Rep. Jeff Vernetti

Maddy summaryHB 1762 modifies Missouri's income tax rules for retirement benefits, primarily affecting taxpayers receiving private pension income. It increases the maximum deductible amount for retirement benefits from private sources: $6,000 annually for tax years 2002-2026, rising to $12,000 annually starting in 2027. The bill specifically includes 401(k) plans, IRAs, and other private retirement arrangements (but excludes Roth IRAs) in the deduction calculation. Deduction limits apply based on filing status (e.g., single, married filing jointly) and income thresholds, with higher limits for lower-income taxpayers.

Maddy summaryHB 3447 requires commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle rating over 26,000 pounds to carry at least $100,000 in insurance coverage for towing, vehicle recovery, and emergency roadside assistance. This coverage must be documented in the vehicle and provided to state authorities upon request. The bill also updates procedures for towing companies handling abandoned property: they must notify owners and lienholders within 10 business days by certified mail, detailing towing/storage costs and their lien claim. These changes clarify insurance requirements and improve transparency for vehicle owners and lienholders.

Maddy summaryHB 2559 requires state agencies to obtain legislative approval before implementing new administrative rules that would cost over $250,000 annually for government, businesses, or individuals. Agencies must notify the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and the full legislature, which must pass a concurrent resolution approving the rule before it takes effect. Rules not approved this way become invalid, with exceptions for federal compliance or funding requirements. This directly affects state agencies creating significant-cost rules and shifts authority to the legislature for final approval.

Maddy summaryHB 2058 modifies Missouri's "Show MO Act" tax credit program to support motion media productions filmed in the state. It provides a 20% tax credit on qualifying expenses for eligible projects (e.g., films, video games, VR content) that meet minimum spending thresholds ($50,000 for short projects, $100,000 for longer ones) and include Missouri credit statements. Additional 5% credits apply for filming at least 50% in Missouri and an extra 5% for filming 15% in rural or blighted areas. The credit reduces Missouri income tax liability for qualifying production companies, excluding news, political ads, infomercials, and other specified exclusions. This policy directly affects production companies creating eligible media content in Missouri.

Maddy summaryHB 2059 modifies Missouri's income tax rules for private pension income by repealing an existing section and replacing it with new provisions. It directly affects Missouri taxpayers receiving retirement benefits from privately funded sources (like 401(k)s or IRAs, excluding Roth IRAs), setting specific deduction limits based on tax years: up to $6,000 annually for benefits received before 2027, increasing to $12,000 for tax years starting in 2027 or later. The bill also clarifies that these deductions apply only to retirement income from private sources, not public pensions, and excludes Roth IRAs from the deduction calculation. These changes adjust how much pension income is taxable for Missouri residents filing state returns.

Maddy summaryHB 2060 reclassifies short-term residential rentals (less than 30 days) as "residential property" for tax purposes in Missouri, directly affecting homeowners and property managers who rent single-family homes or rooms for brief stays. The bill clarifies that such rentals - subject to sales tax under state law - must be taxed as residential property, not as "transient housing" like hotels. This change ensures these properties are treated consistently with traditional residential real estate under Missouri's tax classification system. The law also updates definitions to exclude short-term rentals from being considered "transient housing" for tax classification purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 2511 requires state contractors, public employers, and businesses receiving state contracts or subsidies to verify employees' work authorization through a federal program (like E-Verify) and submit annual sworn affidavits confirming they do not knowingly employ unauthorized immigrants. It mandates that the state attorney general enforce these rules by investigating complaints, verifying immigration status via federal data, and suspending business licenses for violations after court findings. The law suspends verification requirements for 15 days during declared emergencies like natural disasters. This directly affects businesses working with Missouri state or local government, requiring them to implement new compliance procedures for employee eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 1814 creates a new offense called "grooming of a minor" in Missouri law, targeting adults (18+ years) who engage in a pattern of conduct - such as repeated sexual communications or acts - with minors (17 or younger) that a reasonable person would interpret as preparing them for sexual activity. The law classifies this as a class B felony (or class A if sexual conduct occurs), requiring a minimum 5-year prison sentence with no probation or parole eligibility. It includes exemptions for age-appropriate relationships (within 4 years), licensed professionals acting within their role, and family members providing standard care, provided no sexual intent is shown. The bill also mandates restitution for victims covering mental health, lost income, and relocation costs, and requires state guidance for the public and professionals on identifying and responding to grooming.

Maddy summaryHB 2056, the "Act Against Abusive and Predatory Website Access Litigation," creates a legal process for Missouri businesses sued over website accessibility claims to challenge whether the lawsuit is "abusive." It directly affects Missouri-based businesses (public accommodations) facing lawsuits alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or state law regarding website access. The key mechanism establishes a rebuttable presumption that litigation is abusive if the business corrects the alleged website issue within 30 days (with a 90-day window), and requires courts to consider factors like the plaintiff’s history of similar lawsuits or the defendant’s resources. If deemed abusive, the court can award the defendant reasonable attorney fees and costs, plus potential penalties up to three times those fees.

Maddy summaryHB 105 authorizes Missouri's governor to transfer specific state-owned property in Miller County to the City of Osage Beach and Camden County. The bill details three parcels: a 2.28-acre "Road Tract" and a 0.20-acre "Fuel Tank Tract" in Sections 22 and 23, plus a 15-foot-wide access easement, all described by survey coordinates. This transfer would convey ownership of approximately 2.48 acres of land for public use. The bill does not create new policies but enables a specific land transfer between state and local entities.