Rep. Jamie Ray Gragg

Maddy summaryHB 38 requires public schools to obtain written parental permission before staff or contractors can use pronouns that differ from a student's biological sex (defined as the sex listed on their original birth certificate). It also allows school employees or contractors to refuse using such pronouns if it conflicts with their religious or moral beliefs. Schools must adopt policies aligning with these requirements, directly affecting students under 18, school staff, and parents. The bill does not address pronouns used outside school contexts or during discussions of public concerns.

Maddy summaryHB 111 declares that human life begins at conception and grants unborn children legal rights to life, health, and well-being comparable to other persons under state law. It requires state laws to be interpreted as recognizing these rights for unborn children at every stage of development, from conception until birth, unless overridden by federal law or specific state statutes. The bill explicitly states it does not create legal liability against women for not following prenatal care guidelines. This legislation directly affects legal interpretations of rights for unborn children and would require state statutes to align with these provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1373 designates Springfield-style cashew chicken as Missouri's official state dish. The bill specifically references the version invented in 1963 by chef David Leong in Springfield, where chicken is deep-fried and served in over seventy local restaurants. This symbolic designation honors the dish's local origin and cultural significance to Springfield's culinary history. The bill does not create new regulations or affect any policies, as it is a ceremonial resolution.

Maddy summaryHB 1085 prohibits public school staff from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity in classrooms, school activities, or while interacting with students, except as permitted by state-approved curriculum. If a student shares such information, staff must notify parents within 24 hours and stop further discussion unless parents request assistance. The bill defines "social transition" as a child changing name, pronouns, or appearance without medical/legal steps, and criminalizes staff providing support for this (e.g., advice, resources) as a class E felony requiring sex offender registration. It directly affects public school staff, students, and parents by restricting school-based discussions and mandating parental involvement.

Maddy summaryHB 1053 defines key biological terms in state law, specifying that "female" refers to individuals with an egg-producing reproductive system (accounting for anomalies) and "male" refers to those with a sperm-producing system. It requires that "gender," when used alone in existing laws, must mean biological sex - not gender identity or expression - and explicitly prohibits using "gender" as a synonym for "sex." The bill also ensures individuals with disorders of sex development retain protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This directly affects legal documents, policies, and administrative rules that reference sex or gender classifications.

Maddy summaryHB 1360 modifies how Missouri inmates can earn credit toward their sentences. It establishes two credit systems: "good time credit" (up to 54 days per year for exemplary behavior) and "earned time credit" (10 days for every 30 days in approved rehabilitation programs like education, vocational training, or treatment). The bill allows eligible inmates to petition for retroactive earned time credit for qualifying programs completed between January 2010 and August 2025. It also requires the Department of Corrections to publish policies, track program participation, and submit annual reports to the legislature. This bill directly affects inmates serving over one year (excluding life sentences or death penalties) who participate in approved programs or maintain good conduct.

Maddy summaryHB 34 requires all public school districts and charter schools to display the full text of the Ten Commandments in every classroom and school building starting January 1, 2026. The display must be at least 11x14 inches, with the text as the central focus in a large, readable font, and can be a poster or framed document. School boards may use existing funds or accept donated displays but are not required to spend money on them. The bill applies to all public K-12 schools under the jurisdiction of a school board or charter school governing board.

Maddy summaryHB 76 defines "female," "male," and "sex" based on biological reproductive systems (e.g., egg/sperm production) in state law. It mandates that "gender" must be interpreted as biological sex in existing state laws, rules, or guidelines - not as gender identity, expression, or role. This affects how state agencies, courts, and programs apply current laws related to sex, gender, and discrimination. The bill also clarifies that people with disorders of sex development retain ADA protections under federal law.

Maddy summaryHB 1189 prevents election authorities and building managers from imposing extra restrictions on political activities at polling places located in tax-supported public buildings. It specifically prohibits limiting activities like exit polling, distributing election materials, posting signs, or placing campaign vehicles on polling site premises beyond existing rules. The bill directly affects election officials, building managers, and anyone engaging in political activities near polling locations. It ensures that standard election regulations - not additional local rules - govern these activities at public polling sites.

Maddy summaryHB 664 requires Missouri state agencies to obtain legislative approval before new administrative rules take effect. Specifically, agencies must submit proposed rules to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, which can hold hearings and suspend rules costing over $250,000 until the full General Assembly votes on them. Rules cannot become effective until the legislature approves them via a concurrent resolution, with a 30-day waiting period after committee review. This change ensures all significant agency rules undergo direct legislative scrutiny before implementation.