Rep. Phil Amato

Maddy summaryHB 2752 adds two associate circuit judge positions (divisions 5 and 6) to Missouri's twenty-third judicial circuit (Jefferson County), converting existing family court and treatment court commissioner roles into these judge positions starting January 1, 2007. It also creates one new associate circuit judge position to be appointed by the governor until January 1, 2029, with an election in 2028. These changes increase the circuit's total judicial capacity to six full circuit judges and one associate judge. The bill directly affects Jefferson County residents by expanding local judicial resources for family and treatment courts.

Maddy summaryHCR 27 is a Missouri legislative resolution urging Congress to recognize U.S. military personnel who served in Honduras from 1981 to 1992. It specifically requests Congress award an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal or similar honor to veterans who experienced hostile conditions, including combat support, hostile fire, and casualties (such as Purple Heart recipients and those who died). The resolution does not create new law but formally asks federal leaders to extend this recognition to qualifying service members. Missouri's legislature passed this resolution to acknowledge the veterans' service during a period when U.S. troops provided training and support in Honduras.

Maddy summaryHB 2100 allows cities classified as "third" in Missouri to adopt term limits for mayors and council members through voter approval. If approved by a majority of voters, council members would be limited to four terms, while mayors would be limited to two terms. The bill requires the city council to first vote to propose term limits, then submit the question to voters in the next available election. These limits would apply to terms beginning after voter approval, directly affecting local elected officials in participating third-class cities.

Maddy summaryHB 2104 requires permits from the state fire marshal or local fire authority for any commercial outdoor fireworks display or event with a crowd (e.g., at fairs, parks, or concerts). It mandates that permits be applied for at least 10 business days in advance, require licensed operators on-site following national safety codes (NFPA 1123/1126), and demand proof of financial responsibility for property damage or injuries. The bill also requires pre-event inspections for safety compliance and applies only to commercial displays, exempting private, non-commercial events (which need only 5 days' notice to local authorities). This bill directly affects businesses, venues, and event organizers hosting public fireworks shows in Missouri.

Maddy summaryHB 2102 allows cities and counties in Missouri to form "neighborhood improvement districts" to fund street lighting in residential areas. These districts can cover installation, maintenance, and electricity costs for LED or equivalent efficient street lights through special assessments on properties within the district or by having electric suppliers bill residents directly. The state creates a dedicated fund to provide matching grants (with the state covering two-thirds of costs up to $2,000 per light) to help local governments implement these projects. Districts are limited to 20 years with possible 20-year extensions, and all funds must be used solely for street lighting improvements as defined in the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 2101 allows charter counties (those operating under their own governing charters) to set term limits for locally elected county officials, such as commissioners or supervisors. The bill adds a new section to state law enabling these counties to establish specific term limits through their charters. It does not require counties to implement term limits, only authorizes them to do so if they choose. This change directly affects charter counties and their elected local leaders, providing a legal mechanism for counties to define term limits in their governing documents. The bill is currently in early legislative stages with no votes taken yet.

Maddy summaryHB 1670 corrects a misleading title; it does not address income tax on tips but modifies Missouri's tax calculation rules for adjusted gross income. The bill repeals existing tax provisions and adds new rules to adjust federal tax items when calculating Missouri income tax, including: adding back certain federal tax refunds (excluding pandemic-related credits), including interest on specific government bonds, and adjusting deductions for property purchases and net operating losses. These changes affect all Missouri taxpayers who file state income tax returns, as they alter how federal tax items are treated for state tax purposes. The bill focuses on aligning Missouri's tax code with federal adjustments rather than creating new tax rates or exemptions.

Maddy summaryHB 1775 modifies court procedures for parental rights termination cases. It requires courts to confirm all parties are served before proceeding, mandates a detailed investigation and written report on parental fitness and child welfare (including home conditions and mental health), and ensures all parties receive this report at least 15 days before the final hearing. The bill also grants immunity to social workers and agencies involved in child welfare reports and clarifies that most privileged communications (except clergy/attorney talks) cannot block evidence in these hearings. This directly affects parents facing termination, children in custody cases, courts, and child welfare professionals.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Missouri sewer district procedures for customers with unpaid sewer charges. It requires certified mail notice before service disconnection after three months of non-payment, giving districts discretion to disconnect sewer lines or request water providers to cut service. Homeowners in public sewer districts are directly affected, as their service could be disconnected for unpaid bills. The bill also ensures sewer liens have priority over most other liens, ranking equally with property tax liens.

Maddy summaryHJR 118 proposes a constitutional amendment to protect voter-approved initiatives in Missouri from being changed or repealed by the state legislature, except under two specific conditions. It would prohibit the General Assembly from amending or repealing any initiative measure approved by voters (like statewide ballot measures) unless either more than five years have passed since the measure's approval or the legislature passes a two-thirds vote in both chambers. This amendment would replace Section 49 of Article III in Missouri’s Constitution, directly affecting how citizens’ direct democracy efforts can be altered by elected officials. The proposed change would be submitted to Missouri voters in the 2026 general election.