Rep. Burt Whaley

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 summaryHB 2194 allows students with asthma or anaphylaxis to self-administer prescribed epinephrine devices in school after meeting specific requirements. Schools must authorize this only if a physician approves a treatment plan, the student demonstrates proper skill, and parents sign a liability waiver acknowledging no school liability for non-negligent self-administration. The bill also permits trained school staff to use epinephrine devices during emergencies without civil liability, following established protocols. It requires schools to maintain emergency medication access and report all epinephrine use to emergency health providers. The law directly affects students with chronic conditions, schools, and school staff managing health emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 2349 allows students with asthma or anaphylaxis to self-administer prescribed epinephrine in school under specific conditions. Schools must authorize this after a doctor confirms the student's ability to use the device, a written treatment plan is approved, and parents sign a liability waiver (excluding negligence claims). The bill also requires schools to maintain emergency epinephrine supplies for trained staff to use during allergic reactions, with prescriptions designated to the school district. It defines "epinephrine delivery device" and clarifies that proper use by trained personnel is considered first aid, not unlawful medical practice.

Maddy summaryHB 2560 allows students with asthma or anaphylaxis to self-administer prescribed epinephrine devices (like EpiPens) at school under specific safety conditions. Schools must verify physician approval, confirm the student can safely use the device, and require a written treatment plan signed by both the physician and parent. The bill also mandates schools keep emergency medication accessible and establishes protocols for school nurses to maintain and use epinephrine during acute reactions. Parental waivers acknowledging school liability protections (excluding negligence) are required for authorization.

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 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 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 summaryHB 262 creates a state fund to reimburse health care facilities for providing hyperbaric oxygen therapy to Missouri veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI). To qualify, veterans must have a diagnosis from a licensed health care provider, have previously sought treatment through Veterans Health Administration or private insurance, and reside in Missouri. Facilities must use FDA-approved equipment, follow treatment protocols based on clinical trials, and not charge veterans for the therapy. The Missouri Veterans Commission will manage the fund and require facilities to submit annual reports on therapy outcomes to assess effectiveness.

Maddy summaryHB 419 establishes new rules to provide in-state tuition rates at Missouri public colleges and universities for military personnel and their families. It directly affects active-duty military members stationed in Missouri, their spouses, and unmarried children under 24 who enroll in eligible institutions. The bill deems military personnel serving in the Missouri National Guard or federal reserves as domiciled in Missouri for tuition purposes, requiring them to demonstrate physical presence in the state. It also specifies that this tuition benefit applies only after other federal or state aid is applied, ensuring no student receives more than the actual cost of attendance.