Rep. Tara Peters

Maddy summaryHB 2368 prohibits AI developers and deployers in Missouri from advertising or representing artificial intelligence as a mental health professional or capable of providing therapy services. The bill directly affects companies or individuals creating or using AI systems in the state, requiring them to avoid misleading claims about AI's clinical capabilities. Violations would be enforced by the Missouri Attorney General under the state's consumer protection laws, with civil penalties of $10,000 for first offenses and $20,000 for subsequent violations. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (prefiled and first reading) and does not regulate AI use in mental health treatment itself, only advertising practices.

Maddy summaryHB 1960 designates the smooth chanterelle mushroom (scientifically known as *Cantharellus lateritius*) as Missouri's official state mushroom. This symbolic bill amends state law to formally recognize the fungus as a state emblem, with no practical policy effects or direct impact on residents or regulations. The change is purely ceremonial, aligning with Missouri's tradition of designating official state symbols.

Maddy summaryHB 2176, titled the "Anti-Red Flag Gun Seizure Act," prohibits Missouri state agencies, law enforcement, and political subdivisions from enforcing any "red flag law" (including federal or state orders requiring temporary firearm seizure or confiscation). It bans the use of state or federal funds to enforce such laws and imposes a $50,000 civil penalty for violations. The bill specifically exempts firearm seizures as evidence during criminal investigations. It directly affects Missouri citizens' firearm rights and law enforcement practices by blocking enforcement of red flag laws across state and local agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 2510 establishes Missouri's Critical Minerals Development and Security Act to coordinate state efforts around minerals vital for energy, defense, and technology (like rare earths, excluding fuel minerals and common materials such as sand). It creates a task force within the Department of Natural Resources to map mineral resources, develop a statewide strategy, and identify Missouri's mineral capacity, with members from state agencies, industry, and academia. The bill requires coordination between the Department of Natural Resources (for mapping and regulation), Department of Economic Development (for industry engagement), and Department of Higher Education (for workforce training and research partnerships). This law directly affects Missouri's mining industry, state agencies, and educational institutions involved in mineral-related economic development.

Maddy summaryHB 1965 updates Missouri law to clarify how health insurers pay athletic trainers. It requires insurers to pay athletic trainers directly for services when a patient receives out-of-network care authorized by their health plan, rather than paying the patient first. This applies to athletic trainers (defined as licensed providers under Chapter 334) who are not part of an insurer’s network but have prior authorization for care. The bill also establishes new credentialing rules for athletic trainers seeking to join health insurance networks. These changes directly affect athletic trainers, insurers, and patients seeking out-of-network care.

Maddy summaryHB 1966 requires health insurance plans in Missouri to cover nonopioid medications for acute pain (pain expected to last 30 days or less) on the same terms as opioids. It prohibits insurers from denying coverage for nonopioid drugs, forcing patients to try opioids first, or charging higher out-of-pocket costs for nonopioid options. The law directly affects patients (enrollees) and health insurance plans, ensuring equal treatment for nonopioid alternatives when prescribed by licensed providers. It takes effect for all new or renewed health benefit plans on or after January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 396 requires railroads in the state to maintain clear visibility at public grade crossings by keeping vegetation and debris removed for 250 feet in both directions from the crossing. It specifically mandates a 500-foot minimum distance between railroad crossings and stored rolling stock (equipment not in active freight use) on sidings, with exceptions for cars being loaded/unloaded or needing repairs. Railroads must also clear right-of-way vegetation to prevent fire hazards, and landowners can legally compel removal with double damages if railroads fail to comply. The bill directly affects railroad operators by setting clear safety standards for equipment placement near crossings.

Maddy summaryHB 1036 sets daily, monthly, and annual purchase limits for over-the-counter drugs containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine - common methamphetamine precursors. It restricts sales to no more than 7.2 grams within 30 days, 3.6 grams within 24 hours, and 61.2 grams annually per person, requiring all such products to be sold behind pharmacy counters. Manufacturers must pay monthly fees starting October 2025 to fund a real-time tracking system, and pharmacies must report sales to authorities. The bill preempts local laws requiring prescriptions for these products and mandates that all sales records be accessible to law enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Missouri state agencies, law enforcement, and political subdivisions from enforcing any "red flag law" that allows temporary or permanent seizure of firearms without a court hearing where the individual had a chance to be heard and a finding of probable cause for criminal activity (sections 3-5). It specifically bans the use of federal funds to enforce such laws (section 4) and creates civil penalties, including $50,000 per violation, for agencies that enforce them (section 7). The bill directly affects Missouri citizens who might be targeted by federal or state red flag laws, preventing state entities from complying with such orders. It exempts firearm seizures as evidence in criminal investigations (section 6) and states the law is an emergency measure for public safety.

Maddy summaryHB 628 requires Missouri public schools to install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) by the 2026-27 school year and train school personnel in their use. It mandates that all school staff handling AEDs complete initial training before the 2026-27 school year and receive annual refresher training. The bill specifies AEDs must be FDA-approved, capable of automatic data collection, and meet specific protocols for cardiac arrest response (including early CPR and defibrillation). These requirements apply to all public school campuses, including extracurricular events and activities, and school districts must designate personnel to maintain the AED equipment.