Rep. Bennie Cook

Maddy summaryHB 2559 requires state agencies to obtain legislative approval before implementing new administrative rules that would cost over $250,000 annually for government, businesses, or individuals. Agencies must notify the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and the full legislature, which must pass a concurrent resolution approving the rule before it takes effect. Rules not approved this way become invalid, with exceptions for federal compliance or funding requirements. This directly affects state agencies creating significant-cost rules and shifts authority to the legislature for final approval.

Maddy summaryHB 1975 revises Missouri's laws governing pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) to protect patient choice and ensure fair reimbursement for pharmacies. The bill prohibits PBMs from penalizing patients for choosing non-network pharmacies (e.g., via higher co-pays) or requiring pharmacies to meet extra certification standards beyond state licensing rules. It also mandates that PBMs reimburse pharmacies at least the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) for prescription drugs. These changes directly affect patients, pharmacies, and PBMs by ensuring transparent pricing and preserving patient freedom to select their pharmacy.

Maddy summaryHB 2176, titled the "Anti-Red Flag Gun Seizure Act," prohibits Missouri state agencies, law enforcement, and political subdivisions from enforcing any "red flag law" (including federal or state orders requiring temporary firearm seizure or confiscation). It bans the use of state or federal funds to enforce such laws and imposes a $50,000 civil penalty for violations. The bill specifically exempts firearm seizures as evidence during criminal investigations. It directly affects Missouri citizens' firearm rights and law enforcement practices by blocking enforcement of red flag laws across state and local agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 1974 restricts how Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and SNAP (food stamp) benefit cards can be used. It prohibits purchases at liquor stores, casinos, gambling venues, and for alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets, or other items deemed not in a child's best interest. Recipients face disqualification periods (3 months for first violation, up to 5 years for third) if they make prohibited purchases, while businesses accepting such payments face escalating fines. The bill also requires recipients to make at least one electronic benefit transaction in Missouri every 90 days to avoid temporary payment suspension.

Maddy summaryHB 2279 requires Missouri health benefit plans to include costs for non-generic medications in an enrollee's out-of-pocket maximum. This means if a generic drug isn't available for a prescribed medication, the full cost paid by the enrollee (or on their behalf) counts toward their annual limit on out-of-pocket expenses. The bill also prohibits plans from adjusting cost-sharing requirements based on whether a patient qualifies for drug cost assistance programs. It applies to most health plans (excluding certain union plans) starting August 28, 2026, and affects all Missouri residents enrolled in health insurance plans covering prescription drugs.

Maddy summaryHB 3155 creates a new program for nonviolent offenders with serious substance abuse issues who haven't been convicted of violent crimes. It requires courts to refer eligible offenders to a 12-24 month treatment program in correctional facilities, with suspended incarceration during participation. The bill also mandates detailed information sharing when transferring offenders to correctional facilities, including health records, sentencing details, and victim impact statements. Additionally, it updates parole board guidelines to prioritize releasing lower-risk offenders, use risk assessments, and publish data on parole outcomes and recidivism.

Maddy summaryHB 2378 expands arrest and search powers for two specific groups of state peace officers: those employed by the Alcohol and Tobacco Control supervisor and the State Fire Marshal. It allows these officers to make arrests and conduct searches/seizures during "exigent circumstances" (immediate threats to safety), in addition to enforcing alcohol/tobacco laws or fire/arson investigations. Officers must already be certified under Missouri law and carry special credentials. The bill specifies that fees for arrests and services remain consistent with standard criminal proceedings. This change directly affects these state agency officers and the public they interact with during emergency situations.

Maddy summaryHB 1973 modifies Missouri law to require schools and colleges to determine student athletic participation based on biological sex as recorded on a student's birth certificate or government record. It prohibits students from competing in sports designated for the opposite biological sex (e.g., a student assigned male at birth competing in girls' sports), except when no equivalent competition exists for their biological sex. Schools violating this law risk losing state funding, and affected students or parents can seek legal remedies. The law includes a sunset provision, expiring August 28, 2027, and defines "sex" as male/female based on reproductive biology and genome at birth.

Maddy summaryHB 1983 revises Missouri's vehicle registration process by changing how odometer information from inspections is handled. It requires the state director of revenue to retain odometer readings for qualifying vehicles (10 years old or newer, model year 2000 or newer, or under 150,000 miles) and provide access to that data for 10 years, provided the vehicle was registered after specific dates. The bill also adds specific requirements for reconstructed, salvage, or specially constructed vehicles when applying for a new title. This change primarily affects vehicle owners during registration and title applications, without altering inspection frequency or safety standards.

Maddy summaryHJR 73 proposes a constitutional amendment in Missouri that would restrict abortion access and regulate reproductive health care. It allows abortions only in cases of medical emergency, fetal anomaly, rape, or incest (with a 12-week limit for rape/incest), bans abortions based on disability diagnoses (except fetal anomalies), and prohibits public funding for most abortions. The amendment also bans gender transition surgeries and puberty-blocking drugs for minors under 18, with exceptions for medical conditions, and requires specific medical safeguards for abortion providers. If approved by voters in 2026, these provisions would become part of Missouri’s constitution, directly affecting patients, medical providers, and minors seeking reproductive or gender-affirming care.