Rep. Renee Reuter

Maddy summaryHB 1595 regulates kratom sales in the state by establishing new rules for dealers (like stores, restaurants, or manufacturers). It bans selling kratom adulterated with harmful substances, contaminated with dangerous ingredients, containing over 2% of a specific chemical (7-hydroxymitragynine), or including synthetic compounds. The bill also requires clear labeling of chemical content, prohibits sales to anyone under 18, and preempts all local regulations on kratom. Violations of labeling or safety rules are punishable as minor infractions or misdemeanors, with private lawsuits allowed for harmed consumers.

Maddy summaryHB 1597 creates a Missouri task force focused on violence against African American women and girls. The task force, composed of legislative members, public safety officials, legal advocates, and community representatives, will examine systemic causes of violence, improve data collection on missing/murdered cases, and evaluate policies affecting investigations and victim support. It must submit annual reports to the governor and legislature, with the task force expiring on December 31, 2027 (extendable to 2029). The bill does not enact new laws but mandates a study to inform future policy.

Maddy summaryHB 346 requires all elementary schools in the state to teach cursive writing, ensuring students can produce readable cursive documents by the end of fifth grade. It mandates that students pass a teacher-created test demonstrating both reading and writing proficiency in cursive. The bill applies directly to elementary students and school districts, with the Department of Education allowed to create implementing rules. The law focuses on concrete instructional requirements and assessment standards, not broader educational reforms.

Maddy summaryHB 1185 requires Missouri's Air Conservation Commission to end the state's motor vehicle emissions inspection program by January 1, 2027. This bill directly affects vehicle owners who would have been required to undergo emissions inspections under the existing Air Quality Attainment Act. The key provision repeals current inspection program statutes and sets a specific termination date for the program. It does not change vehicle registration fees, online renewal systems, or fleet registration rules (which appear to be from unrelated bill text). The law focuses solely on phasing out emissions inspections, with no new requirements for vehicle owners beyond the program's end date.

Maddy summaryHB 1140 would allow Missouri residents to sue a third party (such as someone involved in an affair) for intentionally causing the loss of their spouse's affection, creating a new civil claim for damages. The law specifies that only natural persons (not corporations) can be sued, and lawsuits must be filed within three years of the alleged damaging act. This bill directly affects individuals in marital relationships who believe a third party caused their marriage to fail. It does not change existing laws regarding divorce or custody but adds a specific legal remedy for alienation of affection claims.

Maddy summaryHB 621 requires any party filing a civil case in the 23rd judicial circuit (covering counties with 200,000-230,000 residents) to pay a $45 surcharge at the time of filing, in addition to standard court costs. The funds collected will be deposited into a dedicated courthouse construction fund managed by the county treasurer, specifically for building a new courthouse in that judicial circuit. The surcharge does not apply to cases where costs are waived or paid by the state, county, or municipality. This fee collection mechanism is set to expire on August 28, 2045.

Maddy summaryHB 347 allows elected officials and campaign committees to use campaign funds for childcare costs directly tied to campaigning or performing official duties. This specifically covers expenses for a child's well-being that would not have occurred without these activities, such as childcare during campaign events or official meetings. The bill prohibits using these funds for childcare provided to a family member living in the official's household. It expands allowable campaign expenses under Missouri law while maintaining clear restrictions on personal or household use.

Maddy summaryHB 1596 updates Missouri's rules for naming highways or bridges to honor deceased individuals or events. Groups seeking such designations must now submit applications including a legislative sponsor, 100 supporting signatures, and a fee capped at the actual cost of constructing and maintaining the signs - submitted by November 1 annually. Special exemptions apply for fallen law enforcement, military personnel, and emergency responders, who avoid signature and fee requirements. Designations last 20 years with renewal options, and the state must post brief biographical links online for honorees named after August 2021.

Maddy summaryHB 1411 establishes state standards for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline system, directly affecting crisis counselors, 988 Lifeline centers, and individuals seeking mental health crisis support. The bill requires crisis counselors to first assess if a caller is in immediate danger needing 911 assistance or seeking psychological support, and mandates centers to use standardized scripts with performance metrics. It also requires centers to provide follow-up resources and surveys after each contact, and directs the state mental health department to publish an annual report on system effectiveness, client interactions, and resource link usage. These provisions aim to standardize care and measure outcomes within federal guidelines.

Maddy summaryHB 1080 requires most health insurance plans in effect after January 1, 2026, to cover genetic counseling and genetic testing for individuals assessed as having an increased risk of cancer based on personal or family history. It directly affects people with family or personal cancer histories who need these screenings, ensuring insurers cannot deny coverage, raise premiums, or limit benefits based on genetic test results. The bill prohibits cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles) for these services, making them fully covered at the point of care, and specifies that this coverage applies even within health savings account-qualified plans after meeting the deductible for preventive care.