Rep. Bennie Cook

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal definitions and regulations surrounding sexually oriented businesses in Missouri, specifically clarifying terms like "adult cabaret," "nudity," and "sexually oriented materials." It establishes stricter rules for business classification by setting a revenue threshold of thirty percent or less to presume a business is not sexually oriented, while also defining specific criminal activities and sexual acts that trigger nuisance ordinances. The legislation further restricts advertising by prohibiting exterior signs for these establishments within one mile of any state highway, with limited exceptions for businesses already located near such roads. These changes directly affect nightclub owners, performers, and operators who sell sexually oriented goods by altering how their businesses are categorized and regulated under state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers control of specific Missouri lands currently used by the federal government to the United States for as long as those properties remain under federal ownership and use. The legislation explicitly cedes jurisdiction over land designated as an honor farm connected to a federal penitentiary and the area comprising the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. It includes exceptions that exclude the White River, Osage, and St. Francois River watersheds from these jurisdictional changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the state's self-defense laws to clarify when individuals are justified in using physical or deadly force to protect themselves, others, or unborn children from unlawful force. It establishes specific exceptions where self-defense is allowed, such as when a person has withdrawn from a conflict but the other party continues the attack, or when the defender is a law enforcement officer acting as an aggressor. The legislation also removes the duty to retreat in certain situations, including when a person is inside their home, workplace, vehicle, or on private property they own or occupy. Additionally, the bill shifts the legal burden to the state to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a defendant did not reasonably believe their use of force was necessary if they are defending against unlawful entry into a dwelling or business.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to Missouri that would establish county sheriffs as elected officials serving four-year terms, unless a county already has an appointed sheriff. The amendment would expand the sheriff's duties to include leading federal investigations and suppressing civil unrest, while also granting sheriffs the authority to hire and set compensation for their deputies. Additionally, it introduces a recall process allowing voters to remove a sheriff through a special election if they collect signatures from at least 50% of registered voters citing misconduct, incompetence, or failure to perform duties. Counties that currently have appointed sheriffs could choose to restore the elected office, and once restored, the change would be permanent.

Maddy summaryHB 2418 modifies the rules for calculating Missouri income tax deductions for farmers by adjusting how certain federal tax benefits are treated. The bill requires taxpayers to add specific amounts to their federal adjusted gross income, such as refunds from prior years and interest on certain government bonds, while simultaneously allowing them to subtract other federal deductions like interest on U.S. government obligations. These changes aim to align Missouri tax calculations with federal adjustments, particularly regarding items that were previously excluded or deducted differently under federal law. The legislation applies to taxpayers claiming deductions related to farm property and income, ensuring that state tax liabilities reflect specific federal tax code provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1955 updates Missouri state laws regarding how the state manages its financial assets and how residents calculate their state income taxes. The bill requires the state treasurer to keep at least one percent of state funds in local banks as cash or interest-bearing deposits, provided these funds are not needed for current expenses. It also modifies the state income tax code by adding specific federal tax refunds and interest amounts to a taxpayer's income while allowing certain deductions to be subtracted. These tax adjustments are designed to align Missouri's tax calculations with changes in federal tax laws, such as rules on business interest and property tax deductions.