Rep. Chris Dinkins

Maddy summaryThis bill requires private schools in Missouri to report allegations of sexual misconduct by employees who work with children when providing future employment references. If a private school dismisses or allows an employee to resign following such an allegation and then fails to disclose this information to a new employer, the school becomes financially responsible for damages suffered by any student harmed by that employee later. The law specifically targets private institutions that charge tuition and aims to ensure that information about substantiated misconduct is shared to protect children in subsequent educational settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the legal definition of a "special victim" in Missouri to include school employees and volunteers who are assaulted while performing their job duties. By adding this group to the existing list, the law ensures that crimes committed against educators, administrators, and support staff receive the same legal protections and sentencing enhancements as those committed against other designated victims like law enforcement or emergency workers. The change directly affects anyone working within a school district or a contracted pupil transportation company, broadening the scope of individuals eligible for specific legal considerations during criminal proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Anti-Red Flag Gun Seizure Act" to prohibit Missouri state and local agencies from enforcing any federal or state orders that temporarily or permanently seize firearms from citizens without a prior court hearing or a finding of criminal activity. It explicitly bans state officials from enforcing such "red flag" laws and prevents Missouri law enforcement from accepting federal funds used to enforce them. The legislation also creates civil penalties of up to $50,000 for officers who knowingly enforce these prohibited orders and allows affected individuals to sue for damages and attorney's fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Missouri Religious Freedom Protection Act to prevent public officials from issuing orders that stop religious groups or their places of worship from holding services or meetings. It specifically protects these groups from restrictions related to public health mandates or other government directives, while explicitly allowing buildings to follow standard fire and safety codes. The law includes exceptions for situations involving imminent dangers like natural disasters or terrorist threats, as well as cases where a religious group plans to commit acts of violence or harm.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Missouri laws to allow a parent to request the cancellation of a child support order if they are later proven not to be the biological father through DNA testing. It applies specifically to parents who have already been ordered to pay support and provides a legal process for them to file a petition, undergo testing, and potentially have their obligations and past debt erased. The legislation includes strict rules, such as requiring the petitioner to pay for the testing and prohibiting the recovery of any money already paid, while also excluding cases involving adopted children. Additionally, if a parent was previously convicted of criminal child support neglect for the child in question, the bill allows them to request that this criminal record be expunged upon a successful paternity challenge.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to how Missouri citizens propose laws and amend the state constitution through the initiative petition process. It would require petitions to be signed by a specific percentage of registered voters in two-thirds of the state's congressional districts and mandate a public review period before measures appear on the ballot. The legislation also introduces restrictions to prevent foreign governments or political parties from sponsoring or funding these petitions and limits the ability of the General Assembly to repeal or amend laws approved by voters. Additionally, it sets new voting thresholds for constitutional amendments, requiring approval by a majority of voters statewide and in a majority of congressional districts.

Maddy summaryHB 1713 modifies Missouri state tax laws to allow service members to deduct enlistment bonuses and other military compensation from their state taxable income. The bill establishes a phased schedule where the deduction for National Guard and reserve bonuses increases annually, reaching a full one-hundred percent deduction for tax years starting on or after January 1, 2024. Additionally, the legislation removes the requirement for National Guard members to receive COVID-19 vaccinations as a condition of state duty and creates a program to award medallions and certificates to veterans who served in specific operations between 2001 and 2021.