Rep. Bill Lucas

Maddy summaryHJR 6 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand property tax exemptions in Missouri, primarily affecting disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The amendment would exempt the primary home (homestead) of disabled veterans - defined as those certified by the VA for 100% service-connected disability - and their surviving spouses (if they continue living in the home) from property taxes. It also maintains existing exemptions for business inventories (e.g., manufacturers' raw materials and retailers' stock) and properties used by religious, charitable, or educational organizations. The amendment requires voter approval in Missouri’s 2026 general election.

Maddy summaryHB 75, the "Missouri Religious Freedom Protection Act," prevents Missouri public officials from issuing orders that restrict religious services or meetings at places of worship or for religious groups. It directly affects religious organizations and places of worship by requiring public officials to allow such gatherings, unless the group is planning violence (as excluded in subsection 5). The bill explicitly states that places of worship must still comply with standard building and fire safety codes (subsection 6). This legislation focuses on ensuring religious assembly rights while maintaining public safety and regulatory compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 601 increases penalties for individuals who wear masks, hoods, or disguises to hide their identity while committing a crime. If proven, the offense level rises by one class (e.g., from misdemeanor to felony), and courts must impose jail time for enhanced cases. Prosecutors must specifically allege and prove the use of a face-covering during the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, either in the indictment or during trial. Defendants can challenge this allegation if they plead not guilty to the enhancement.

Maddy summaryHB 742 prohibits Missouri state departments from using public funds for any programs, staffing, or initiatives related to "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (or similar terms) that promote preferential treatment based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics. It specifically bans funding for initiatives advancing concepts like "disparities are solely due to oppression" or "collective guilt," while allowing compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The bill also prevents state departments from requiring private companies to adopt such programs as a condition of receiving state contracts. This law directly affects all state agencies and their budget allocations for workplace programs.

Maddy summaryHB 602 designates KSHE 95 as Missouri's official rock radio station, recognizing the station's 50+ years of operation and role in promoting rock music. The bill creates no new regulations, funding, or requirements; it is purely a symbolic designation. It directly affects KSHE 95 by granting it official state recognition, though it does not alter the station's operations or programming. The measure passed the Missouri House unanimously in March 2025, reflecting broad support for the station's cultural impact.

Maddy summaryHB 48 replaces Missouri's existing tax on bingo card sales, which previously charged $10 per box of pull-tab cards. Instead, it imposes a new tax of 2% of gross receipts on all bingo cards sold within the state, collected monthly by suppliers. This directly affects businesses that manufacture, sell, or distribute bingo equipment and supplies, requiring them to pay this updated tax. The bill does not eliminate bingo-related taxes but changes their structure, while maintaining other licensing and recordkeeping requirements for suppliers.

Maddy summaryHB 603 establishes Missouri's Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman to independently monitor correctional conditions and investigate complaints. The ombudsman office, with inspection and complaints investigation sections, directly affects incarcerated people and correctional staff by addressing "covered issues" like sanitation, safety, medical care, access to programs, and abuse allegations. Key provisions require the ombudsman to monitor department compliance with safety standards, provide information about rights, and investigate concerns raised by incarcerated individuals, staff, or family members. The bill mandates the ombudsman report annually to the governor and legislature on findings and recommendations. This creates a new oversight mechanism within the Department of Corrections, focusing on transparency and accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 39 prohibits employers from firing employees who store a legally owned firearm in a locked vehicle on the employer's premises, provided the firearm is not visible and the employee is not legally barred from possessing firearms. It directly affects employees who legally carry firearms and work at locations allowing vehicle access on-site. The bill requires vehicles to be locked, firearms to be concealed, and employees to legally possess firearms to qualify for this protection. Employers also cannot face civil liability for injuries resulting from firearms stored compliantly under this law.

Maddy summaryHJR 7 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how Missouri allocates revenue from gaming activities. It would require all gaming revenue to go to public education (elementary, secondary, and higher education) until June 30, 2027, after which 90% would continue to public education and 10% would go to the Missouri Veterans Commission. This amendment would directly affect funding for public schools and the veterans commission by altering the share of gaming revenue they receive. The amendment must be approved by Missouri voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Missouri public and private schools, including colleges, to allow students to participate in athletic competitions only in categories matching their biological sex as recorded on their official birth certificate or another government record. It prohibits participation in sports designated for the opposite biological sex, with one exception: a female student may compete in a male-designated sport if no comparable female sport is available. Schools violating this rule risk losing state funding, and affected students or parents can sue for relief, including attorney fees. The policy aims to ensure athletic opportunities for female students by requiring participation based on birth sex records.