Rep. Becky Laubinger

Maddy summaryHB 3410 defines "abortion" in state law as using instruments, devices, or substances to destroy an embryo/fetus or intentionally terminate a pregnancy (excluding specific exceptions). It clarifies that procedures aren't considered abortions if performed to save the unborn child's life, remove tissue after miscarriage, treat ectopic pregnancy, or perform a pre-viability separation procedure necessary to save the pregnant person's life or prevent serious harm. The bill also establishes medical definitions for terms like "ectopic pregnancy," "miscarriage," and "pre-viability separation procedure" to guide legal interpretation. This definition directly affects medical providers, courts, and legal proceedings involving pregnancy-related care.

Maddy summaryHCR 28 designates the last full week in April each year as "Infertility Awareness Week" to increase public understanding of infertility. The resolution directly affects individuals and couples experiencing infertility, which impacts roughly 1 in 6 U.S. couples, by reducing stigma and promoting awareness. It does not create new programs or change funding but formally recognizes this week annually to encourage support and highlight access to care.

Maddy summaryHB 3278 updates rules for handling reports of abuse and neglect against vulnerable adults, defined as seniors aged 60+ or adults with disabilities (18-59) who cannot protect themselves. The bill creates a confidential central registry for these reports, keeping all records non-public and restricting access to specific entities like the health department, law enforcement, and a special multidisciplinary protection team. It prohibits unauthorized sharing of registry information and sets penalties for violations, including class A misdemeanor charges. The changes aim to balance protecting vulnerable adults with ensuring sensitive information is only shared for legitimate investigative or care purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 1817 requires Missouri's Department of Social Services to publish monthly, publicly accessible reports on its website. These reports must show, for each city, town, village, or county with over 1,000 residents, the number of households enrolled in public assistance programs (like SNAP, TANF, and WIC), the total people served, average household benefits, and households that lost eligibility. The bill specifies that only aggregate, non-identifiable data may be reported, protecting individual privacy. It applies to all local jurisdictions meeting the population threshold and aims to increase transparency around public assistance usage.

Maddy summaryHB 2760, the "PRAISE Act," prohibits state and local governments from restricting religious services during emergencies declared under specific laws, directly affecting places of worship and their attendees. It ensures religious services cannot be made impractical by emergency orders, unless the emergency involves imminent dangers like wildfires or terrorism that apply broadly to the area. The bill allows places of worship to be exempt from general emergency restrictions and provides a legal path for civil lawsuits seeking injunctions, damages, or declarations if violations occur. It explicitly excludes emergency evacuations for immediate threats but requires services to resume once the danger passes.

Maddy summaryThis bill's title claims to authorize an income tax deduction for tipped income, but the provided text describes a different measure: it modifies Missouri's tax code to adjust federal adjusted gross income (AGI) for state tax calculations. The bill adds specific federal tax items to Missouri taxable income (like certain federal tax refunds, interest on exempt bonds, and excess business deductions) and subtracts others (like state tax refunds or military income). It does not address tipped income deductions, making the title misleading based on the actual provisions. The bill would affect Missouri taxpayers by altering how federal tax items impact their state tax liability.

Maddy summaryHB 1358 creates a "Champion for Children Tax Credit" allowing taxpayers to claim a credit for donations to three types of child protection organizations: CASA programs, child advocacy centers, and crisis care centers. For tax years 2013-2024, taxpayers can deduct up to 50% of verified donations (minimum $50, maximum $50,000 per year); for 2025 onward, the deduction increases to 70% with the same annual limits. The credit applies to taxes under Chapter 143, requires donation verification from the recipient agency, and is subject to annual funding caps of $1 million to $2.5 million distributed equally among the three organization types. The bill, introduced in 2025, would take effect for contributions made on or after January 1, 2013, but is currently pending legislative action.

Maddy summaryHB 1523 updates Missouri school discipline policies by requiring annual staff training on discipline procedures, including handling school violence, supporting students with disabilities, and maintaining confidentiality. It mandates that schools report specific violent crimes and drug offenses (like assault, sexual offenses, or weapon possession) committed on school property to law enforcement and provide students' discipline plans to relevant staff. The bill also requires parental written consent for corporal punishment and adds restrictions for suspended students, prohibiting them from being within 1,000 feet of school property without approved supervision. These changes apply directly to public school districts, employees, students, and parents across Missouri.

Maddy summaryHCR 4 designates the last full week in April each year as "Infertility Awareness Week" in Missouri. This symbolic resolution aims to raise public understanding of infertility, reduce stigma, and highlight the emotional, financial, and medical challenges faced by individuals and couples affected by infertility - impacting millions of Missourians. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change healthcare access; instead, it formally recognizes the week to support awareness efforts led by local and national organizations. The resolution was introduced by Representative Murray and sent to the governor for approval.

Maddy summaryHB 937 requires Missouri public schools and postsecondary institutions to treat antisemitic harassment and discrimination identically to racial discrimination under existing laws. It mandates schools to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism into their codes of conduct, prohibit antisemitic behavior that creates fear or impedes access, and report incidents to a state Title VI coordinator. The bill also encourages integrating Jewish American heritage into curricula while clarifying that criticism of Israel is not antisemitic and protecting First Amendment rights. Schools must investigate complaints within 30 days and face potential federal reporting if unresolved, with annual reports submitted to the legislature.