Rep. John Hewkin

Maddy summaryHB 497 rewrites Missouri's workers' compensation laws to narrow coverage and clarify key terms. It defines "injury" strictly as requiring the work accident to be the "prevailing factor" (main cause), excludes injuries from normal daily life risks, and prohibits compensation for travel to/from work. The bill also limits occupational disease claims to a specific list (like mesothelioma and asbestosis) and excludes ordinary illnesses or death from natural causes. These changes directly affect Missouri workers seeking compensation and employers managing claims, shifting coverage toward more narrowly defined workplace injuries.

Maddy summaryHB 328 updates regulations for public mass transportation systems, including light rail and buses operated by the bi-state development agency. It prohibits carrying weapons (including firearms) on transit facilities and conveyances, with limited exceptions for law enforcement officers or unloaded rifles/shotguns in a closed container. The bill also bans alcohol consumption, smoking, littering, and obstructive behavior on transit, requiring fare payment and compliance with agency directives. These rules apply directly to all passengers and employees using public transportation services.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 1200) creates a new "intermediate driver's license" for 16-17 year olds, directly affecting minors seeking to drive. Key provisions require applicants to: hold a temporary permit for 6+ months, complete 40+ hours of supervised driving (with parental/guardian or instructor consent), pass a written test, and pay a $5 fee. Restrictions include nighttime driving curfews (1 a.m.-5 a.m. without supervision), limits on teen passengers (max 1 non-family under 19 for first 6 months), and mandatory seatbelt use. The license transitions to full driving privileges at age 18 if the teen has no alcohol-related offenses or traffic violations in the prior year. The bill’s title referencing "age of marriage" appears inconsistent with its actual focus on driver licensing rules.

Maddy summaryHB 195, the "Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act," requires healthcare providers in abortion settings to provide the same medical care to any child born alive during or after an abortion as they would to any other newborn, including immediate hospital transport. It mandates providers to report failures to follow these standards to law enforcement and imposes criminal penalties - up to five years in prison or $10,000 fines - for non-compliance, while classifying intentional killing of such a child as first-degree murder. The bill also establishes civil liability for causing death or failing to comply with these provisions, allowing victims’ families to seek damages for injury or death. It directly affects abortion providers, patients, and children born alive during abortion procedures, with no impact on natural miscarriages before fetal viability.

Maddy summaryHB 1464 replaces over 30 existing Missouri statutes with 38 new sections focused on protecting children and vulnerable persons. The bill establishes a Missouri regional computer forensics lab to combat internet-based crimes, particularly those involving child sexual abuse material, online exploitation, and related offenses. It creates new legal frameworks for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute technology-facilitated crimes against vulnerable populations. The law directly affects law enforcement agencies, courts, and individuals involved in cases related to digital crimes against children.

Maddy summaryHB 993 limits foreign ownership of Missouri's agricultural land to 0.5% of the state's total agricultural acreage. It requires foreign owners or businesses to submit land purchases for review by the Agriculture Department and Attorney General at least 30 days before closing, and mandates reporting land usage changes every five years. The bill exempts land used for agricultural research (like seed testing or animal health studies) and prohibits purchases by entities tied to "foreign adversaries" as defined by federal law. This applies directly to foreign individuals, businesses, or entities seeking to acquire or hold agricultural land in Missouri.

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 summaryHCR 15 is a Missouri legislative resolution urging the U.S. Congress to reinstate mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork products. It seeks to require clear labeling indicating whether meat was "born, raised, and slaughtered" in the U.S. versus imported, addressing current labeling that allows foreign meat processed in the U.S. to be labeled "Product of the USA." The resolution supports consumers' right to know food origins and aims to strengthen the competitive position of U.S. farmers and ranchers by promoting transparency in meat labeling. As a resolution, it does not create law but formally recommends this policy change to Missouri's congressional delegation.

Maddy summaryHB 1309, the "Building Permit Reform Act," simplifies building permit requirements for owners of detached single-family homes (exempt homeowners) who perform their own renovations. It removes the need for licenses, certifications, or exams for owner-performed work, caps fines for unpermitted work at double the permit fee, and requires refunds if inspections aren’t completed within 10 business days. The bill allows homeowners to replace appliances, fix interiors, or update flooring without permits, while still requiring compliance with building codes and inspections. It excludes rental properties, gas work, and utility connections from these provisions and prohibits political subdivisions from entering homes without permission for inspections.

Maddy summaryHB 459 prohibits Missouri state and local agencies from enforcing any "red flag law" that would seize firearms from citizens without a court trial. It blocks the use of federal funds to support such enforcement and bans law enforcement from complying with federal or state orders requiring firearm seizures. The bill directly affects Missouri residents who might face such seizures and state agencies responsible for law enforcement. Violating the law could trigger $50,000 penalties per incident and allow affected citizens to sue for damages.