Rep. Melissa Schmidt

Maddy summaryHB 1376 creates the "Zero-Cost Adoption Fund" to reduce adoption costs for Missouri residents. It allows individuals and businesses subject to state income tax to claim a tax credit equal to 100% of qualifying cash donations over $10,000 (e.g., checks, payroll deductions), up to 50% of their state tax bill, with unused credits carried forward for four years. The fund, capped at $25 million in its first year (adjusting annually for inflation, maxing at $75 million), will cover nonrecurring adoption expenses, postadoption support, family recruitment, and foster care prevention programs. The program expires automatically after six years unless renewed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 1176 creates a state income tax credit for Missouri taxpayers who donate to qualifying pregnancy resource centers. Taxpayers can claim 50% of donations for 2007-2020, 70% for 2021-2025, and 100% after 2026, up to $50,000 annually per taxpayer. To qualify, centers must provide free, non-abortion services (no abortions performed or referred) and meet strict criteria like offering in-person support and operating under Missouri law. The bill caps total annual tax credits at $3.5 million for fiscal years ending June 2021, with no cap after July 2021, and requires state verification of eligible centers.

Maddy summaryHB 224 establishes a committee to develop mandatory human trafficking training for Missouri prosecutors and related professionals. The committee, including representatives from law enforcement, child advocacy, and victim services, will create annual training guidelines and distribute digital training materials. Prosecutors must complete 20 hours of annual training (including one hour on trafficking) to qualify for a $2,000 salary incentive. The requirements take effect January 1, 2026, and expire December 31, 2030.