Rep. Brian Seitz

Maddy summaryThis bill updates how Missouri distributes money collected from the motor fuel tax. It creates a specific fund to hold these revenues and outlines exactly how the money must be split among different groups. A portion of the funds will go to the state highways department, while other shares are allocated to counties, cities, towns, and villages based on population. Starting in 2025, the bill adds a new rule for tourist cities, where the average hotel occupancy rate from the previous year will be counted as part of the local population to determine how much money they receive. The remaining money after these allocations goes back to the state highways department.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the "Defend the Guard Act," requires the Missouri National Guard to remain under state control unless Congress officially declares war before deploying them to active combat or hazardous foreign duties. It defines "active duty combat" as participation in armed conflicts, hazardous foreign service, or war-related duties, while explicitly allowing the governor to deploy troops for state missions under federal Title 32 authority. The legislation aims to prevent the federal government from automatically calling up state troops without a formal declaration of war, ensuring that such deployments occur only with explicit congressional approval.

Maddy summaryHB 1711 modifies state laws to allow the sale of raw milk and raw milk products like cream, butter, and cheese under specific conditions. The bill permits these unpasteurized items to be sold at grocery stores and farmers markets if they are clearly labeled with a health warning about potential bacterial risks to vulnerable groups. It also allows individuals to purchase raw milk directly from farms for their own use and requires bottlers to have their products inspected by the state milk board at least every three months. Additionally, dairy farms selling these products must maintain herds certified as free from tuberculosis and brucellosis by the USDA.

Maddy summaryHB 1651 defines "red flag laws" as any state or federal order that temporarily or permanently seizes firearms, accessories, or ammunition from individuals without a prior court conviction for a violent felony. The bill prohibits Missouri state agencies and local law enforcement from enforcing these orders and bars them from accepting federal funds used to enforce such measures. It also establishes civil penalties of up to $50,000 for officers who knowingly violate the law and provides a legal pathway for citizens to sue for damages or injunctive relief if their firearms are seized under these prohibited orders.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rights for parents in public and charter schools to inspect curricula, teacher names, and funding information within two business days of requesting it. It also prohibits schools from requiring nondisclosure agreements for curriculum reviews and mandates public meetings when approving school materials. Additionally, the legislation restricts the collection of student biometric data without parental consent and requires schools to notify parents of specific safety incidents involving students or staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for when individuals are legally allowed to use physical force in self-defense. It clarifies that a person can use force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to protect themselves or others from unlawful harm, with specific exceptions for initial aggressors and those committing felonies. The law also establishes a "no duty to retreat" rule in homes, vehicles, and private property, meaning people do not have to flee before using force. Additionally, it creates a legal presumption that a person's belief in the need for defense was reasonable and sets a higher burden of proof for prosecutors to overcome self-defense claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to create a curriculum teaching students aged 12 and older about the dangers of marijuana use. To develop this curriculum, the bill mandates the formation of a work group that includes representatives from local health departments and law enforcement agencies. The state Board of Education is then tasked with adopting these educational standards for the 2025-26 school year and all future years.

Maddy summaryHB 2840 modifies the rules governing child care facilities in Florida to strengthen safety standards and clarify the powers of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The bill establishes specific penalties for tobacco and marijuana use within licensed facilities and expands the department's authority to inspect premises, review records, and issue or revoke licenses based on safety concerns. It also introduces a process for facilities to request variances from regulations if they do not endanger children and sets a distance requirement preventing new licenses near registered sex offender residences. Additionally, the legislation updates the legal framework for rulemaking to ensure future regulations comply with state administrative procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to require voter approval at a general election before any new state tax or tax increase can take effect. It directly affects Missouri residents by giving them a direct say in tax policy, while specifically excluding changes that only alter tax credits, deductions, or exemptions from this requirement. The amendment also reinforces the rule that state funds must be appropriated by the General Assembly before being spent. If passed, this change would shift the power to approve tax hikes from the legislature to the voters.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow the Missouri legislature to veto spending plans for the Department of Transportation, including the statewide transportation improvement program. Under this change, the legislature could block specific funding allocations if a majority of its members vote against them. The amendment would be submitted to voters for approval or rejection following the November 2024 election. If passed, it would shift some control over transportation budgets from the executive branch to the legislative branch.