue sale before the governor would implement further budget withholdings.

Proponents argued it would help address a shortage of teachers in the state. But opponents voiced concerns it would remove an incentive for teachers to maintain their skills.

Sen. President Pro Tem Peter Kinder wrote the governor Tuesday asking the administration to cancel plans for a $1 million upgrade of restrooms on the Senate side of the Capitol.

"Current facilities have provded adequate, although arguably less than posh," Kinder wrote.

Secretary of State Matt announced state plans to implement federal requirements adopted in the aftermath of the presidential election confusion of 2000 in Florida.

The measure would prohibit such lawsuits by any local government in the state.

The measure would give disabled persons the right to bring service animals into a variety of locations.

The bill would prevent the governor-elect and newly elected legislators from receiving public money until they create inaugural committees.

The commission, established by Chief Justice Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr., has met once a week since Feb. 3 and will make recommendations to the judicial, legislative and executive branches. A preliminary report is due March 28.