Rep. Bill Owen

Maddy summaryHJR 65 proposes a constitutional amendment in Missouri that would set a mandatory retirement age of 70 for most state judges, replacing the current system. This change directly affects all Missouri judges except municipal judges, requiring them to retire at 70 unless earlier retirement options under existing law apply. The bill also allows retired judges to be assigned as "senior judges" or special commissioners with full judicial powers, with their consent. The amendment must be approved by voters in a future election to take effect, as it is currently in committee referral.

Maddy summaryHR 116 is a Missouri House resolution urging federal action to reform or abolish the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). It argues the CFPB's single-director structure concentrates too much power, lacks accountability, and increases costs while reducing access to financial services. The resolution specifically requests Congress return the CFPB's duties to pre-Dodd-Frank financial agencies or adopt reforms proposed in HR 2798 (118th Congress). This resolution, offered by Missouri lawmakers, directly addresses the federal CFPB and its regulatory role, but does not create new law. It has been referred to a committee for further review.

Maddy summaryHB 1210 limits fees businesses can charge for credit card or electronic payments made at the point of sale (like for convenience items). It caps these fees at either $25 or 3% of the payment amount, whichever is lower. Businesses must clearly disclose the fee amount or calculation method, and at least one fee-free payment option (like cash or check) *before* the transaction is completed. This directly affects retailers, service providers, and other businesses that accept card payments for specific transactions.

Maddy summaryHB 809 names a specific segment of U.S. Highway 65 in Greene County as the "US Representative Billy Long Highway," running from State Highway YY north to CRD Valley Water Mill Road. The Missouri Department of Transportation will install and maintain signage for this designation, with costs covered by private donations instead of state funds. This bill does not change traffic laws or regulations but formally recognizes Representative Billy Long through a highway naming. It directly affects the Greene County highway segment and the public traveling along it.

Maddy summaryHB 1007 updates Missouri's tax credit programs by modifying provisions related to economic development funds. It extends the expiration date for certain tax credit programs (like the "Jobs Now Fund") to August 28, 2031, with automatic renewal every six years if reauthorized. The bill establishes specific funds - including the "Jobs Now Fund," "Industrial Development Fund," and "Export Finance Fund" - and details how money flows into them from state appropriations, bonds, grants, and repayments. It also requires the state to allocate up to $12 million annually from increased tax revenue to the Jobs Now Fund to support economic development initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 657 modifies investment rules for public employee retirement systems, requiring investment managers to prioritize the economic interests of plan participants above all else. It prohibits considering environmental, social, or governance factors when making investment decisions or voting proxies, and bans proxy voting for non-economic goals like political or environmental causes. The bill mandates that all proxy votes for directly held stocks must be cast solely to maximize financial returns for participants, either by internal staff or by external providers committed to this economic focus. These changes directly affect public pension systems managing retirement funds for state employees.

Maddy summaryHB 1175, titled "Reestablishes the Second Amendment Preservation Act," prohibits Missouri state officials from enforcing federal laws, regulations, or executive orders related to firearms within Missouri. It declares that federal actions restricting firearm ownership, possession, or use in Missouri are "unauthoritative, void, and of no force," and grants Missouri exclusive authority over such matters under state law. Key provisions include imposing a $50,000 civil penalty per violation on state officials who knowingly enforce federal gun laws, allowing citizens to sue for damages, and removing sovereign immunity as a defense in such cases. The bill directly affects Missouri law enforcement officers and state agencies operating within Missouri’s borders, ensuring they cannot comply with federal firearm regulations. It does not alter Missouri’s own firearm laws but asserts state authority against federal overreach in this domain.

Maddy summaryHB 1257 updates the legal definition of "certified funds" for Missouri real estate settlement agents and title insurance agents. It explicitly includes digital payments like real-time systems (RTP, Fed Now), wire transfers, and cashier's checks as "certified funds," replacing outdated language. This change directly affects settlement agents handling real estate closing funds in Missouri, ensuring they can accept modern payment methods under existing regulations. The bill clarifies that funds must be received and confirmed by the agent's financial institution before being considered compliant.

Maddy summaryHB 1100 creates the "Missouri State Surplus Property Clearing Fund" to manage money from state surplus property sales. It directs funds from these sales into the new fund, managed by the commissioner of administration, with costs covered first. Any remaining money after covering sale expenses is then returned to the state agency that originally purchased the surplus item. This bill directly affects state agencies handling surplus property and streamlines how leftover funds are redistributed.

Maddy summaryHB 1049 allows banks and credit unions to voluntarily create programs enabling customers to designate trusted contacts - adults who can be contacted during emergencies, suspected fraud, or when a customer becomes unresponsive. It establishes clear procedures for institutions to implement these programs, including setting transaction limits and account access for trusted contacts, while providing liability protection for both the institution and the trusted contact acting in good faith. Customers retain full control to add or remove trusted contacts at any time, with institutions required to verify such changes. The bill directly affects bank and credit union customers seeking added security and emergency access options, without mandating participation from financial institutions.