Rep. Burt Whaley

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Missouri law to define unborn children as persons entitled to constitutional protections under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments from conception until birth. It requires Missouri laws to recognize unborn children's rights to life, health, and well-being, subject to U.S. constitutional interpretations. The bill explicitly states it does not create legal claims against women for failing to follow prenatal care guidelines. It replaces existing law with a new definition of "unborn children" covering all stages of development, while clarifying that no new causes of action arise from this provision.

Maddy summaryHB 2160 adds mifepristone (a medication used in medical abortions) to Missouri's Schedule I controlled substances, placing it under the most restrictive drug classification. The bill also creates a new criminal offense for "coerced criminal abortion by means of fraud," which would penalize individuals who fraudulently induce an abortion. These changes directly affect healthcare providers, patients seeking abortion care, and individuals accused of coercive abortion practices. The law modifies Missouri's controlled substances scheduling framework and introduces a specific criminal penalty related to abortion procedures. (Note: The bill text lists mifepristone under Schedule I, not Schedule IV as stated in the title.)

Maddy summaryHB 1684 would allow consumers in this state to purchase ivermectin (a medication typically used for animal health) over-the-counter without a prescription or consultation with a pharmacist or healthcare provider. The bill directly affects residents who currently require a prescription to obtain this medication. Its key provision amends state pharmacy law to remove prescription requirements for ivermectin sales. The bill is currently pending in committee after being prefaced and read for the first time in early 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1686 modifies how counties in Missouri can establish or abolish alternative county highway commissions. It requires counties with such commissions to get voter approval to adopt or disband them, or allow governing bodies to make the change. Counties without the alternative commission must choose between the standard county highway commission (under sections 230.010-230.110) or another commission structure (sections 231.010-231.130). The bill directly affects counties that currently use or may consider alternative highway commission models. It clarifies the voting requirements for implementing or ending this commission structure.

Maddy summaryHB 1683, titled the "Anti-Red Flag Gun Seizure Act," prohibits Missouri state agencies, law enforcement, and political subdivisions from enforcing any federal or state "red flag law" that would seize firearms from residents, except in specific cases like individuals in custody after dangerous felony charges. The bill bans state use of funds to enforce such laws, blocks enforcement of federal orders related to firearm seizure within Missouri, and creates legal liability for officials who attempt to enforce these laws, including $50,000 penalties per violation. It explicitly allows firearm seizures as evidence during investigations but prohibits enforcement of laws requiring surrender of firearms based on temporary or permanent seizure orders. The bill directly affects Missouri residents by preventing state authorities from complying with red flag law enforcement actions targeting their firearm ownership.

Maddy summaryHB 1682 defines "person" to include "an unborn child at every stage of development from the moment of fertilization until birth," treating abortion as criminal homicide under existing murder laws. It prohibits abortion except in limited medical emergencies where a licensed physician performs a procedure to save the pregnant person’s life when all alternatives failed. The bill removes defenses like "duress" for abortion-related offenses (except for the mother in specific cases) and allows prosecution in multiple counties based on where the offense occurred or the victim resided. This would directly affect individuals seeking or providing abortions, medical providers, and law enforcement in Missouri.

Maddy summaryHB 1678 requires hotels, motels, vacation rentals (including those listed on platforms like Airbnb), and similar lodging establishments with five or more guest rooms to provide human trafficking awareness training to all employees. The training must cover identifying trafficking signs, distinguishing labor/sex trafficking in hospitality settings, reporting procedures to the national hotline or local law enforcement, and contact information for support. Operators must provide initial training within 180 days of hire or listing, conduct annual refresher training by December 31st, and maintain training records for one year after employment ends. This bill directly affects all lodging businesses and short-term rental operators in the state, aiming to equip staff to recognize and report potential trafficking incidents. The bill is currently pending (prefiled and read first/second time in 2026).

Maddy summaryHB 1685 would eliminate Missouri's observance of Daylight Saving Time (DST), requiring the state to remain on Central Standard Time year-round instead of switching clocks in spring and fall. This directly affects Missouri residents, businesses, and local government operations by removing the need to adjust clocks twice annually. The bill specifies that Missouri rejects federal daylight saving time requirements, though it maintains compliance with federal time rules for interstate commerce and U.S. government operations. Key provisions include adopting Central Standard Time as the permanent standard and clarifying that federal laws governing transportation and federal agencies remain unaffected. The bill is currently in early legislative stages with no votes taken yet.

Maddy summaryHJR 109 proposes amending Missouri's state constitution to define "person" as including all human beings from conception, explicitly stating this includes "every in utero human child at every stage of biological development." It repeals the current Section 2 of Article I and replaces it with language affirming a natural right to life, while adding that the constitution "secures or protects a right to abortion" or requires abortion funding. The amendment would be submitted to Missouri voters in 2026, with an official ballot question asking if the constitution should "protect each human life with a unique DNA code regardless of age." The bill notes this change is expected to have "no fiscal impact."

Maddy summaryHJR 110 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Missouri counties to elect sheriffs by popular vote every four years, with counties currently having non-elected sheriffs allowed to choose to switch to an elected system (a permanent change). The amendment defines sheriffs as chief law enforcement officers with specific duties like stopping riots, apprehending felons, and handling court-related tasks, while restricting removal to a court order initiated by the attorney general. It also permits the state to use court fees to fund sheriff salaries and benefits. This amendment must be approved by Missouri voters in the 2026 general election.