Rep. Bennie Cook

Maddy summaryHB 1299 specifies that cases where Missouri's Attorney General and more than one elected prosecuting attorney are named as defendants must be heard in the Cole County circuit court. This bill directly affects legal proceedings involving multiple prosecuting attorneys and the state attorney general, changing where such cases are filed. The key provision mandates Cole County as the required venue for these specific lawsuits, streamlining jurisdiction without altering substantive legal standards. It is a procedural rule with no broader policy impact.

Maddy summaryHJR 32 proposes a constitutional amendment to transfer authority over Missouri's Department of Transportation (DOT) from the highways and transportation commission to the governor. It would replace existing constitutional provisions by requiring the governor (with Senate approval) to appoint the DOT director and chief engineer, while reducing the commission to an advisory role. The bill also redefines the DOT's responsibilities to include all transportation programs (like aviation and railroads), currently held by the commission. This change directly affects DOT leadership appointments, commission authority, and the structure of transportation governance in Missouri.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment (HJR 61) would require most Missouri counties to elect sheriffs every four years by county voters, replacing appointed sheriffs in counties that currently lack elected sheriffs. It defines sheriffs as chief law enforcement officers responsible for handling public order emergencies, arresting offenders, and executing court orders, while also restricting removal to a court order (quo warranto). The amendment preserves existing funding mechanisms for sheriff offices and allows counties without elected sheriffs to permanently restore the elected position. It directly affects county governments and law enforcement structures across Missouri, with the proposed changes subject to voter approval in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1297 makes it a class D misdemeanor to knowingly approach within 25 feet of a first responder who is on duty after receiving an oral warning not to get closer. This law specifically targets actions intended to interfere with their work, threaten them with physical harm, or cause emotional distress through harassment. It directly affects anyone approaching first responders - including police, firefighters, EMTs, and hospital emergency staff - during their lawful duties. The bill defines "harass" as willfully causing substantial emotional distress with no legitimate purpose.

Maddy summaryHB 1202 modifies Missouri's bail procedures by requiring judges to consider specific factors when setting bail or release conditions, including whether a defendant poses a danger to victims, the community, or witnesses, is a flight risk, or has prior violent/misdemeanor offenses. It creates a presumption against bail for defendants with certain prior offenses (e.g., violent crimes, sexual offenses, or felonies in the last five years) unless they meet specific exceptions like severe medical needs, being a primary caregiver, or participating in critical rehabilitation programs. The bill mandates a 48-hour release hearing with the prosecution bearing the burden to prove flight risk or danger, and outlines detailed conditions of release such as electronic monitoring (with cost-sharing rules), reporting requirements, and house arrest. This directly affects defendants facing charges, particularly those with prior violent offenses, by altering bail eligibility and court procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 1311 sets strict limits on the over-the-counter sale of drugs containing ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, or pseudoephedrine (common methamphetamine precursors). It limits sales to 7.2 grams per 30 days, 3.6 grams per 24 hours, and 61.2 grams per year per person, regardless of transaction count. The bill requires these products to be sold only behind pharmacy counters by licensed staff, prohibits prescriptions for amounts within these limits, and mandates pharmacies to report sales to law enforcement. It preempts stricter local laws and applies to individuals purchasing or pharmacies selling these substances.

Maddy summaryHJR 101 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a joint committee that must approve certain actions by Missouri's Department of Conservation and Conservation Commission before they take effect. The committee would consist of three House members (including one minority member) and three Senate members (including one minority member), who would select their own chair. It requires pre-approval for rule changes, property purchases, leadership appointments, and other conservation-related decisions. This directly affects the Department of Conservation's operations by adding a legislative review step before implementing key actions.

Maddy summaryHB 623 designates March 1st as "PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day" in the state, encouraging citizens to participate in events raising awareness about Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders (PANS) and PANDAS. The bill does not create new regulations, funding, or medical requirements - it is a symbolic recognition effort. It directly affects the general public by inviting participation in awareness activities. This procedural resolution has no concrete policy changes beyond promoting public education about these specific pediatric conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 1445 removes the scheduled expiration date (August 28, 2026) for Missouri's RX Cares program, ensuring the program continues indefinitely. The bill directly affects the program's ongoing operation, which promotes medication safety and prevents prescription drug abuse, misuse, and diversion. Key provisions allow the board to use funds for programs or education on these issues, without replacing existing state agency funding. This change extends the program's legal authorization beyond its previous sunset date without altering its core purpose or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 1423 modifies penalties for owners of dogs that bite people or animals. It classifies offenses based on bite history and severity: a first unprovoked bite is an infraction, a second bite or serious injury escalates to a misdemeanor, and death or prior serious injury raises it to a felony. The bill requires immediate seizure and impoundment of dangerous dogs after a bite, with owners able to appeal destruction in court within 30 days. It also exempts owners from liability or dog destruction if the victim was committing a crime (excluding minor trespass) at the time of the bite.