Rep. Tony Harbison

Maddy summaryHB 1537 prohibits businesses from falsely representing non-wood products as wood-derived, such as labeling a plastic item as "wood." It defines "wood product" broadly to include any item made from wood, like timber or lumber. The Department of Commerce and Insurance must create enforcement rules, which must comply with existing state regulations. This directly affects businesses selling products marketed as wood-based, requiring them to accurately represent their materials. The law aims to prevent consumer deception in product labeling.

Maddy summaryHJR 90 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how Missouri's Conservation Commission is formed. It shifts the commission from being appointed by the governor (currently four members) to being elected by voters in each of Missouri's congressional districts, starting with the 2028 general election. The amendment requires eight nonpartisan commissioners, each elected by voters in their district to serve six-year terms, with staggered initial terms based on district. This directly affects how wildlife conservation decisions are made, as elected commissioners - not appointed officials - will oversee state wildlife resources and laws.

Maddy summaryHB 1454 transfers jurisdiction over two specific Missouri land areas to the U.S. government. It cedes land used by the U.S. for a federal penitentiary "honor farm" to the federal government for as long as it's used that way, and grants concurrent U.S. jurisdiction over the Ozark National Scenic Riverways area during U.S. administration. The bill explicitly excludes the White River watershed and the Osage and St. Francois River watersheds from these jurisdictional changes. This is a procedural adjustment affecting federal-state land management authority, not a new policy impacting residents or businesses.

Maddy summaryHB 671 requires drivers to stop at railroad crossings for any approaching railroad equipment (such as maintenance vehicles or construction machinery), not just trains. Drivers must stop 15-50 feet from the rail when signals warn of approaching equipment, gates are lowered, or equipment is visible and in close proximity. This applies to all vehicles, including commercial motor vehicles, which must also stop before crossing if they cannot clear the tracks safely. The bill aims to standardize stopping requirements for all railroad-related hazards at crossings. (Note: The bill was dropped from the calendar in May 2025 per the provided actions.)

Maddy summaryHB 1343 requires state agencies managing natural resources (like forests or minerals) to send most of the revenue they collect to local governments. Specifically, agencies must keep 25% for their own use, while sending 75% to the county where the resources are located: 50% to the county general fund and 25% to local school districts. This policy only takes effect after voters approve a constitutional amendment authorizing it. The bill directly affects state agencies, counties, and school districts by changing how natural resource revenue is distributed.

Maddy summaryHJR 94 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a permanent conservation sales and use tax in Missouri, requiring voter approval every six years. It would add a 1/16th of one percent tax on most retail sales and use of goods (e.g., groceries, clothing, services) to fund wildlife, forestry, and habitat conservation programs managed by the Department of Conservation. If voters reject renewal, the tax would end after the second fiscal year following the rejection, with no future re-submission. This tax affects all Missouri consumers purchasing taxable goods or services, as the revenue directly supports conservation efforts statewide.

Maddy summaryHB 1162 expands Missouri's local sales tax exemptions for specific business inputs. It exempts physical goods, energy, and materials used in manufacturing, processing, mining, or producing products (Section 2), and adds exemptions for defense contractors (Section 3), commercial laundries meeting volume thresholds (Section 5), and construction materials for nuclear security enterprises in large cities (Section 6). The nuclear exemption (Section 6) is temporary, expiring August 28, 2034. This bill directly affects manufacturers, defense contractors, broadcasters, and large-scale laundries by reducing their tax burden on qualifying business supplies.

Maddy summaryHB 670 allows eligible Missouri state employees and retirees enrolled in the state health plan to choose an annual cash payment instead of health coverage. To qualify, they must be eligible for the state’s contribution toward coverage, submit a form, and meet specific timing rules (e.g., new hires must elect within 31 days of hire, existing employees during open enrollment). The stipend equals the state’s annual contribution for the individual’s coverage (not including dependents) and is treated as taxable income, prorated for partial years. This option does not apply to dental or vision benefits.