Rep. Richard West

Maddy summaryHB 2536 changes how Missouri school board members are elected and limits how long they can serve. Starting in November 2024, all school board elections will be held on the same day as general elections, and candidates must declare a political party or run as independents. The bill shortens the term of office to two years and caps total service at eight years, counting any time served before 2024 toward that limit. It also requires urban school districts to hold these partisan elections every two years and establishes specific rules for filling vacancies on school boards.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Missouri laws to clarify how cities, towns, and villages can annex unincorporated areas by defining specific requirements for what counts as "contiguous and compact." It directly affects local governments and property owners by establishing rules that prevent annexations connected only by narrow strips like railroad lines while allowing connections across major highways or railroads. The legislation also sets new procedures requiring public hearings within a specific timeframe when annexation is requested by property owners or common-interest communities. Additionally, it includes special provisions allowing certain smaller cities in specific counties to annex areas up to two miles from their borders or to voluntarily annex nearby correctional centers.

Maddy summaryHB 1402 permits members of the general assembly and other elected officials to hang state and national flags outside their office doors. This change authorizes the capitol building to manage the display of these flags beyond the interior of the offices. The bill applies specifically to elected officials and does not alter other flag-related policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1955 updates Missouri state laws regarding how the state manages its financial assets and how residents calculate their state income taxes. The bill requires the state treasurer to keep at least one percent of state funds in local banks as cash or interest-bearing deposits, provided these funds are not needed for current expenses. It also modifies the state income tax code by adding specific federal tax refunds and interest amounts to a taxpayer's income while allowing certain deductions to be subtracted. These tax adjustments are designed to align Missouri's tax calculations with changes in federal tax laws, such as rules on business interest and property tax deductions.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to how Missouri citizens propose laws and amend the state constitution through the initiative petition process. It would require petitions to be signed by a specific percentage of registered voters in two-thirds of the state's congressional districts and mandate a public review period before measures appear on the ballot. The legislation also introduces restrictions to prevent foreign governments or political parties from sponsoring or funding these petitions and limits the ability of the General Assembly to repeal or amend laws approved by voters. Additionally, it sets new voting thresholds for constitutional amendments, requiring approval by a majority of voters statewide and in a majority of congressional districts.