Rep. Ben Keathley

Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish strict spending limits for Missouri's state government. It requires that annual spending not exceed a baseline amount (based on prior year appropriations) adjusted by the state's population growth rate (e.g., 100% of prior spending for population decline, 101% for small growth). It creates a "Tax Reform Fund" within the state treasury to cover budget shortfalls only when spending limits are triggered, using revenues from specific tax changes. The amendment also mandates a two-thirds legislative vote to temporarily exceed the spending limit, with the exception lasting no more than 12 months. This directly affects state budgeting decisions and future tax policy implementation.

Maddy summaryHJR 35 proposes a constitutional amendment to set annual spending limits for Missouri's state government based on population changes. The amendment establishes a spending cap that adjusts yearly: it increases by the population growth rate if growth exceeds 1%, stays at 101% of the prior year's spending for 1% or less growth, and decreases for population decline. A two-thirds legislative vote could temporarily raise the cap by 2% for up to one year to address budget needs. The amendment also creates a "Tax Reform Fund" in the state treasury, funded by tax revenues, to cover budget shortfalls, and includes changes to sales tax policies and other tax provisions. This amendment would require voter approval to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 1044 updates rules for where charter schools can operate and who can sponsor them. It allows charters in unaccredited districts, districts with specific accreditation statuses, counties with 150,000-200,000 residents, cities over 30,000 people, and certain county governments. New sponsors include public/private colleges, community colleges, and nonprofits meeting accreditation standards, while prohibiting sponsors from charging fees for charter applications. The bill also limits charter enrollment to 35% of a district’s total in schools with over 1,550 students and creates a "workplace charter" option targeting students of employees in business districts.

Maddy summaryHB 343 prohibits local governments (cities or counties) from requiring private landlords to accept Section 8 housing vouchers as payment for rental properties. It blocks municipalities from enacting rules that would force landlords to rent to voucher holders, restrict tenant screening methods (like income verification or credit checks), limit security deposits, or grant automatic tenant rights of first refusal. The bill directly affects private landlords and tenants using federal housing assistance programs by preventing local mandates on rental agreements. This policy change prevents local ordinances from overriding landlord choice in tenant selection and rental terms.

Maddy summaryHB 2057 updates Missouri state law to clarify how municipal franchise fees are calculated for video service providers. The bill repeals an older section of the law and replaces it with new definitions for key terms, such as "video service," "gross revenues," and "video service provider." These definitions specifically include cable and internet-based video services while excluding mobile streaming and certain fees like equipment rentals or taxes. The legislation also details exactly which charges count toward the fee base, such as recurring video bills, while explicitly removing items like late fees and advertising revenue from that calculation. This change directly affects cities, towns, and counties that collect fees from companies providing video content to their residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies state laws to require school districts to provide transportation for students living less than one mile from school if funding does not require a tax increase, or if voters approve a tax levy for it. It also mandates that districts pay for transportation for students living under one mile at their own expense when no additional tax is needed, while allowing districts to set eligibility rules. The legislation clarifies that districts cannot face administrative penalties for transporting students who must cross busy roads without sidewalks or crossing guards. Additionally, the bill permits districts to offer paid transportation options to students not currently eligible, provided parents agree to cover the actual cost.

Maddy summaryHB 2055 proposes to exempt the sale of food from local sales taxes, beginning with a phased reduction starting in 2025 and full exemption by 2029. The bill defines "food" strictly as items eligible for federal food stamp redemption and includes vending machine sales, while excluding prepared meals sold by restaurants and similar establishments. This change would directly affect consumers purchasing grocery items and vending machine snacks, as well as local governments that currently collect sales tax on these transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Missouri General Assembly to formally approve proposed administrative rules before they become effective. It mandates that agencies submit new rules to a joint committee for review, which can hold hearings and suspend rules with significant costs exceeding $250,000 until the legislature acts. If the General Assembly does not pass a resolution approving a specific rule, that rule cannot be filed with the Secretary of State or published in the official register. Ultimately, any administrative rule that fails to follow these approval steps will be considered invalid and unenforceable.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies rules for gas corporations to offer financial discounts to large customers who significantly increase their gas usage. To qualify for these incentives, new customers must project an annual load of at least 270,000 ccf, while existing customers must add at least 135,000 ccf annually, provided the increase is not offset by shutting down other accounts. Eligible customers must receive an economic development incentive from a government agency and sign a written agreement at least 90 days before the new usage begins. The discount, which can be up to 25 percent, applies to variable base-rate components for up to four years, but the commission may reduce it if the discounted rate fails to cover the company's variable costs or contribute to fixed costs. Additionally, the revenue lost from offering these discounts will not be added to the gas company's total revenue requirement; instead, the financial impact will be spread across all customer classes through a uniform adjustment.

Maddy summaryHB 2217 updates the rules for how physicians and advanced practice registered nurses can work together, specifically changing requirements about how close their offices must be to each other. The bill allows nurses to prescribe certain medications, including controlled substances like hydrocodone and buprenorphine, within specific limits and under defined conditions. It also creates exceptions to the geographic proximity rule for rural health clinics, correctional centers, and situations where telehealth is used, while establishing a process for other waiver requests. Additionally, the law requires written agreements between the physician and nurse to include detailed information about their roles, certifications, and how they will supervise each other's work.