The bill passed 100-47 in the House where it was sponsored by Rep. Bryan Pratt, R-Jackson County, and was co-sponsored by six representatives including Rep. Jeff Harris and Rep. Judy Baker, two of the Democratic representatives from Columbia.
"I think this whole incident illustrates some very serious problems that this administration has, and the cavalier and careless disregard it has for the public's right to know. I think we may regrettably only be seeing the tip of the iceberg here," said Rep. Jeff Harris, D-Columbia, who also is seeking the Democratic nomination for attorney general.
JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Matt Blunt on Wednesday expanded his fight with Democrats over e-mails by requesting digital archives from Columbia Rep. Jeff Harris, a candidate for attorney general.
Democratic Representative Jeff Harris, who is currently running for Attorney General, criticized the Governor's request for his e-mail records and said it's an attempt to intimidate and bully him.
Attorney General candidate Jeff Harris urges Governor Matt Blunt to administer a more open government and have public records like emails accessible to the public.
"This bill does represent a compromise. It doesn't go as far as previous student curator bills," said Rep. Jeff Harris, D-Columbia, Harris cited provisions that would exclude the student curator from voting on personnel matters. "In this case, the student curator would be excluded from hiring and firing decisions."
Critics of the bill questioned its legality. Rep. Jeff Harris, D-Columbia, opposed this part of the bill because he said it puts a corporation above the law.
Fierce opposition emanated from leaders within the Democratic House ranks, including the Democratic Floor Leader, Rep. Paul LeVota, D-Jackson County, and attorney general candidate and Columbia representative Jeff Harris.
The proposal is designed to encourage intellectual diversity in the classroom. A similar bill passed the House last spring, but House Minority Leader Jeff Harris called it "a witch hunt" as part of a "national, right-wing, extremist agenda."