Rep. Burt Whaley

Maddy summaryHB 2406 requires state agencies to notify Missouri's Joint Committee on Administrative Rules before finalizing any new rule that would cost over $250,000 annually for state agencies or significantly impact businesses or individuals financially. The bill mandates a 30-day waiting period after committee notification and requires the legislature to approve such rules via a concurrent resolution before they can take effect. This applies to most administrative rules, making them unenforceable without following these steps, though exceptions exist for rules needed for federal compliance or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1881 amends Missouri's controlled substances law by adding specific fentanyl analogs and synthetic opioids to Schedule I (not Schedule III, as the title states). The bill lists numerous fentanyl derivatives (e.g., acetyl fentanyl, xylazine is not listed) and opioid compounds under Schedule I, which requires they have high abuse potential and no accepted medical use. This change directly affects law enforcement, healthcare providers, and individuals handling these substances by classifying them as illegal under Missouri law. The bill does not mention xylazine in its text; the title appears to contain an error, as the actual provisions focus on fentanyl-related compounds. This is a substantive policy change to drug scheduling, not a procedural measure.

Maddy summaryHB 2656, the "Clear Skies Act," prohibits any entity in Missouri from conducting geoengineering, weather modification (like cloud seeding), or atmospheric interventions that release pollutants. It directly affects individuals, corporations, government agencies, universities, and other organizations conducting such activities within the state. The bill authorizes Missouri’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to investigate violations via an online reporting system, issue enforceable cease-and-desist orders, and impose felony penalties of up to $100,000 or two years in prison per violation (with separate penalties for each day of noncompliance). The law explicitly excludes pesticide use in farming and ranching operations. The bill is currently in early legislative stages with no votes recorded.

Maddy summaryHB 2388, the "Clean Skies Act," prohibits all geoengineering, cloud seeding, and atmospheric interventions in Missouri. It directly affects any entity - including individuals, corporations, government agencies, or organizations - conducting such activities within the state. The bill requires the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to create a public reporting system, investigate violations, issue enforceable cease-and-desist orders, and impose penalties: felony charges with fines of at least $100,000 or up to two years in prison per violation (with separate penalties for each day of continued activity). The law explicitly excludes pesticide use in farming and ranching operations from the prohibition.

Maddy summaryHJR 169 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring voter approval before Missouri state or local districts can increase taxes, debt, or annual spending above certain thresholds. It directly affects state and local governments (excluding government-owned enterprises) by mandating public votes for new revenue measures and creating a refund process for illegally collected revenue. Key mechanisms include requiring districts to provide detailed spending data to voters before tax/debt votes, refunding illegally collected revenue with 10% annual interest, and suspending certain spending limits only during declared emergencies. The amendment takes effect January 1, 2027, and would override conflicting existing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 2928 modifies requirements for firearms safety instructors who issue certificates needed for Missouri concealed carry permits. It specifies that training must cover 10 safety topics (including marksmanship, safe storage, and firearm laws) and require at least 8 hours of instruction, including live-fire tests where applicants must hit targets with 15+ rounds. The bill requires instructors to maintain student records for four years, verify competency during live-fire exercises, and submit to a statewide database managed by the Missouri sheriff methamphetamine relief taskforce for annual $10 registration. This directly affects applicants seeking carry permits and qualified firearms safety instructors who must meet new standards to issue valid training certificates.

Maddy summaryHB 1850 updates Missouri's pharmacy auditing rules to protect pharmacies from unfair practices. It requires auditors (like insurance companies or pharmacy benefits managers) to give pharmacies 14 days' notice before on-site audits, involve licensed pharmacists for clinical reviews, and treat simple record-keeping mistakes as non-fraudulent. The bill allows pharmacies to correct minor errors within 30 days instead of facing penalties, and permits electronic prescriptions and digital records as valid proof. These changes directly affect Missouri-licensed pharmacies and the entities that audit their billing practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes insurance coverage provisions for orthotic, prosthetic, and assistive devices for individuals enrolled in Missouri's MO HealthNet program, which provides health care to low-income residents. The legislation outlines specific payment rules and coverage limits for various health services, including hospital care, physician services, prescription drugs, and home health care, while explicitly excluding certain providers like abortion facilities from receiving funds. Key provisions include setting payment amounts at no more than 80% of reasonable costs for outpatient services, limiting chiropractic visits to 20 per year, and restricting nursing home coverage for those with significant home equity. The bill also defines eligibility criteria and payment methodologies for different types of care, ensuring services are medically necessary and aligned with federal regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 1707 modifies Missouri's sales tax code by excluding credit card and debit card processing fees from the definition of "gross receipts." This means businesses will no longer pay sales tax on these transaction fees, as they are now specifically exempted from the taxable sales amount. The bill directly affects retailers, restaurants, and other businesses that process payments through credit or debit cards. The key mechanism clarifies that these fees, previously included in taxable gross receipts, are now treated as separate from the actual sale price for tax calculation purposes. This change reduces the tax burden on businesses for payment processing costs.

Maddy summaryHB 2355 would authorize Missouri's Department of Social Services to seek a federal waiver from Medicare and Medicaid to create a "Food is Medicine" program within MO HealthNet. This program would provide nutrition services - including counseling, meals, prescriptions, and grocery support - to MO HealthNet participants diagnosed with nutrition-related chronic diseases like diabetes or heart conditions. The bill requires prioritizing community organizations and local farms for food purchases in nutrition prescriptions. It directly affects low-income Missourians enrolled in MO HealthNet who manage chronic health conditions linked to diet. The bill is currently in the Health and Mental Health committee for review.