Rep. Bennie Cook

Maddy summaryHB 1193 allows the general assembly, House, and Senate to hire capitol security officers who may carry firearms when needed for security. These officers must be licensed peace officers under the state's POST program and have all necessary law enforcement powers to ensure legislative security, including apprehending and arresting individuals. The bill declares the security provisions an immediate emergency, taking effect upon passage to protect public safety during the legislative session. It directly affects capitol security operations by expanding the authority of legislative security staff to perform duties typically handled by law enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 315 restricts how Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefit cards can be used. It prohibits cash withdrawals at ATMs, cash back on purchases, and purchases of alcohol, lottery tickets, tobacco products, or adult-oriented entertainment. Recipients who violate these rules face benefit suspensions (3 months for first offense, up to 5 years for repeat violations), while stores accepting TANF funds for banned items can be fined. The bill also requires TANF recipients to make at least one electronic benefit transfer (EBT) purchase within Missouri every 90 days to maintain benefits, with non-compliance triggering temporary suspension.

Maddy summaryHB 313 modifies the structure of Missouri's State Advisory Council on Emergency Medical Services (EMS). It reduces the minimum council size to 13 members and revises appointment rules: the health department director appoints most members based on recommendations from EMS-related professional associations (e.g., ambulance services, paramedics, fire chiefs, hospitals), while requiring specific representation like one mobile integrated health care expert. The bill also establishes a standing subcommittee to monitor Missouri’s participation in the EMS licensure interstate compact and requires the council to advise state leaders on improving EMS policies. This is a procedural change to council composition and operations, not a new service or funding measure.

Maddy summaryHB 543 removes the notarization requirement for applications seeking emergency mental health detention, allowing any adult (including family members or medical staff) to file a sworn statement alleging a mental health crisis. It specifies that applications must detail factual evidence of imminent harm and be submitted to a court with probate jurisdiction. If probable cause is established, peace officers may detain individuals for up to 96 hours for evaluation at a mental health facility, with medical professionals also permitted to initiate this process based on their observations. The bill maintains existing safeguards requiring probable cause and the right to be heard, but streamlines the initial filing process by eliminating notarization for applications filed by peace officers, healthcare providers, or hospital staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes standards for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline service in the state. It requires 988 crisis counselors to first ask callers if they need immediate emergency help (911) or only mental health support, and mandates that centers use specific scripts with performance metrics to improve call outcomes. The bill also requires 988 Lifeline centers to provide follow-up resources and surveys after each contact. These provisions directly affect 988 Lifeline centers, crisis counselors, and people contacting the hotline, with annual reports tracking service quality and effectiveness.

Maddy summaryHB 622 modifies rules for community paramedic services, which provide non-urgent healthcare outside emergency 911 systems. It requires paramedics to hold department certification (after completing approved training) and mandates that service entities (like clinics or clinics) get department approval to operate. Key provisions include requiring written agreements between ambulance services when providing care across service areas, ensuring medical director oversight of care plans, and requiring documentation of services. The bill directly affects paramedics, healthcare entities offering community paramedic services, and patients receiving non-emergency care.

Maddy summaryHB 1378 modifies retirement rules for certain judges, specifically associate circuit judges, magistrate judges, and probate judges (not under the nonpartisan court plan). It allows these judges to continue serving until age 76 if they haven’t completed 12 years of judicial service, provided they petition the retirement commission and are approved as fit to perform duties. The bill sets 76 as the maximum age for continued service, except for completing an elected or appointed term. This directly affects judges nearing retirement who meet the service and age criteria outlined in the legislation.

Maddy summaryHB 840 protects patients' choice of pharmacy by prohibiting pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) from restricting where insured individuals can fill prescriptions. It requires PBMs to allow patients to obtain prescription services, consultations, or advice from any contracted pharmacy without penalty, and limits patient out-of-pocket costs to the lower of their copay, cash price, or the pharmacy’s reimbursement amount. The bill also bans PBMs from charging hidden fees for claim processing, mandates disclosure of conflicts of interest, and defines key terms like "generic drug" and "rebate" for consistency. It directly affects patients with insurance (referred to as "covered persons"), pharmacies, PBMs, and health benefit plans, while excluding Medicare Part D and self-funded employer plans.

Maddy summaryHB 1201 sets daily, monthly, and annual purchase limits for drugs containing ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, or pseudoephedrine (common methamphetamine precursors). It restricts sales to no more than 3.6 grams within 24 hours, 7.2 grams within 30 days, and 61.2 grams within a year per individual, requiring all such products to be sold behind pharmacy counters. Pharmacies must track sales and report to the state, while manufacturers must pay fees for a new electronic tracking system starting in 2025. The bill preempts local laws requiring prescriptions for these products and voids existing local ordinances that imposed similar requirements. It directly affects pharmacies, consumers purchasing these drugs, and manufacturers of precursor products.

Maddy summaryHB 314 modifies Missouri's minimum prison terms for felony offenders based on prior convictions. It requires offenders with no prior prison commitments to serve at least 75% of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole, while those with one or more prior unrelated felony convictions must serve 80%. For "dangerous felonies" (as defined in Missouri law), the minimum term increases to 85% of the sentence. The bill also establishes a sentencing commission to study sentencing disparities and alternatives like probation or work release, though these are separate from the core sentencing changes. The policy directly affects all Missouri felony offenders sentenced after the bill's effective date.