Rep. Mike Costlow

Maddy summaryHB 2172 prohibits local governments (like cities or counties) from blocking charter schools from using properties for education by banning ordinances, deed restrictions, or other rules that prevent such use. It requires school districts to offer unused school buildings (not used for academic purposes with no 2-year plan) to charter schools first, with 60-day public notice online listing key details like square footage and contact info. Charter schools have the right to purchase or lease these buildings at fair market value, and if leasing, they cover maintenance, utilities, and taxes during the term. The bill ensures school districts cannot sell or lease such properties to non-charter entities without giving charter schools the initial opportunity.

Maddy summaryHB 1608 would prohibit health care providers from performing gender transition surgeries or prescribing cross-sex hormones or puberty-blocking drugs to individuals under 18 for the purpose of gender transition, with exceptions for medically verified disorders of sex development. Violations could result in license revocation for providers and allow lawsuits seeking up to three times the damages (with a $500,000 minimum) for harm like infertility. The bill also creates a legal presumption of harm for infertility linked to such treatments, allowing lawsuits to be filed within 15 years of the minor turning 21. This legislation is currently pending in committee after recent hearings and has not yet been enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1814 creates a new offense called "grooming of a minor" in Missouri law, targeting adults (18+ years) who engage in a pattern of conduct - such as repeated sexual communications or acts - with minors (17 or younger) that a reasonable person would interpret as preparing them for sexual activity. The law classifies this as a class B felony (or class A if sexual conduct occurs), requiring a minimum 5-year prison sentence with no probation or parole eligibility. It includes exemptions for age-appropriate relationships (within 4 years), licensed professionals acting within their role, and family members providing standard care, provided no sexual intent is shown. The bill also mandates restitution for victims covering mental health, lost income, and relocation costs, and requires state guidance for the public and professionals on identifying and responding to grooming.

Maddy summaryHB 2312, if passed, would create a legal remedy for Missouri residents and businesses targeted by lawsuits claiming websites violate accessibility laws (like the ADA). It allows these parties to sue the lawyers or firms filing such lawsuits if courts determine the litigation is "abusive" - meaning it primarily seeks payment for defense costs rather than fixing accessibility issues. Key provisions include a 30-day window for defendants to correct website issues before lawsuits can be deemed abusive, court factors to assess abuse (like history of similar lawsuits or defendant resources), and penalties including attorney fees for abusive cases. The law would expire if the federal government issues ADA website accessibility standards.

Maddy summaryHJR 114 proposes a constitutional amendment to Missouri's Article I, adding Section 37 that would guarantee parents the fundamental right to direct their child's education without government interference. It specifically ensures parents can homeschool or educate children outside public schools without any government regulations, restrictions, or record-keeping requirements - even if they receive state funding or assistance. The amendment also requires public schools to provide transparent access to curricula and lesson plans via their publicly accessible websites. This proposal must be approved by Missouri voters in the 2026 general election to become part of the state constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 1002 modifies rules requiring excavators (like construction crews) to get safety notifications before digging. It mandates the Department of Natural Resources to check if a dig site is near contaminated land (from past pollution) or active cleanup, then require soil safety tests. If the site was contaminated by a specific company, that company must test the soil; if it's an active investigation site, the state will test it. This directly affects excavators, construction companies, and entities responsible for contaminated sites by adding a safety verification step before digging begins.

Maddy summaryHB 1558 updates Missouri's definitions for unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. It clarifies that "age" for discrimination purposes covers 40-70 years (with limited retirement exceptions for executives), defines "disability" to exclude current illegal drug use but include those in rehabilitation, and expands "discrimination" to include unfair treatment based on protected characteristics like race, color, or familial status. The bill directly affects employers, housing providers, and businesses serving the public by revising how these terms are legally interpreted. It does not create new prohibitions but refines existing definitions to improve clarity in enforcement. (This is a definitional bill, not a procedural one.)

Maddy summaryHB 1593 requires Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber or Lyft to conduct thorough background checks on drivers, including national criminal records and sex offender registry checks, before allowing them to accept rides. It prohibits TNCs from permitting drivers with certain disqualifying factors, such as multiple recent traffic violations, specific criminal convictions (including DUI, sex offenses, or violent crimes), or lack of valid insurance or licenses. The bill also establishes a new offense for impersonating a TNC driver, punishable as a misdemeanor for most cases and up to a class C felony if the impersonation occurs during a violent crime or causes injury. TNCs must immediately suspend drivers with qualifying convictions or expired work permits and report their details to the state department.

Maddy summaryHB 1228, the "Defend the Guard Act," requires the Missouri National Guard to remain under state control unless the U.S. Congress formally declares war. It prohibits deploying Missouri National Guard members into active combat (defined as participation in armed conflict, hazardous foreign service, or duty involving war) without such a congressional declaration, directing the governor to enforce this rule. The bill does not block all deployments, as it explicitly allows the governor to consent to Title 32 federal service (which keeps troops under state command). This directly affects Missouri National Guard members and the governor’s authority to deploy them. The bill is pending in committee and aligns with similar measures in ten other states.

Maddy summaryHB 1177 creates the "Missouri Homeowners' Association Act" to establish new rules for HOAs in planned communities (like subdivisions), effective January 1, 2026. It requires HOAs to become nonprofit corporations within one year after developer control ends, sets a 67% vote threshold for most amendments (overriding higher existing requirements), and mandates unanimous owner approval to change lot ownership interests. The bill preserves developers' rights to manage properties and alter community layouts, while clarifying that common areas won’t be separately taxed and lot owners retain individual property tax assessments. It directly affects HOAs, lot owners, and developers managing Missouri planned communities.