Rep. Burt Whaley

Maddy summaryHB 109 designates Branson as Missouri's "Live Entertainment Capital" by adding this official title to state code (Section 10.254). This ceremonial bill directly affects Branson's identity and promotional efforts but does not create new funding, regulations, or policy changes. The key mechanism is a symbolic designation in state law, intended to highlight Branson's reputation for live entertainment venues and events. The bill passed the House unanimously (12-0) but was postponed in committee on May 15, 2025.

Maddy summaryThe bill title "Establishes standards for the storage and treatment of gold and silver" does not match the provided text, which describes complex Missouri income tax modifications. The actual text details adjustments to Missouri taxable income, including adding back certain federal tax refunds (e.g., from pandemic relief), modifying interest exclusions, and adjusting deductions for property purchases or net operating losses. It does not address gold/silver storage standards. This appears to be a mismatch between the bill title and the actual legislative text provided.

Maddy summaryHJR 62 is a procedural bill proposing to amend Missouri's Constitution to establish new rules for submitting future constitutional amendments to voters. It requires that each proposed amendment be voted on separately at general or special elections, limits amendments to one article per ballot, and mandates specific newspaper publication notices before voting. The bill also sets requirements for approval (a majority statewide and in most congressional districts) and specifies that approved amendments take effect 30 days after the election. This bill does not change any existing policies but alters the process for how future constitutional changes would be proposed and approved.

Maddy summaryHJR 9 proposes a constitutional amendment to Missouri's constitution that would define "person" to include all humans with unique DNA from conception through birth. This would replace the current constitutional language and directly affect abortion access by legally recognizing in utero children as persons under the constitution. The amendment specifies that the new definition does not secure a right to abortion or require abortion funding. If approved by voters in 2026, it would change Missouri's constitutional framework regarding personhood and life. The official ballot question asks whether Missouri's constitution should "protect each human life with a unique DNA code regardless of age."

Maddy summaryHJR 95 proposes amending Missouri's state constitution to allow children of U.S. citizens (who are eligible to vote in Missouri) born outside the United States to register to vote as Missouri residents. This change directly affects individuals born abroad to U.S. citizen parents who reside in Missouri and meet standard voter residency requirements. The bill adds a specific provision to Missouri's voting eligibility rules, explicitly stating that children born outside the U.S. shall not be excluded from registration if their parent is a U.S. citizen eligible to vote in Missouri. The amendment would take effect after voter approval at a future election, modifying existing constitutional language that previously excluded such individuals from voting registration.

Maddy summaryHJR 40 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Missouri counties to elect sheriffs for four-year terms by majority vote of qualified voters, starting in 2026 or at a special election. Counties currently with appointed sheriffs may choose to restore the elected office (a permanent change), and all elected sheriffs would serve as chief law enforcement officers with specific duties like quelling riots and executing court orders. The amendment prohibits sheriffs' removal except through a legal action initiated by the attorney general and allows the state to levy court fees to fund sheriff salaries and benefits. This directly affects all Missouri counties with sheriff offices, particularly those considering restoring elected sheriffs or adjusting local law enforcement structures.

Maddy summaryHJR 14 proposes a constitutional amendment to Missouri's Constitution that would replace Article I, Section 2 with new language affirming a "natural right to life" for all humans. The key provision explicitly defines "person" to include "every in utero human child at every stage of biological development from the moment of conception until birth." This amendment would require abortion restrictions under Missouri law, as it adds that "nothing in this constitution secures or protects a right to abortion." The amendment will be submitted to Missouri voters in the 2026 general election, with no expected fiscal impact.

Maddy summaryHB 726 preempts local gun regulations by prohibiting counties, cities, and other local governments from enacting rules about firearm sales, possession, open carry, or related matters - except for specific ordinances matching state law (e.g., open carry rules with permit requirements or discharge restrictions). It requires open carry permit holders to display permits upon demand and bars officers from restraining individuals without reasonable suspicion. The bill also shields firearm manufacturers from most civil lawsuits related to lawful sales (except for negligence claims) and imposes $50,000 penalties on localities violating the law. This directly affects local governments by removing their regulatory authority over firearms and impacts manufacturers by limiting liability.

Maddy summaryHB 810 designates a specific 2.5-mile segment of U.S. Highway 60 in Newton County (from Kodiak Road east to Cemetery Road) as the "Lloyd Memorial Highway." The bill requires the Missouri Department of Transportation to install and maintain signage for this highway, with all costs covered by private donations. This is a purely commemorative measure with no policy changes or direct impact on laws, regulations, or public services. It does not affect residents, businesses, or government operations beyond naming a highway segment.

Maddy summaryHJR 6 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand property tax exemptions in Missouri, primarily affecting disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The amendment would exempt the primary home (homestead) of disabled veterans - defined as those certified by the VA for 100% service-connected disability - and their surviving spouses (if they continue living in the home) from property taxes. It also maintains existing exemptions for business inventories (e.g., manufacturers' raw materials and retailers' stock) and properties used by religious, charitable, or educational organizations. The amendment requires voter approval in Missouri’s 2026 general election.