Rep. Renee Reuter

Maddy summaryThis bill requires regular inspections of fire safety dampers (devices that prevent fire/smoke spread through HVAC systems) in most non-residential Missouri buildings, excluding small homes. It mandates an initial inspection within 12 months of installation and subsequent checks every four years, following NFPA standards with physical visual inspections required (not remote methods). Inspectors must hold specific ICB certifications or equivalent, and building owners must maintain compliance records, issue deficiency reports for failures, and post public verification notices. These requirements apply to commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and other multi-use structures governed by Missouri political subdivisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1771 requires tax authorities to notify taxpayers before imposing penalties for denied tax credits, giving them 60 days to pay the balance or arrange payment without penalties. It specifically applies to taxpayers who qualified for a credit but were denied due to funding limits (like exhausted annual appropriations), not due to personal eligibility issues. If taxpayers fail to pay within the 60-day window or miss payment arrangements, penalties apply as if the bill didn’t exist. The law takes effect for tax years beginning August 28, 2026.

Maddy summaryHJR 115 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a property tax exemption for Missouri disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. It defines a "disabled veteran" as a Missouri resident honorably separated from military service with a 100% VA-certified service-connected disability, and a "homestead" as their primary residence (not exceeding 2.5 acres). The exemption would apply to real property used as a primary home, excluding portions rented for more than six months annually. This amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election and would replace the current property tax exemption provisions in Missouri's constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 1872, the "Missouri Survivors' Act," allows courts to reduce sentencing levels for individuals charged with crimes who were survivors of domestic abuse by an intimate partner or family member. If proven with documented evidence (such as court records, medical reports, or witness statements), the court must consider the abuse as a mitigating factor, lowering felony classifications (e.g., a Class A felony becomes a Class B). This applies to offenses committed before November 1, 2026, and enables eligible individuals already incarcerated to request resentencing starting November 1, 2026. The law directly affects survivors facing criminal charges whose domestic abuse history contributed to their offense.

Maddy summaryHB 3414 creates new criminal penalties for fraud involving access devices (like credit cards, phone numbers, or account credentials) and telecom identifiers. It prohibits specific acts such as using counterfeit or stolen devices to obtain $1,000+ in value, trafficking in device-making equipment, intercepting telecom data, or illegally modifying devices to access services without authorization. Violations carry fines or up to 20 years in prison, depending on the offense and whether it’s a repeat violation. The law directly affects individuals committing these fraud schemes, while financial institutions, telecom carriers, and law enforcement (via the Missouri Attorney General) are key stakeholders. It does not impact legitimate business practices or ordinary consumers.

Maddy summaryHB 1770 extends the time limit for prosecuting criminal cases involving abuse or neglect of a child under 18. It changes the law so that prosecutions must begin within ten years after the victim turns 18, rather than the previous timeframe. This directly affects victims of childhood abuse/neglect, their families, and the criminal justice system handling such cases. The bill modifies the statute (section 556.035) to set this new ten-year window for filing charges.

Maddy summaryHB 3186 clarifies that "public swimming pool" includes community pools in apartment complexes or housing developments for residents and guests. This expands location restrictions preventing certain sex offenders (convicted of specific crimes like child sexual exploitation) from being within 500 feet of facilities primarily for children's recreation, such as public pools, parks with playgrounds, or children's museums. The bill specifically adds residential community pools to the definition of "public swimming pool" under these restrictions. It also allows parents or guardians of children attending programs at Missouri Department of Conservation centers to be present with their child if granted permission by the center manager.

Maddy summaryHB 3238 requires school boards to publicly disclose financial conflicts of interest involving members, employees, and related parties for transactions over $500 annually, including business dealings with the school district. It mandates detailed written disclosures from school superintendents, administrators, and legal staff about their outside income, business ownership, and corporate ties. The bill also shifts the burden of proof to school districts in special education due process hearings under IDEA, requiring them to justify decisions about student evaluations or placements. Additionally, it prohibits school districts from hiring attorneys who employ school board members or employees for special education disputes.

Maddy summaryHB 2362 creates a property tax exemption for Missouri disabled veterans, reducing their primary residence property taxes by a percentage equal to their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating (e.g., a 50% rating reduces taxes by 50%). It directly affects Missouri residents who are disabled veterans (with VA-certified disability ratings), own their primary residence, and file annual applications with VA documentation by April 1. The exemption is proportional to the veteran’s disability rating (up to 100% for 100% rating) and extends to surviving spouses who retain ownership and residency without remarrying. To qualify, applicants must submit proof of disability rating, ownership, and primary residence occupancy each year.

Maddy summaryHB 3518 requires venues and teams to withhold 2% of payments over $300 made to nonresident entertainers (like musicians or actors) and nonresident professional athletes (such as out-of-state sports players). This tax applies to their "personal service income" (salaries, bonuses, etc.) but excludes competition prizes. The collected revenue is allocated for 31 years (through 2030): 60% to the Missouri Arts Council, and 10% each to the Missouri Humanities Council, State Library, and Public Television fund. Starting in 2027, 100% of this tax revenue will directly fund these specific programs instead of the general state budget.