Rep. Travis Wilson

Maddy summaryHB 1499 modifies Missouri's tax credit program for motion media productions (like films, series, and digital content) by increasing the base credit to 20% of qualifying expenses spent in Missouri, plus up to 25% more based on specific criteria. It requires productions to film at least 50% in Missouri, with additional credits for filming in rural/blighted areas (15%), hiring Missouri residents for skill development (3 departments), or promoting Missouri locations (with photo requirements). The bill sets annual caps of $8 million per year for film/series credits through 2025, rising to $16 million annually after 2025, and mandates minimum employment of Missouri apprentices/veterans based on project size. It directly affects production companies seeking tax credits for qualifying projects filmed in Missouri, including those meeting expense thresholds ($50k for short projects, $100k for longer ones) and excluding news, ads, or political content.

Maddy summaryHB 927 designates June as "Fathership Month" in Missouri to promote awareness of fathers' roles in children's lives and establishes the "Missouri Fathership Project" within the Department of Social Services. The bill creates a grant program to fund community organizations that hire "fathership project specialists" who help fathers rebuild relationships with children, navigate court systems, and overcome barriers to reunification. These specialists serve as direct liaisons for fathers in family court cases, developing personalized plans to address relationship breakdowns and support compliance with court-ordered case plans. The initiative directly affects fathers seeking to reconnect with children, particularly those involved in family court or child support cases, and is funded through state appropriations and dedicated grants.

Maddy summaryHB 937 requires Missouri public schools and postsecondary institutions to treat antisemitic harassment and discrimination identically to racial discrimination under existing laws. It mandates schools to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism into their codes of conduct, prohibit antisemitic behavior that creates fear or impedes access, and report incidents to a state Title VI coordinator. The bill also encourages integrating Jewish American heritage into curricula while clarifying that criticism of Israel is not antisemitic and protecting First Amendment rights. Schools must investigate complaints within 30 days and face potential federal reporting if unresolved, with annual reports submitted to the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 331 creates a state-funded program to reimburse tuition, books, and fees for short-term career certificate programs at approved schools. It directly affects eligible students who qualify for Missouri’s A+ Schools Program but haven’t used its benefits, and approved institutions like community colleges, vocational schools, and training providers offering programs such as Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), EMT, or Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) courses. The bill establishes a dedicated "Career-Tech Certificate (CTC) Program Fund" to cover reimbursements, with limits on payments (capped at public community college rates) and rules to prevent duplicate funding for similar programs. Reimbursement ends when a student completes the program, reaches 150% of standard program time, or receives the full reimbursement amount.

Maddy summaryHB 606 reorganizes Missouri's higher education governance by creating a new "Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development" and replacing the previous division and commission with a nine-member "Coordinating Board for Higher Education." It mandates a voluntary "Ready to Work" endorsement program for high school seniors, requiring schools to develop work-readiness standards with academic components, assessments, and employer guarantees by June 2007. The bill also requires state agencies to make reasonable efforts to relocate employees displaced by program changes. These changes directly affect Missouri's public universities, high schools, workforce development offices, and state employees.

Maddy summaryHB 610 creates tax credits for property owners renovating eligible office buildings into residential or mixed-use spaces in Missouri downtowns and main streets. It provides a 25% credit on renovation costs for standard conversions and a 30% credit for upper-floor residential units in designated main street districts, with a $50 million annual cap on total credits. To qualify, buildings must be at least 25 years old, converted to over 50% residential use, and meet specific cost thresholds (e.g., $15,000 minimum for main street projects). The bill reserves 25% of annual credits exclusively for main street district projects, with unused funds available for other locations, and allows credits to be carried forward or transferred.

Maddy summaryHB 511 creates a full-time dementia services coordinator position within the Department of Health and Senior Services. This position will directly implement grant strategies under the federal Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act (Pub. L. 115-406). The bill establishes a dedicated staff role to manage and apply for federal funding related to dementia care services. The bill passed committee with unanimous support and is now pending further legislative action.

Maddy summaryHB 1012 establishes Missouri's "Zero-Cost Adoption Fund" to cover adoption-related costs for residents. It creates a tax credit allowing individuals or businesses contributing cash donations (over $10,000) to the fund to claim a 100% credit against their state income tax, capped at 50% of their tax liability. The fund, financed by these contributions, directly assists adoptive families by covering nonrecurring adoption expenses and postadoption services, while also supporting adoption recruitment and foster care prevention programs. The program has annual funding limits ($25 million initially, rising to $75 million with inflation) and will sunset automatically after six years unless reauthorized.

Maddy summaryHB 510 designates 29 specific trails across Missouri as "Historic Legacy Trails of Missouri," including well-known routes like the Lewis and Clark Trail, Route 66, and the Trail of Tears. The bill requires the Missouri Department of Economic Development to place at least two signs along each recognized trail (one at the start) to mark their status, subject to available funding. This is a recognition measure with no new funding or policy changes; it solely formalizes existing trail identities for tourism and educational purposes. The bill directly affects trail management and signage but does not alter laws or impact residents or businesses.

Maddy summaryHB 501 creates a tax credit program for Missouri taxpayers who donate to certified sponsors (nonprofits in the Sports Events and Tourism Association) to fund sporting events hosted in the state. Taxpayers can receive a refundable credit equal to 100% of eligible costs - like event preparation, staff, and facility retrofitting - but not construction or payments to for-profit site selectors. The credit is calculated based on actual ticket sales or participant registrations verified after the event, and applicants must submit documentation to the Missouri Department of Economic Development for certification. This directly affects certified sponsors, taxpayers making qualifying donations, and sporting events selected by organizations like the NCAA or USOPC.