Rep. Ben Keathley

Maddy summaryHB 2086 modifies Missouri's continuing legal education (CLE) requirements for licensed attorneys. It prohibits requiring attorneys to earn CLE credits exclusively focused on explicit or implicit bias, diversity, inclusion, or cultural competency. The bill repeals existing law and replaces it with a new provision that overrides conflicting Supreme Court rules on this specific CLE requirement. This directly affects all attorneys licensed to practice law in Missouri, changing what types of CLE courses they may be mandated to complete. The policy change removes a specific educational focus from mandatory CLE obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 3129 creates a "Physician Assistant Licensure Compact" allowing PAs licensed in one participating state to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. It establishes mutual recognition of licenses, requires states to share license status and disciplinary actions through a centralized data system, and sets uniform requirements like passing national exams (e.g., NCCPA PANCE) and background checks. The bill directly affects PAs seeking to work across state lines, especially military families who relocate frequently, by reducing licensing barriers. States joining the compact must adopt these standards to maintain the system.

Maddy summaryHB 3055 modifies Missouri law to regulate ketamine administration for mental health treatment. It prohibits physicians from delegating ketamine ordering to others and requires physicians to be physically present when certified nurse anesthetists administer ketamine. The bill also mandates that intravenous ketamine treatment must include a documented diagnosis and treatment plan from a licensed physician. These changes directly affect physicians, certified nurse anesthetists, and mental health facilities providing ketamine therapy.

Maddy summaryHB 3199 would have allowed extended alcohol sales until 1:30 a.m. on weekdays and 6:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Sundays within designated entertainment districts. It required special licenses for participating bars and restaurants, permitted carrying drinks between venues and common areas *within* the district (but not outside it), and mandated unique containers for alcohol. The bill defined entertainment districts as areas near lakes with specific population requirements (cities of 4,400-4,900 residents in counties of 40,000-50,000 inhabitants) and required city ordinances to establish them. The bill was introduced in February 2026 but withdrawn before committee review and never became law.

Maddy summaryHB 2429 requires cities, towns, villages, and Missouri's Department of Transportation to reimburse non-rate-regulated utility providers - including broadband companies, telecom providers, and cable operators - for costs incurred when road maintenance or construction projects require relocating their facilities. Municipalities must include these relocation costs as part of the project budget rather than charging the utilities directly. The law specifically applies to utilities not subject to state rate regulation, such as internet service providers and cable operators. This policy shifts the financial responsibility for facility relocations from private utilities to public infrastructure projects.

Maddy summaryHJR 5 proposes a constitutional amendment to overhaul Missouri's property tax system. It eliminates the tax on tangible personal property (like vehicles and equipment) after 2026 and replaces it with a new tiered system for residential properties based on square footage and age - not market value. Agricultural property will be taxed based on productive capability, while commercial and industrial properties retain current assessment methods. Local governments can replace lost revenue from the personal property tax elimination by adjusting real property taxes on existing parcels, subject to state oversight. This amendment requires voter approval to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 1389, the "Artistic Protection Act of 2025," generally prohibits using a defendant's creative or artistic expression (like music, art, writing, or film) as evidence in criminal cases. The bill only allows such evidence if prosecutors prove four specific conditions: the expression was intended literally (not figuratively), directly relates to the crime facts, addresses a disputed issue, and offers unique value not found in other admissible evidence. If admitted, courts must redact the evidence and give clear jury instructions to limit its use. This directly affects defendants in criminal trials whose creative work is challenged as evidence. The bill passed committee (11-1) but was recently postponed in the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 342 requires cities, towns, and the Department of Transportation to reimburse non-rate regulated utilities for costs incurred when moving equipment due to road maintenance or construction. This applies to telecom companies, broadband providers, video services, and cable operators not regulated by the Public Service Commission. The bill mandates that these entities cover relocation expenses directly tied to road projects, such as rerouting cables or antennas. It does not create new taxes but specifies that existing municipal and state funds must cover these costs.

Maddy summaryHB 781 requires covered entities (like safety-net hospitals and clinics participating in the federal 340B drug program) to use all 340B drug proceeds - defined as savings from discounted drug purchases - to either offset out-of-pocket costs for or provide direct patient care to **vulnerable patients** (uninsured individuals with income ≤400% of federal poverty level). Covered entities must annually certify compliance with this requirement by September 1, 2026, and report detailed usage of funds to the Department of Health and Senior Services. The bill mandates itemized reports on how proceeds were applied to vulnerable patients, including specific cost offsets and care services, while protecting patient privacy. It does not override federal law and authorizes the Department to investigate violations, including potential loss of state funding for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryHB 345 exempts the retail sale of qualifying food from state sales tax starting August 2025 and phases out local sales tax on food over four years. Beginning January 1, 2026, local food tax rates will decrease annually in equal steps until fully eliminated by January 1, 2030. The bill defines "food" narrowly to include only items eligible for SNAP benefits (like groceries), excluding most restaurants and eateries where over 80% of revenue comes from prepared food sold for immediate consumption. This directly affects grocery retailers and convenience stores selling qualifying food, while restaurants and similar establishments remain subject to both state and local food taxes.