Acting Governor Peter Kinder (R-MO) has signed a new law that gives the tourism industry more leverage over Missouri schools.

The new law, signed in Branson, says school districts cannot start classes any sooner than ten days before Labor Day unless they hold a public hearing and vote to set the start time sooner.

The State Education Department says more than 90 percent of Missouri schools started classes last fall more than 10 days before the summer’s last big tourism weekend.

Kinder signed the bill because Governor Matt Blunt (R-MO) is attending the Paris Air Show.