Rep. David Dolan

Maddy summaryHB 2458 updates definitions and procedures for orders of protection in domestic violence cases. It explicitly defines "abuse" to include intentionally harming a pet (e.g., for control or intimidation), clarifies that "child" means under 18, and specifies that "pet" means a companion animal not used commercially. The bill requires courts to appoint a guardian ad litem for minors involved in protection orders and transfers cases involving minor respondents to juvenile court for a full hearing. These changes directly affect domestic violence victims, pet owners, and children in protection order cases.

Maddy summaryHB 2699 replaces Missouri's existing laws about interfering with judicial officers and proceedings with new, clearer definitions. It makes it a crime to threaten, harass, share personal information (like home addresses or Social Security numbers), or offer benefits to judges, court staff, jurors, or their families with the intent to influence their work. Violating these provisions is a class D felony (or class B if injury occurs), and offenders cannot receive parole, probation, or conditional release. The bill directly affects judicial personnel, their families, and anyone attempting to intimidate them during court proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 2934 restructures the Regional Convention and Visitors Commission in St. Louis City and County, changing its membership composition effective August 28, 2026. The bill increases membership from 11 to 15 members, requiring four additional members appointed by the governor (including one as chair and three hotel/motel industry representatives). It specifies that city-appointed members must include a restaurant industry rep and a tourist attraction rep, while county-appointed members must include three hotel/motel representatives. The commission will continue to serve without pay, with terms structured to ensure balanced industry representation and smooth transitions for current members.

Maddy summaryHB 2061 requires Missouri public schools and colleges to prohibit antisemitic harassment and discrimination as rigorously as racial discrimination. It defines antisemitism using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 definition and mandates that schools integrate this into their student, faculty, and employee codes of conduct. The bill explicitly states that criticism of Israel is not antisemitic and clarifies that the law does not infringe on First Amendment rights or conflict with existing federal/state discrimination laws. This directly affects all public educational institutions in Missouri, requiring them to address antisemitic conduct that creates fear or impedes access to campus activities.

Maddy summaryHB 2302 requires the state Department of Corrections to provide specific services to inmates before their release from state custody. It mandates the department to provide documentation for post-release employment (including vocational records, work history, and a resume) and coordinate with the Department of Revenue to issue state-issued identification cards to inmates without current IDs. The bill applies to most inmates released within the state, with exceptions for those aged 65+ or in medical parole. Identification cards issued under this law are valid for four years, non-renewable, and funded through department resources or inmate trust funds.

Maddy summaryHJR 115 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a property tax exemption for Missouri disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. It defines a "disabled veteran" as a Missouri resident honorably separated from military service with a 100% VA-certified service-connected disability, and a "homestead" as their primary residence (not exceeding 2.5 acres). The exemption would apply to real property used as a primary home, excluding portions rented for more than six months annually. This amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election and would replace the current property tax exemption provisions in Missouri's constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 3379 updates Missouri's laws protecting vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect in adult day care settings. It requires staff, healthcare workers, and others with reasonable cause to believe abuse or neglect occurred to immediately report it to the Department of Health and Senior Services, with failure to report punishable as a misdemeanor. The bill defines key terms like "financial exploitation" and "neglect" and establishes penalties for concealment of abuse causing serious harm or death (a class E felony). This directly affects adult day care providers, their staff, and vulnerable participants (functionally impaired adults over 18).

Maddy summaryHB 1977 modifies Missouri's civil detention procedures for mental health evaluations. It allows any adult (not requiring legal representation) to file a written application alleging a mental health crisis and imminent risk of serious harm, removing notarization requirements for most filings. The bill establishes a 96-hour maximum detention period for evaluation at a mental health facility, requiring factual basis in applications and permitting peace officers or medical professionals to initiate detention based on reasonable cause. This directly affects individuals potentially subject to involuntary mental health evaluation, as well as family members, neighbors, or medical staff who may file applications.

Maddy summaryHB 3443 modifies court cost collection rules in Missouri by establishing specific fees for various court services, such as $5 for filing a lien, $10 for child support records, and $50 for appeals. It requires the Supreme Court to set fee levels that match judicial system costs and mandates annual inflation adjustments starting in 2027 based on the Consumer Price Index. All collected fees go to the statewide court automation fund, covering costs like probate filings, small claims cases, and criminal proceedings. The bill affects courts (as collectors), defendants (as payers), and the judicial system (as fund recipient), with changes applying to cases filed on or after September 1, 1994.

Maddy summaryHB 2273 establishes a new "Committee on Sex and Human Trafficking Training" to standardize and improve training for professionals who interact with trafficking victims. The committee, composed of representatives from law enforcement, child advocacy, victim services, and medical centers, will create annual training guidelines and produce digital training materials for professions required to complete such training under existing laws. This bill directly affects state agencies, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and child advocacy organizations that must provide or receive trafficking training. The committee's work will replace outdated training requirements with updated standards, effective January 1, 2027, and expire December 31, 2031. The bill does not create new criminal penalties but focuses on coordinating and modernizing existing training obligations.