Rep. John Hewkin

Maddy summaryHJR 109 proposes amending Missouri's state constitution to define "person" as including all human beings from conception, explicitly stating this includes "every in utero human child at every stage of biological development." It repeals the current Section 2 of Article I and replaces it with language affirming a natural right to life, while adding that the constitution "secures or protects a right to abortion" or requires abortion funding. The amendment would be submitted to Missouri voters in 2026, with an official ballot question asking if the constitution should "protect each human life with a unique DNA code regardless of age." The bill notes this change is expected to have "no fiscal impact."

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that single-family homes rented for less than 30 consecutive days (subject to sales tax) must be classified as residential property for tax purposes, not as "transient housing." It explicitly defines "transient housing" as rentals where rent receipts are subject to sales tax, excluding short-term home rentals. This affects property owners and local tax assessors who must apply this classification when determining property tax rates. The change ensures short-term rentals are taxed under residential rates rather than commercial rates, without altering rental regulations or tenant rights.

Maddy summaryHB 2505 modifies Missouri custody law to establish that grandparents must be given priority over other third parties when a court considers placing a child in third-party custody. The bill specifically states that if a court finds parents unfit or unable to care for a child, custody should first be offered to the child's grandparent(s) before considering other third parties like relatives or non-relatives. This applies only in cases where the court determines third-party custody is necessary and in the child's best interest, not automatically. The law requires courts to make this priority explicit in their custody decisions under the "best interest of the child" standard. It does not change existing custody rules for parents but adds grandparents as the first option for third-party custody placements.

Maddy summaryHB 1852 (Missouri House Bill 1852) modifies pharmacy law to explicitly allow pharmacists to dispense an emergency supply of insulin without a new prescription. This provision directly affects patients facing urgent insulin shortages and pharmacists who can now provide this emergency service under new rules. The key mechanism establishes that pharmacists may dispense an emergency insulin supply under Section 338.740, addressing immediate access needs when a patient cannot obtain a new prescription promptly. The bill does not change routine insulin dispensing but creates a specific emergency protocol for pharmacists.

Maddy summaryHB 1981 modifies Missouri law to allow certain nurses to prescribe controlled substances under specific conditions. It permits advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with a special certificate to prescribe Schedule III-V drugs and limited Schedule II drugs (only hydrocodone for hospice patients), with a 120-hour supply limit and a ban on self-prescribing. Certified nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) can administer controlled substances during anesthesia care without needing a prescriptive certificate. The bill requires written agreements between physicians and nurses to delegate prescribing authority and updates rules for handling unused medications.

Maddy summaryHB 2097 converts a temporary pilot program for agricultural education in elementary schools into a statewide program, effective for the 2027-28 school year. Public elementary schools can voluntarily apply to participate, with participating schools required to implement and fully fund the program for at least three years. The program must include grade-appropriate instruction, collaborative learning activities, and career development opportunities. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will oversee implementation, evaluate the program’s impact, and report results to relevant legislative committees.

Maddy summaryHB 1881 amends Missouri's controlled substances law by adding specific fentanyl analogs and synthetic opioids to Schedule I (not Schedule III, as the title states). The bill lists numerous fentanyl derivatives (e.g., acetyl fentanyl, xylazine is not listed) and opioid compounds under Schedule I, which requires they have high abuse potential and no accepted medical use. This change directly affects law enforcement, healthcare providers, and individuals handling these substances by classifying them as illegal under Missouri law. The bill does not mention xylazine in its text; the title appears to contain an error, as the actual provisions focus on fentanyl-related compounds. This is a substantive policy change to drug scheduling, not a procedural measure.

Maddy summaryHB 3205 regulates litigation funding by prohibiting foreign governments or entities from investing in or controlling litigation funders within the state. It defines "litigation funders" (third parties providing funds for lawsuits) and explicitly excludes family members, regular attorneys, banks, and nonprofits from this definition. The bill requires funders to act in the best interest of the client, prohibits foreign principals from funding or influencing funders, and voids agreements violating these rules. Violations could lead to civil penalties, criminal charges (up to a class E felony), or a ban on providing funding. This bill directly affects litigation funders, foreign entities, and parties involved in civil lawsuits using third-party funding.

Maddy summaryHB 2774 prohibits state or local laws, rules, or regulations that restrict the sale or use of specific items based solely on their fuel type. It directly affects owners and sellers of motor vehicles, common tools (like generators, lawn mowers, and leaf blowers), and farm equipment. The bill blocks restrictions targeting fuel sources - such as banning gasoline-powered equipment in certain areas - by preventing such rules from being enacted. This creates a statewide standard, ensuring these items cannot be regulated differently simply because they run on gasoline, diesel, or other fuels.

Maddy summaryHB 2944 modifies Missouri's senior citizen homestead tax credit to help eligible residents aged 62+ who own their primary residence. It defines the credit amount as the difference between a taxpayer's current property tax bill and their "initial credit year" tax bill, automatically applying this credit annually without requiring reapplication after initial qualification. Counties can choose to implement the credit through a local ordinance or voter referendum, and must apply it to reduce the taxpayer's annual property tax liability. The credit continues automatically until the senior moves or dies, with special rules for home improvements or property annexation affecting the initial tax calculation.