Rep. Keith Elliott

Maddy summaryHB 2389 prohibits weather modification activities in Missouri, including cloud seeding and dispersing substances into the atmosphere to alter weather patterns. It directly affects individuals or entities conducting such activities, such as agricultural operations using cloud seeding. The law authorizes the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to investigate reports via an online form, pursue civil lawsuits for violations, and seek damages or injunctions. It explicitly excludes standard pesticide use on farms and requires DNR to report violations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Maddy summaryHB 2469 preempts all local government regulations on firearms, banning counties, cities, and towns from enacting rules about sales, ownership, open carry, or other firearm-related controls - except for ordinances that exactly match state law (sections 571.010-571.070) or regulate open carry/discharge within jurisdictional limits. The bill shields gun manufacturers from nuisance lawsuits and most liability claims (except for negligence or defects), and imposes a $50,000 civil penalty on localities that violate the preemption. It also grants standing to residents to sue jurisdictions enforcing invalid local rules and requires courts to address such cases within 30 days. The bill directly affects local governments, firearm manufacturers, and residents by centralizing firearm regulation at the state level.

Maddy summaryHB 2388, the "Clean Skies Act," prohibits all geoengineering, cloud seeding, and atmospheric interventions in Missouri. It directly affects any entity - including individuals, corporations, government agencies, or organizations - conducting such activities within the state. The bill requires the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to create a public reporting system, investigate violations, issue enforceable cease-and-desist orders, and impose penalties: felony charges with fines of at least $100,000 or up to two years in prison per violation (with separate penalties for each day of continued activity). The law explicitly excludes pesticide use in farming and ranching operations from the prohibition.

Maddy summaryHB 1730 primarily defines "firearm silencer" (or "firearm suppressor") as any device designed to muffle firearm noise, updating legal terminology under existing statutes. This bill does not change current regulations on suppressor possession or use but clarifies the definition for enforcement and legal consistency. It directly affects law enforcement, courts, and anyone interacting with firearm laws in the state. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (prefiled, read first time) and focuses solely on definitional precision, not policy changes.

Maddy summaryHCR 29 is a Missouri legislative resolution urging the U.S. Congress to reinstate mandatory country-of-origin labeling for meat products. It specifically calls for requiring labels to show whether beef or pork was born, raised, and slaughtered in the U.S., reversing a 2015 repeal of a similar 2008 law. The resolution states this labeling would help consumers identify truly American-made meat and support U.S. farmers and ranchers by distinguishing domestic products from imported ones processed in the U.S. It does not create new law but formally expresses Missouri's support for this policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 3108 creates a legal framework for home-based producers of specific non-hazardous foods (like baked goods, jams, and dried herbs) to sell directly to consumers without complying with most state health and food safety regulations. It exempts these "cottage food production operations" from commercial food establishment rules, requiring only clear labeling stating the food is "not inspected." The bill restricts sales to in-state transactions only (no interstate commerce or online sales outside the state), prohibits selling meat except under strict conditions (e.g., at farms or farmers' markets), and mandates that sellers inform customers the food lacks certification. This directly affects small home producers and end consumers purchasing these uninspected items.

Maddy summaryHB 2504 allows school districts to designate teachers, administrators, or other school staff as "school protection officers" with specific requirements. To qualify, staff must complete approved training, provide valid concealed carry permits, and submit written requests to the school superintendent. The bill authorizes these officers to carry concealed firearms or self-defense sprays on school property (with strict control rules) and grants them limited authority to detain individuals, requiring immediate notification of administrators and law enforcement. School districts must hold public hearings before designating officers, notify the state safety department of all designations, and may revoke the role without appeal.

Maddy summaryHB 1695 revises Missouri's motor vehicle registration requirements, replacing outdated sections with new provisions. It requires vehicle owners to submit specific details (like VIN, manufacturer, and odometer readings) when registering, with special rules for vehicles under 10 years old and 150,000 miles: the director of revenue must retain odometer data for 10 years for business-use vehicles and certain other non-commercial vehicles. The bill also adds detailed procedures for reconstructed, salvage, or specially constructed vehicles, including documentation and examination requirements. Optional $1 donations to blindness education, organ donor, or Missouri Medal of Honor funds may be made during registration, but are not required. This primarily affects vehicle owners, dealers, and insurers handling registration or salvage claims.

Maddy summaryHB 805 allows Missouri school districts to voluntarily designate teachers, administrators, or other school staff as "school protection officers" who may carry concealed firearms or approved self-defense sprays on school property. To qualify, staff must have a valid concealed carry permit, complete state-approved training, and submit written requests to their district. School districts must notify the state safety department of designations within 30 days, with this information kept non-public. The bill specifies that protection officers must not leave weapons unattended, must immediately notify administrators upon detaining someone, and may only hold such roles in addition to their regular duties without state funding.

Maddy summaryHB 726 preempts local gun regulations by prohibiting counties, cities, and other local governments from enacting rules about firearm sales, possession, open carry, or related matters - except for specific ordinances matching state law (e.g., open carry rules with permit requirements or discharge restrictions). It requires open carry permit holders to display permits upon demand and bars officers from restraining individuals without reasonable suspicion. The bill also shields firearm manufacturers from most civil lawsuits related to lawful sales (except for negligence claims) and imposes $50,000 penalties on localities violating the law. This directly affects local governments by removing their regulatory authority over firearms and impacts manufacturers by limiting liability.