Rep. John Hewkin

Maddy summaryHJR 159 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow Missouri's State Treasurer to invest state funds in municipal bonds with high credit ratings (among the top five long-term ratings) and other safe, sensible financial instruments. The amendment requires the Treasurer to follow a written investment policy with asset allocation limits, ensures all investments maintain high credit ratings, and restricts maturities (e.g., municipal bonds must mature within five years). It clarifies that the Treasurer's duties are limited to managing state and U.S. government funds, excluding unrelated responsibilities. This amendment must be approved by Missouri voters in a future election after passing the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 2122 allows Missouri electrical corporations to include the costs of constructing new nuclear power plants (under 600 MW) in their rate base *before* the plants are completed and operational. This means utilities can recover these pre-completion construction costs through customer rates immediately, rather than waiting until the plant is finished. The Public Service Commission must approve the exact amount based on estimated project costs and actual spending during construction, with refunds required if costs were wasted or the plant isn't completed on time. The provision expires in 2036 unless extended by the Commission, and applies only to new nuclear plants not in operation by August 2026. This directly affects utilities and their ratepayers by changing how construction costs are recovered.

Maddy summaryHB 2103 updates Missouri's rules for recording documents with county recorders, primarily targeting fraud prevention in real property and legal filings. It requires recorders to display a visible warning sign about felony penalties for filing false documents (under RSMO § 570.095), clarifies electronic recording standards (e.g., requiring original-sized scans), and imposes new rules for notary seal vendors (who must verify notaries' commissions via an online portal before selling seals). The bill directly affects county recorders, document filers (like homeowners or businesses), and notary seal vendors. Key provisions strengthen penalties for fraudulent filings - making it a felony with enhanced penalties when documents target public officials, law enforcement, or judicial personnel.

Maddy summaryHJR 115 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a property tax exemption for Missouri disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. It defines a "disabled veteran" as a Missouri resident honorably separated from military service with a 100% VA-certified service-connected disability, and a "homestead" as their primary residence (not exceeding 2.5 acres). The exemption would apply to real property used as a primary home, excluding portions rented for more than six months annually. This amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election and would replace the current property tax exemption provisions in Missouri's constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 1906 allows Missouri counties to let property owners pay real and personal property taxes in installments (annual, semiannual, or quarterly) instead of one lump sum. Taxpayers pay based on an estimate of last year's tax bill, adjusted at year-end for any overpayment (refunded by the county) or underpayment (paid by the taxpayer). Counties must establish collection procedures and can charge interest if installments are missed. This applies to most property owners but excludes financial institutions paying taxes from escrow accounts as defined by federal regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 1869 creates a Missouri grant program to help families repair or reset grave markers for deceased veterans buried in state cemeteries when markers are damaged by natural causes (like weather or erosion). Eligible applicants must be family members of veterans who were honorably discharged or died while on active duty, and they must provide proof of relationship and burial location. The program is funded through a dedicated "Veterans' Grave Marker Trust Fund," which can receive state appropriations and private donations, with unspent funds not reverting to general revenue. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and applicants must agree to use funds solely for repairing the grave marker.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HCR 48) is a non-binding statement by Missouri's legislature urging the U.S. Congress to pass federal voter identification laws. It cites public opinion polls showing majority support for requiring photo ID to vote and references the federal SAVE Act as a model. The resolution does not change any voting laws itself but formally requests the U.S. Senate follow the House's passage of the SAVE Act. It directly affects Missouri's congressional delegation, who are asked to advocate for these federal policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2375 revises Missouri's workers' compensation law by tightening eligibility requirements. It defines "accident" as requiring work to be the "prevailing factor" causing injury - meaning the injury must directly stem from workplace conditions, not just be triggered by work. The bill explicitly excludes ordinary diseases of life, cardiovascular issues (unless work was the primary cause), and most occupational diseases, listing only specific conditions like mesothelioma or asbestosis as compensable. This primarily affects workers seeking compensation for injuries or illnesses, making it harder to qualify by requiring a direct, primary workplace link to the injury. The law also rejects prior court interpretations that expanded coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 1847 updates Missouri's dental practice laws by replacing three existing sections with sixteen new ones. It specifically allows hospitals to employ dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and maxillofacial prosthodontists to treat dental conditions directly related to a patient's broader medical needs - such as head and neck cancer, diabetes, or severe trauma - without requiring separate hospital admission for dental care. The bill clarifies that only licensed dentists or those with specific permits may practice, while listing exceptions for dental students under supervision, physicians extracting teeth, and dental professionals working in federal or community health settings. These changes modernize licensing requirements and expand access to dental care within hospital environments.

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.