Rep. Chris Warwick

Maddy summaryHB 3189, known as the "Evan's Voice Act," creates a new criminal offense for "grooming of a minor," defined as an adult aged 21 or older engaging in a pattern of conduct (like repeated sexualized communication) that a reasonable person would interpret as preparing a minor for sexual conduct. The law classifies this as a class C felony (or class B if sexual conduct occurs), requiring a mandatory minimum 5-year prison sentence with no probation, and mandates restitution for victims covering rehabilitation, lost income, and relocation costs. It also requires a state committee to provide public guidance on recognizing grooming and victim services, plus training for professionals on investigating and prosecuting such cases. The law explicitly excludes parents, guardians, or family members providing standard care without sexual intent from prosecution.

Maddy summaryHB 2662 modifies Missouri's motor vehicle registration requirements by updating odometer information retention rules. It requires the director of revenue to keep odometer readings for certain vehicles (model year 2000 or newer, under 150,000 miles) for 10 years, applying to business-use vehicles and most non-commercial vehicles meeting specific criteria. The bill also adds detailed procedures for reconstructed, salvage, or specially constructed vehicles, including required documentation like photos or bills of sale. Additionally, it allows optional $1 donations to blindness education, organ donation, or Missouri Medal of Honor funds during registration, though these are voluntary. The bill directly affects vehicle owners, insurers, and the director of revenue during registration and title processes.

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 2294, the "Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act," requires healthcare providers at abortion facilities to provide immediate medical care and hospital transfer to any infant born alive during or after an abortion or attempted abortion. The bill mandates providers to exercise the same professional care for such infants as they would for any newborn, and failure to report violations could result in criminal penalties (up to 5 years in prison or $10,000 fine). It also establishes civil liability for causing death or failing to follow care protocols, allowing victims’ families to pursue lawsuits for injuries or wrongful death. The law directly affects healthcare providers at abortion facilities, patients who undergo abortions, and families of infants born alive during abortion procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 2551 creates a new criminal offense for "grooming of a minor," defining it as a pattern of sexual acts or communications by someone 18+ directed at a minor under 17, with intent to prepare them for sexual conduct. It allows prosecutors to prove intent through context and frequency of communications (not direct statements) and includes exceptions for teachers, parents, and minor age gaps (up to 4 years older) without exploitation. Violations are punishable as a serious felony (class B or A if sexual conduct occurs), requiring a minimum 5-year prison sentence with no probation, and mandating court-ordered restitution for victims covering mental health, lost income, or relocation. The bill also requires state guidance for the public and professionals on recognizing grooming and supporting victims.

Maddy summaryHB 1946 replaces multiple existing Missouri laws with 42 new sections to strengthen anti-trafficking efforts. It creates a "Committee on Sex and Human Trafficking Training" composed of representatives from state agencies (like the attorney general and public safety), child advocacy groups, and victim services. The committee will develop annual training guidelines and produce a digital training platform for required anti-trafficking education, targeting professions such as law enforcement and child advocates. This initiative is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027, and end on December 31, 2031.

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 1815 would allow new buildings in Bolivar to choose their electrical service provider from available options, including private companies, city-owned systems, or rural electric cooperatives. This applies only to new construction in Bolivar, which meets specific population criteria (a city of 10,000-11,000 residents and the county seat of a county with 30,000-35,000 residents). The bill does not require existing providers to change service areas or affect current residents or buildings, focusing solely on new structures’ connection choices.

Maddy summaryHJR 73 proposes a constitutional amendment in Missouri that would restrict abortion access and regulate reproductive health care. It allows abortions only in cases of medical emergency, fetal anomaly, rape, or incest (with a 12-week limit for rape/incest), bans abortions based on disability diagnoses (except fetal anomalies), and prohibits public funding for most abortions. The amendment also bans gender transition surgeries and puberty-blocking drugs for minors under 18, with exceptions for medical conditions, and requires specific medical safeguards for abortion providers. If approved by voters in 2026, these provisions would become part of Missouri’s constitution, directly affecting patients, medical providers, and minors seeking reproductive or gender-affirming care.

Maddy summaryHB 326 establishes a tax credit program for organizations hosting qualifying amateur, collegiate, or Olympic sporting events in Missouri. It directly affects nonprofit "certified sponsors" (like sports commissions) and taxpayers who make eligible donations (cash, stocks, real estate) to fund event hosting. The bill defines eligible costs (e.g., event preparation, participant registrations) while excluding facility construction, requires documentation like ticket sales or participant lists, and sets deadlines for submitting claims to the Department of Economic Development. This replaces prior rules for the tax credit program, focusing on attracting sporting events through donor incentives.