Rep. Darin Chappell

Maddy summaryHJR 153 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how judges are selected in Missouri courts. It would replace current election-based selection with a system where the governor appoints judges (with Senate approval) from a list of nominees recommended by a nonpartisan judicial commission. The amendment also establishes a new seven-year term for all judges, including circuit and associate circuit judges, instead of varying terms under current law. Voters in certain counties could later choose through a ballot measure whether to maintain this appointment system or revert to elections. This change would affect all judges serving in Missouri's circuit courts, associate circuit courts, and higher courts, with the proposal requiring voter approval in the 2026 election.

Maddy summaryHB 2682 renames Missouri's "Student Religious Liberties Act" to the "SPEAKS Act" and requires public schools to protect students' expression of religious, political, or ideological views. It prohibits schools from discriminating against such expression in assignments, clubs, prayer activities, or clothing - requiring grading based solely on academic standards and equal access for student groups. Schools must also provide disclaimers clarifying that student speech does not represent district endorsement. The bill explicitly preserves schools' authority to maintain order and ban unprotected speech like threats or harassment.

Maddy summaryHCR 29 is a Missouri legislative resolution urging the U.S. Congress to reinstate mandatory country-of-origin labeling for meat products. It specifically calls for requiring labels to show whether beef or pork was born, raised, and slaughtered in the U.S., reversing a 2015 repeal of a similar 2008 law. The resolution states this labeling would help consumers identify truly American-made meat and support U.S. farmers and ranchers by distinguishing domestic products from imported ones processed in the U.S. It does not create new law but formally expresses Missouri's support for this policy change.

Maddy summaryHJR 154 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring work requirements for Missouri's MO HealthNet program (state Medicaid) for certain adults. It would affect individuals aged 19-65 who qualify under federal Medicaid rules (income at or below 133% of the federal poverty level), are not pregnant, disabled, or enrolled in other federal health programs. The bill mandates documentary proof of work compliance at application and monthly to maintain coverage, prohibits self-attestation, and requires state plan changes to implement this by 2027. It does not change income eligibility thresholds but adds a new administrative requirement for this specific group.

Maddy summaryHB 3423 requires judges and certain state/local officials to recuse themselves from cases where they have close family relationships with a party (including relatives up to cousins) or received anything of value from a party. It specifically applies to judges, court officials, state executive branch leaders (like the governor's chief aides), and many elected or appointed officials in local governments and public entities. The bill establishes clear rules for when recusal is required and allows judges to disqualify themselves or transfer cases without party consent. It also clarifies that financial interest filings for these officials must be submitted to designated state or local filing officers. This bill modifies existing ethics rules to expand the scope of mandatory disqualification for judicial and public officials.

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 summaryThis Missouri bill repeals an existing law and states that unborn children, defined as developing from conception to birth, are subject to the constitutional protections of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. It requires Missouri laws to recognize unborn children's rights at every stage of development, including rights to life and due process. The bill explicitly states it does not create new legal claims against women for not following prenatal care. This changes how state laws are interpreted regarding unborn children's constitutional standing.

Maddy summaryHJR 50 proposes a constitutional amendment to replace Missouri's individual and corporate income taxes, corporate franchise taxes, and all existing state sales and use taxes with a new 5.11% sales tax on retail purchases of new tangible property and taxable services. The bill would exempt business purchases (for resale or operations) and investment property from this tax, while requiring the state to provide annual sales tax rebates to "qualified families" based on federal poverty guidelines. Revenue lost from eliminating income taxes must be replaced by this new sales tax, with adjustments allowed if revenue gaps exceed 1% of prior year collections. The amendment requires voter approval through a special election, as it fundamentally restructures the state's tax system.

Maddy summaryHB 1539 designates a specific stretch of highway in Webster County (continuing east to CRD Porter Crossing Road) as the "William Patrick Thompson Memorial Highway." The bill directly affects the highway corridor and requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain appropriate signage. Costs for the signs will be covered by private donations, not public funds. This is a ceremonial designation with no policy changes to transportation law or funding.

Maddy summaryHCR 5 is a symbolic resolution expressing support for ending motorcycle profiling, a practice where law enforcement stops riders based on motorcycle use or gear without legal justification. It urges Missouri law enforcement agencies to include statements condemning this practice in their written policies and training materials. The resolution also encourages collaboration between law enforcement and the motorcycle community to raise awareness about profiling. It does not create new laws or penalties, but formally supports efforts to address the issue. The resolution directs the Chief Clerk to provide copies to all Missouri law enforcement agencies.