Rep. Lane Roberts

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 1869 creates a Missouri grant program to help families repair or reset grave markers for deceased veterans buried in state cemeteries when markers are damaged by natural causes (like weather or erosion). Eligible applicants must be family members of veterans who were honorably discharged or died while on active duty, and they must provide proof of relationship and burial location. The program is funded through a dedicated "Veterans' Grave Marker Trust Fund," which can receive state appropriations and private donations, with unspent funds not reverting to general revenue. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and applicants must agree to use funds solely for repairing the grave marker.

Maddy summaryHB 1868 creates a new class D misdemeanor offense for intentionally approaching within 25 feet of a first responder after being verbally warned not to, when the person intends to impede their duties, threaten them with physical harm, or harass them. It directly affects individuals who engage in such behavior toward police officers, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel (including hospital staff in emergency settings) while they are lawfully performing their duties. The bill defines "harass" as causing serious emotional distress with no legitimate purpose. Violators face misdemeanor penalties under Missouri law.

Maddy summaryHB 3049 revises Missouri's criminal justice information system by requiring law enforcement agencies to submit arrest, charge, and disposition data - including fingerprints, photos, and biometric information - to the Missouri State Highway Patrol's central repository without delay. It sets specific rules for handling juvenile records, ensuring minors under 17 arrested for felony offenses have fingerprints processed without including their names in the central repository. The bill also mandates detailed reporting for felony cases and imposes penalties, including loss of state or federal funding, for agencies failing to comply with these requirements. These changes aim to improve the accuracy and timeliness of criminal history records across Missouri's law enforcement and court systems.

Maddy summaryThis report (HC 1) details the Missouri House Ethics Committee's finding that Representative Jeremy Dean violated ethics rules by sending inappropriate, sexual text messages to a fellow legislator during a committee hearing. The committee recommended sanctions including removal from all committee assignments for the rest of the legislative session, mandatory sexual harassment prevention training, a 50-foot physical separation from the complainant, and reassignment of seating and parking. These sanctions were adopted by the full House of Representatives on January 22, 2026, making them official. The report directly affects Representative Dean and addresses a specific ethics violation under House policy.

Maddy summaryHB 275 modifies Missouri's garnishment laws by increasing exemptions for debtors' essential property. It raises the value limit for household goods and furnishings from $3,000 to $15,000, jewelry from $1,500 to $1,500 (unchanged), and mobile homes from $5,000 to $10,000. The bill also expands protections for tools of trade ($3,000 limit), motor vehicles ($5,000 plus unused household exemption), and life insurance proceeds for funeral expenses. These changes directly affect Missouri residents facing debt collection, shielding more basic assets from being seized by creditors.

Maddy summaryHB 274 requires Missouri's Division of Probation and Parole to create and maintain a public website listing offenders on probation for second-degree murder. The site must include names of individuals convicted of second-degree murder and currently under probation supervision, with updates when offenders are added to, released from, or relocate to Missouri under an interstate compact. The list must be searchable and accessible to the public at no cost. This bill directly affects second-degree murder offenders under probation and the public seeking this information, without altering probation conditions or requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1186 standardizes the structure and authority of civilian review boards for police misconduct investigations in cities with fewer than 125,000 residents. It requires these boards to investigate specific complaints about excessive force, abuse of authority, or discriminatory language (including slurs), but prohibits findings based solely on unsworn complaints or unsubstantiated prior allegations. The bill explicitly limits boards to these defined powers, voiding any broader authority granted by local governments, and mandates that all findings be submitted to the chief law enforcement official. Cities with populations between 125,000 and 160,000 are exempt from these rules and may establish their own oversight entities with different powers.

Maddy summaryHB 276 requires vapor product manufacturers selling in Missouri to certify annually (starting January 1, 2026) that their products meet federal FDA requirements, such as having FDA marketing authorization or meeting specific pre-2020 application deadlines. Manufacturers must list each product separately on the certification form and notify the Attorney General of any changes within 30 days. The Attorney General must then create and maintain a public online directory by June 1, 2026, listing all certified manufacturers and products. This directly affects vapor product manufacturers operating in Missouri and ensures only compliant products are listed for public access. The law establishes a verification process but does not alter existing FDA regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 981 sets three specific conditions under which the director of public safety may deny a peace officer license or entry into basic training: if an applicant is not a U.S. citizen, if they previously had a license permanently revoked, or if they had a license suspended. The bill requires the director to notify applicants in writing of denial reasons and their right to appeal within 30 days to an administrative hearing commission. The commission reviews whether the denial cause existed but cannot override the director’s judgment on the severity of the issue or consider rehabilitation. This law directly affects individuals seeking to become peace officers in the state, particularly non-citizens and those with prior license issues.