Rep. Jeff Vernetti

Maddy summaryHB 2055 prohibits drivers in Missouri from manually using electronic communication devices (like phones, tablets, or laptops) while operating noncommercial or commercial vehicles on public roads. It bans holding devices, texting, making calls, entering data, watching videos (except navigation), or recording video, except when using hands-free voice features that don’t distract from driving. The law applies to all drivers and includes exemptions for navigation systems, medical devices, and emergency communication tools. Violations could result in penalties under the new "Siddens Bening Hands Free Law" provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1855 requires Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services to add alpha-gal syndrome and Lyme disease to its list of noncommunicable diseases needing mandatory reporting. Healthcare providers must report most cases within seven days of a positive lab result, while labs must report alpha-gal syndrome cases using specific IgE test thresholds (≥0.1 IU/mL). The department must verify cases through random sampling and submit annual reports to the CDC on these diseases. This directly affects healthcare providers, laboratories, and public health officials responsible for disease surveillance in Missouri.

Maddy summaryHB 2180 imposes daily late filing fees for unfiled campaign finance reports and financial interest statements. Candidates, committee treasurers, and individuals required to file financial statements face $10/day initially (increasing to $100/day after 30 days of non-compliance), with caps of $3,000 for campaign reports and $6,000 for financial statements. The executive director must send written notices via certified mail to delinquent filers, allowing a 10-day appeal window for "good cause" to waive fees. All collected fees are deposited into the state general revenue fund, in addition to any existing penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 1663 requires schools to restrict athletic participation to students competing in sports designated for their biological sex, as documented on their birth certificate or another government record. It prohibits schools from allowing students to compete in sports designated for the opposite biological sex unless no equivalent sport is available for the student's assigned sex. The bill defines "biological sex" based on reproductive biology at birth and specifies that birth certificate documentation must reflect the sex assigned at birth or correct a clerical error. Violations could result in loss of state funding, and affected students or parents may seek legal remedies. The law expires in 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1756 designates the first week of June each year as "June's Week" in Missouri to honor June, a Missouri child with a rare pediatric cancer (ATRT-B), and to raise public awareness about rare pediatric diseases. The bill encourages Missourians to participate in events that promote early symptom recognition and support families affected by these conditions. It is a symbolic observance with no new funding or regulatory changes, solely focused on commemoration and awareness. This is a procedural resolution, not a substantive policy bill.

Maddy summaryHB 1995 changes Missouri's vehicle registration rules by requiring the Department of Revenue to issue only one license plate for most registered motor vehicles, replacing the current requirement for two plates. This affects all Missouri vehicle owners who register standard passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and similar non-commercial vehicles. The bill allows commercial vehicles over 12,000 pounds gross weight to request two plates (with distinguishing marks) if needed, but mandates a single plate for all other vehicles starting August 28, 2026. The law also preserves special plates for disabled veterans and National Guard members, maintaining their unique wording.

Maddy summaryHB 2589 requires owners of noncommercial motor vehicles registered in Missouri to display only one license plate instead of two starting August 28, 2026. Specifically, owners with a front license plate on that date must surrender it to the Missouri Department of Revenue within 90 days. The bill affects all noncommercial vehicle owners by changing the standard plate requirement from dual plates to a single plate, aligning with existing rules for commercial vehicles. It does not alter registration fees or other vehicle-specific requirements. This change applies only to noncommercial vehicles, excluding commercial motor vehicles, which continue to follow separate plate regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 3383 requires nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to use the federal E-Verify system for employees hired specifically for political activities, such as campaigning or political management. This applies only to staff whose roles directly involve partisan political work, not general nonprofit operations. The bill mandates using the E-Verify system established under federal immigration law (1996) for these political positions. It does not affect hiring for non-political purposes like education or charity work. The bill is currently in committee referral following its introduction in February 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated "Division of Tourism Supplemental Revenue Fund" in Missouri's state treasury, funded primarily by a portion of sales taxes from tourism-related businesses (such as hotels, attractions, and travel services, identified by specific SIC codes). The fund's annual deposits are capped at $3 million more than the previous year's amount and are calculated using tourism sales tax revenue. Before spending from the fund, the Division of Tourism must submit a marketing strategy to legislative committees for review. The fund expires on June 30, 2020, and its money cannot be returned to the general revenue fund at the end of a biennium.

Maddy summaryHB 1908 ensures Missouri courts can grant a divorce (dissolution of marriage) or legal separation even if one party is pregnant. The bill explicitly states that pregnancy status does not prevent a court from entering such a judgment, removing any prior barrier. Courts must still meet standard requirements, including residency, the marriage being irretrievably broken (for divorce) or not (for legal separation), and arrangements for children and property. This change directly affects individuals in Missouri family court cases involving pregnancy who seek divorce or legal separation.