By Associated Press/Marshall Griffin, St. Louis Public Radio
Jefferson City, Mo. – Lawmakers have adjourned after a failing in a final, frantic attempt to strike a deal on a jobs bill backed by Governor Jay Nixon.
The Missouri House and Senate ended their 2010 session today by passing ethics and abortion bills on the final day.
Nixon negotiated with lawmakers until the waning moments on a bill authorizing new tax incentives for manufacturers that improve their factories in Missouri. Senators were willing to pass the bill in exchange for House passage of a bill revamping Missouri's pension system.
But the House never brought the pension bill up for a vote. So neither bill passed.
Earlier in the week, lawmakers passed bills proving autism insurance coverage, tougher drunk driving penalties, new restrictions on sexually-oriented businesses, and a merger of the Missouri Highway Patrol and Missouri Water Patrol.
Legislation that didn't make it includes a proposal to merge the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education with the Department of Higher Education, and a resolution to guarantee the right of Missourians to raise animals.
In total, 1,849 pieces of legislation were either pre-filed or introduced during the 2010 legislative session. Only 106 made it through to be sent to Governor Nixon.