Rep. Travis Wilson

Maddy summaryHB 1514, the "Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act," provides free tuition at Missouri public colleges for eligible public safety workers and their dependents. It covers resident tuition costs (excluding room, board, or books) for police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and emergency dispatchers with at least six years of service, or their legal dependents if the worker has ten years of service. To qualify, applicants must hold current professional licenses, meet college admission requirements, pursue approved degrees (like criminal justice for police or fire science for firefighters), and apply for other federal/state aid first. The tuition benefit lasts up to five years or until 120 credit hours are earned, subject to state funding.

Maddy summaryHB 235 creates tax credits for accredited investors who fund qualified Missouri businesses focused on technology innovation. Investors receive a 40% tax credit on their investment in eligible companies (50% in rural counties), with annual limits of $300,000 per investor and a total annual cap of $6 million for 2026-2027 (increasing 20% yearly). The credit applies to investments made in businesses approved by the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) that meet specific tech-focused criteria, excluding employees of the invested business (though directors may qualify). Credits expire for investments after 2032, with unclaimed credits carrying forward until 2034.

Maddy summaryHB 669 creates a nonrefundable tax credit for eligible Missouri rail entities, allowing them to claim 50% of qualified railroad track maintenance or new rail infrastructure costs against their state income tax. It directly affects Class II/III Missouri railroads and owners/lessees of rail sidings/industrial spurs, with annual caps of $4.5 million for track work and $10 million for new infrastructure projects. The credit can be transferred to eligible customers or vendors and carried forward for up to five years, but claims exceeding annual limits are processed in order of submission. This policy changes tax treatment by incentivizing rail infrastructure investment within Missouri.

Maddy summaryHB 755 establishes the "Missouri Advanced Manufacturing Recruitment Program" by defining key terms for a new tax credit program. It directly affects advanced manufacturing companies in Missouri that create new jobs, requiring them to calculate "new jobs" as total new full-time Missouri employees minus their pre-project "base employment." The bill creates a framework where companies submit a "Notice of Intent" to the Missouri Department of Economic Development to qualify for tax credits based on new job creation and capital investment at their project facility. The bill is pending further legislative action after passing committee votes in February-March 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 509 updates Missouri's rules for phone calls and caller ID. It creates a state-run "no-call list" managed by the attorney general, allowing residents and businesses to opt out of unwanted telemarketing calls. The bill bans "call spoofing" (faking caller ID to defraud or harass) and defines terms like "telephone solicitation" to clarify what types of calls are restricted. It directly affects consumers who can register to block calls and businesses that must comply with the new rules when contacting Missouri residents. The law replaces outdated sections with these new provisions to modernize telemarketing regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how child welfare agencies and juvenile officers handle petitions to terminate parental rights in cases involving foster care, abandonment, or serious harm to children. It establishes specific timelines and conditions under which these petitions must be filed, such as requiring action within sixty days when a child has been in foster care for a significant period or when a parent has committed severe crimes against the child. The legislation also clarifies the criteria for determining abandonment and abuse, including situations where a parent has failed to provide necessary care or has a permanent mental or chemical dependency that prevents them from caring for the child. Additionally, the bill allows for flexibility in filing petitions when a child is being cared for by a relative or when other compelling reasons suggest that termination would not serve the child's best interests. Overall, the changes aim to streamline the legal process for removing parental rights while ensuring thorough consideration of each case's unique circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies state laws to create a new career and technical education (CTE) certificate that students can earn alongside their high school diploma. It requires the state board of education to set minimum standards for these certificates and mandates that local school districts develop programs based on student needs and industry standards. The legislation establishes a process for recognizing CTE programs and includes specific guidelines to prevent the tracking of students into particular vocational paths. Additionally, it directs the creation of work groups involving educators and industry leaders to update curriculum frameworks and align them with current business practices.

Maddy summaryHB 2792 modifies the rules governing proprietary schools in Florida to strengthen consumer protections and improve regulatory oversight. The bill requires these schools to post a security bond that covers student refunds and damages if the school violates regulations or shuts down, with funds used to compensate affected students. It also mandates that the state board review new or revised school programs within specific timeframes and allows for the suspension of certain rules by a legislative committee. Additionally, the legislation clarifies which types of institutions, such as religious schools and employer-sponsored training programs, are exempt from these new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax incentive for Missouri businesses that hire qualified career and technical instructors to teach at local community colleges during regular work hours. Eligible companies can claim a credit of up to $5,000 for each instructor they employ, with a maximum of five credits per business per year. The total amount of credits available statewide is capped at $500,000 annually, and the program will automatically end six years after it begins unless renewed by lawmakers.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Missouri General Assembly's support for Israel and its right to exist and defend itself. It specifically condemns the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, citing the loss of life and hostages, while highlighting President Harry S. Truman's historical role in recognizing the state. The bill does not change any laws or policies but serves as a formal statement of solidarity to be sent to the Israeli Consulate.