Rep. Bennie Cook

Maddy summaryHJR 115 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a property tax exemption for Missouri disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. It defines a "disabled veteran" as a Missouri resident honorably separated from military service with a 100% VA-certified service-connected disability, and a "homestead" as their primary residence (not exceeding 2.5 acres). The exemption would apply to real property used as a primary home, excluding portions rented for more than six months annually. This amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election and would replace the current property tax exemption provisions in Missouri's constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 1977 modifies Missouri's civil detention procedures for mental health evaluations. It allows any adult (not requiring legal representation) to file a written application alleging a mental health crisis and imminent risk of serious harm, removing notarization requirements for most filings. The bill establishes a 96-hour maximum detention period for evaluation at a mental health facility, requiring factual basis in applications and permitting peace officers or medical professionals to initiate detention based on reasonable cause. This directly affects individuals potentially subject to involuntary mental health evaluation, as well as family members, neighbors, or medical staff who may file applications.

Maddy summaryHB 2278 would require Missouri's statewide interscholastic activities associations - nonprofits managing school sports and activities for secondary students - to be governed by a five-member board appointed by the Governor with Senate approval. This replaces their current governance structure. The board would consist of five members serving four-year terms (with initial terms staggered), appointed by the Governor after Senate consent. The change directly affects all public school districts that pay fees to these associations for activities like tournaments or memberships.

Maddy summaryHJR 119 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how judges are selected in Missouri. It would require the governor to appoint judges from three nominees provided by a nonpartisan judicial commission for vacancies in the supreme court, court of appeals, and St. Louis city/Jackson County circuit courts. For other judicial circuits, voters would decide at elections whether to adopt this appointment method (instead of the current system) or maintain the existing process, with changes allowed only once every four years. The amendment must be approved by voters in 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill ceremonially designates the city of Belle, Missouri as the "Cowbell Capital of Missouri" for official state recognition. It directly affects the city of Belle by granting it this symbolic title under state law. The bill contains no financial provisions, regulatory changes, or policy impacts - only a formal naming designation. As a procedural resolution, it has no practical effect beyond the ceremonial title.

Maddy summaryHB 3408 creates a special designation called "Missouri Rock Island Trail Communities" for municipalities along the Rock Island Trail corridor. It specifically names the cities of Bland and Belle as the initial designated communities, with future municipalities along the trail potentially receiving the title through legislative action. The bill establishes this designation to support outdoor recreation, heritage tourism, and economic development in those areas. Crucially, it explicitly states no state funds will be required for this designation.

Maddy summaryHB 3535 expands the authority of certified state fire marshal investigators, who are now officially designated as peace officers. The bill allows these investigators to make arrests related to fire, explosion, or arson investigations without needing a local law enforcement agency's request when immediate threats to public safety exist. It also requires them to cooperate with local fire or police officials during such investigations. This directly affects the state fire marshal's office and local law enforcement agencies by clarifying and broadening investigative powers during urgent fire-related emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 3038 creates an Office of Special Investigations within Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services to assist in investigating abuse, neglect, or exploitation of "eligible adults" (defined as adults meeting specific criteria under existing law). The office will respond to requests from law enforcement, prosecutors, or senior services staff to investigate these cases, coordinate with agencies, and provide specialized training. Investigators with peace officer licenses can act as peace officers during these investigations but only for related offenses or imminent danger. All records from these investigations will be treated as standard law enforcement records under Missouri law.

Maddy summaryHB 3154 expands criminal background check requirements for multiple alcohol and gaming licenses in Missouri. It mandates fingerprint submissions for background checks for applicants seeking alcohol licenses (like transport, retail, or winery licenses) and gaming licenses (including fantasy sports operators, mobile sports wagering, and retail sports betting licenses). The Missouri Highway Patrol conducts state and federal criminal record checks using these fingerprints, with results shared directly with the licensing divisions (Alcohol and Tobacco Control, Gaming Commission). This bill modifies existing requirements to explicitly include these license types under the background check process.

Maddy summaryHB 2588 creates the "Missouri Disabled Veterans Homestead Tax Credit Act," allowing Missouri counties to offer a real property tax credit to eligible disabled veterans who own their primary residence. It directly affects veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, whose primary home has a market value of $500,000 or less. The credit equals all local property taxes paid (excluding state blind pension fund levies) on the qualified residence, is non-refundable, and carries over to a surviving spouse who remains in the home and doesn't remarry. Counties must adopt the program, and veterans must elect to participate; it does not reduce assessed property value or affect bonded indebtedness calculations.