Rep. Cathy Loy

Maddy summaryHB 937 requires Missouri public schools and postsecondary institutions to treat antisemitic harassment and discrimination identically to racial discrimination under existing laws. It mandates schools to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism into their codes of conduct, prohibit antisemitic behavior that creates fear or impedes access, and report incidents to a state Title VI coordinator. The bill also encourages integrating Jewish American heritage into curricula while clarifying that criticism of Israel is not antisemitic and protecting First Amendment rights. Schools must investigate complaints within 30 days and face potential federal reporting if unresolved, with annual reports submitted to the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 1363 prevents local governments (like cities or counties) from blocking charter schools from using property transferred to them for educational purposes. It specifically prohibits policies, deed restrictions, or local ordinances that would stop property from being sold, leased, or transferred to a charter school for lawful education activities. The bill requires any property transfer agreement to include maintenance provisions and declares that any violating policy or deed restriction is void from the start. This directly affects charter schools seeking property and local governments drafting land-use rules.

Maddy summaryHB 77, the "Missouri Parental Choice Tax Credit Act," allows Missouri resident parents or guardians to claim a refundable tax credit for eligible education expenses of children attending qualifying schools. The credit covers costs like tuition, textbooks, educational therapies, and technology (but excludes basic supplies such as pens or notebooks) and is limited to 100% of qualifying expenses per student annually. It prohibits claims for children enrolled in public schools or participating in the state's scholarship program, requires itemized expense documentation, and verifies eligibility through the Department of Revenue. The credit applies to children in private, parochial, home, or family-paced schools (not public schools) and takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 433's title about "storage and use of gold and silver" is inaccurate - the bill is actually a Missouri income tax modification. It adjusts how Missouri calculates taxable income by adding back certain items excluded from federal taxable income, such as: 1) Federal tax refunds that created Missouri tax benefits (excluding pandemic-related refunds), 2) Interest on some government bonds, 3) Specific deductions for property purchases (2002-2003), and 4) Net operating loss carryforwards. It also subtracts certain items added back (like state tax refunds or military combat zone income) to prevent double taxation. The bill directly affects all Missouri individual income taxpayers by changing their taxable income calculation relative to federal rules.

Maddy summaryHB 742 prohibits Missouri state departments from using public funds for any programs, staffing, or initiatives related to "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (or similar terms) that promote preferential treatment based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics. It specifically bans funding for initiatives advancing concepts like "disparities are solely due to oppression" or "collective guilt," while allowing compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The bill also prevents state departments from requiring private companies to adopt such programs as a condition of receiving state contracts. This law directly affects all state agencies and their budget allocations for workplace programs.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution formally approves Missouri Southern State University's request for statewide mission designations in Health and Life Sciences and Immersive Learning Experiences, which the Coordinating Board for Higher Education had already approved on September 13, 2023. The resolution directly affects Missouri Southern State University by granting it official recognition for these specific educational missions. It requires no new funding or policy changes, as it merely endorses an existing administrative decision by the Coordinating Board. The resolution directs the Chief Clerk to provide certified copies to the Commissioner of Higher Education and the university president. This is a procedural approval, not a substantive legislative change.

Maddy summaryHB 986 updates Missouri's list of diseases that healthcare providers must report to the Department of Health and Senior Services. It adds methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE), vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE), alpha-gal syndrome, and Lyme disease to the required reporting list. The bill also requires the department to submit an annual report to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) detailing the incidence and reporting of these diseases. This change directly affects healthcare facilities and providers who must now report these specific conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 744 creates an online "Missouri Accountability Portal" requiring public entities - including school districts, public charter schools, and higher education institutions - to publicly share detailed financial data daily. This includes tracking all government spending (purchases, bonds, employee pay), debt, and revenue streams, with data updated daily and searchable by fund or amount. The bill also grants parents specific rights to access school curricula, teacher information, student records, safety incident reports, and school contracts, while mandating schools to develop policies supporting these rights by the 2026-27 school year. It directly affects school districts, public entities, and parents of students in Missouri public schools.

Maddy summaryHB 1062 prohibits local governments (like cities or counties) from creating or enforcing rules that block charter schools from using property transferred from school districts for educational purposes. The bill specifically voids deed restrictions, zoning policies, or other local rules that prevent such property from being used for lawful education by charter schools, including restrictions that only allow non-educational uses. It requires any property sale or lease agreement involving charter schools to include maintenance provisions and declares any violating policy or contract invalid from the start. This directly affects charter schools seeking to use transferred properties and local governments managing land use regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 1254 prevents cities, counties, and school districts from creating rules or property deeds that block charter schools from using buildings or land they’ve purchased, leased, or been transferred for educational purposes. It specifically bans local policies or deed restrictions that exclude educational use by charter schools or allow only non-educational uses. Existing restrictions violating this rule become invalid immediately. Property transfer agreements must also include maintenance requirements for the school. This directly affects charter schools seeking facility access and local governments managing property transfers.