Rep. Cameron Parker

Maddy summaryHB 174 modifies how trusts can change their "principal place of administration" (where the trust is managed). It allows trustees to transfer this location to another state or country without court approval if they follow specific steps, directly affecting trustees and beneficiaries. Key provisions require 60 days' written notice to beneficiaries, including reasons for the transfer, potential changes in governing law, and a deadline for objections. Beneficiaries can stop the transfer by objecting within the 60-day window. The bill aims to streamline trust administration while ensuring beneficiaries are informed of significant changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1502 allows municipalities to impose court fee surcharges to fund automation of their local courts. It requires cities to adopt ordinances for these surcharges and sign agreements with the state courts administrator, permitting surcharge periods to extend beyond current limits. The bill also maintains existing case filing locations and procedures, while adding rules to ensure consistent assignment of cases to associate judges in counties with centralized systems. These changes directly affect municipal courts seeking to modernize operations through dedicated funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1291 establishes a Missouri program providing comprehensive services - including education, residential care, and behavioral support - to youth under 21 in the custody of the Children's Division who have severe behavioral challenges or developmental disabilities and cannot receive adequate care through existing state programs. Eligible youth must be under 21, in the Children's Division's custody, and assessed by department professionals as needing specialized services beyond current options. The Department of Social Services may contract with licensed, non-profit service providers and partner with state-owned facilities (like youth services centers) to deliver these services. The bill mandates that providers meet specific licensing and performance standards and aligns program rules with existing child welfare regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 1131 makes nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) intended to hide details of childhood sexual abuse claims unenforceable under state law. The bill directly affects victims of childhood sexual abuse and anyone attempting to use such agreements to conceal abuse details. It declares these NDAs void unless they protect victim confidentiality, which remains strictly maintained. This policy change ensures victims can speak openly about abuse without being blocked by invalid legal agreements.

Maddy summaryHJR 79 proposes a constitutional amendment in Missouri that would allow the state legislature to pass retrospective civil laws specifically for childhood sexual abuse claims. This would override the current constitutional prohibition against retrospective laws (which generally cannot apply to past events). The amendment would directly affect victims seeking civil lawsuits for childhood sexual abuse that occurred before the law's enactment. It creates a narrow exception permitting such retrospective civil claims while maintaining the general rule against retroactive laws for other matters. The bill would require voter approval to amend the state constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 1031 streamlines dental and dental hygiene licensing in Missouri for professionals already licensed in other states. Dentists with at least five years of continuous out-of-state licensure may skip exams if their previous state had equivalent requirements, while dental hygienists need two years. Military spouses (both resident and nonresident) moving to Missouri receive a 30-day fast-track license without exams, but applicants with disciplinary history, revoked licenses, or criminal records are excluded from waivers. The bill modifies existing licensing rules to reduce barriers for qualified professionals while maintaining safety standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1132 extends the time window for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits seeking damages. It allows victims to file claims within ten years of turning 21 or within three years of discovering (or reasonably should have discovered) their injury was caused by the abuse, whichever occurs later. The bill directly affects individuals who experienced abuse before age 18 and are now seeking legal recourse. This change applies retroactively to all cases filed on or after August 28, 2004, including those previously barred by older statute of limitations rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1503 repeals existing provisions governing parole boards in specific counties. It removes the requirement for these boards to be composed of circuit judges, including the rule that the judge handling criminal cases serves as chairman. The bill eliminates the current structure where parole boards must hold weekly meetings, maintain public records, and follow specific procedures for parole decisions. This change directly affects parole boards and the parole process in the designated judicial circuits. The bill focuses solely on repealing these structural provisions without establishing new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 961 designates August 6th each year as "Chris Sifford Day" in Missouri to honor Chris Sifford, Governor Mel Carnahan, and Roger Carnahan, who died in a 2000 plane crash. The bill encourages Missourians to reflect on their legacies and appreciate the state's public servants. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact and affects all Missourians through this annual observance.

Maddy summaryHB 1292 creates a "Champion for Children Tax Credit" in Missouri, allowing taxpayers to claim a credit equal to 50% (increasing to 70% after 2024) of verified donations to three specific child-focused organizations: CASA programs, child advocacy centers, or crisis care centers. The credit applies to donations made between July 1 and April 15 each year, with a minimum $50 credit and a $50,000 annual limit per taxpayer. The total credit pool is capped annually ($1 million to $2.5 million depending on the fiscal year), divided equally among the three agency types, with unused funds reallocated if one category doesn't meet its allocation. This policy directly affects Missouri taxpayers donating to qualifying child welfare organizations and the agencies receiving these funds.