Rep. Wick Thomas

Maddy summaryHJR 99 proposes a constitutional amendment in Missouri that would prevent the General Assembly from amending or repealing any initiative measure approved by voters - such as citizen-backed laws or policy changes - except through a separate voter referendum. If passed, this would require voters to approve any legislative change to measures they directly approved via initiative. The bill does not alter how initiatives are created but restricts the legislature’s ability to modify or remove voter-approved measures without seeking public consent again. This is a procedural constitutional amendment, not a regular law, and remains pending in committee with no votes taken yet.

Maddy summaryHJR 69 proposes a constitutional amendment in Missouri that would establish an individual's right to make their own medical decisions, including gender-affirming care, without government interference. It directly affects transgender adults aged 18+ and healthcare providers who assist with such care. The bill requires that any state action restricting these decisions must use the "least restrictive means" to advance health, while ensuring decisions are made freely, supported by a licensed physician, and follow evidence-based standards. It specifically protects gender-affirming care like hormone therapy and surgeries (e.g., chest, facial, genital procedures). The amendment would take effect if approved by voters in 2026, but it has only recently been introduced and referred to committee.

Maddy summaryHB 965 extends a provision allowing retired teachers (excluding those receiving disability retirement) to work part-time as substitute teachers without losing their retirement benefits. The bill specifically continues the rule that retired educators can substitute teach through 2030 without interruption to their retirement allowance or requiring contributions to retirement systems during this work. It applies directly to retired teachers employed by public school districts or third parties in temporary substitute roles. The key mechanism is maintaining the existing policy that prevents retirement benefit discontinuance for qualifying part-time substitute work.

Maddy summaryHB 1051 prohibits Missouri municipalities from adopting "sanctuary policies" that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. It defines such policies as any ordinance restricting officials from verifying or reporting immigration status, or granting unauthorized individuals de facto legal status. Municipalities violating this law lose eligibility for state grants until compliance is achieved, and must provide written notice to law enforcement about cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. The bill takes effect January 1, 2009, directly affecting all cities, towns, counties, and villages in Missouri.

Maddy summaryHB 1459 repeals Missouri's statutory ban on same-sex marriage by removing Section 451.022 from state law. This bill directly affects same-sex couples in Missouri by eliminating legal barriers to marriage recognition that previously existed. The key provision removes four specific prohibitions: the statement that marriage is only between a man and a woman, the invalidation of same-sex marriages, the restriction on marriage licenses to opposite-sex couples, and the refusal to recognize same-sex marriages valid elsewhere. The bill does not create new marriage rights but removes existing legal restrictions. This change would align Missouri law with the recognition of same-sex marriages contracted within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1392 requires legislators who sponsor bills to remain present in the hearing room for the entire public hearing on their own legislation. It mandates continuous attendance unless the sponsor leaves briefly for essential health or personal needs (like medical care), requiring them to return within ten minutes. The bill explicitly excludes meal breaks or meetings from the allowed exceptions. This procedural rule directly affects bill sponsors in the general assembly during committee hearings. It aims to ensure sponsor engagement during legislative review without altering substantive policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1050 repeals restrictions that previously prevented cities, towns, and counties from creating their own firearm regulations. It allows local governments to adopt rules matching specific state firearm laws (sections 571.010-571.070) or regulating open carry and firearm discharge, while banning most other local controls on sales, ownership, or transportation. The bill also shields gun manufacturers from nuisance lawsuits related to lawful sales and limits liability for injuries caused by negligent or defective products. This directly affects local governments’ regulatory authority and gun manufacturers’ legal exposure.

Maddy summaryHB 1517 requires the state to give preference to bidders whose employees are union members when awarding contracts in construction, infrastructure, energy, healthcare, education, public safety, or utilities. This applies only when competing bids offer equal or better performance quality and the same or lower price, or when bids are entirely comparable. The bill defines "labor organization" as groups focused on collective bargaining, grievance handling, or mutual employment protection. It directly affects state contractors in these sectors by making union labor a factor in contract decisions under specific cost and quality conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 430 sets minimum requirements for school district calendars in Missouri, primarily affecting public school districts (excluding those with charter schools). It mandates that school years begin no earlier than 14 days before the first Monday in September, require a minimum of 1,044 hours of student attendance annually, and include weather make-up days (six days or 36 hours for 2019-20 and later). School districts operating charter schools under specific laws are exempt from these calendar rules. Violations result in withheld state funding equal to 25% of the district’s annual state allocation per violation day.

Maddy summaryHB 427 changes Missouri's higher education tuition residency rules. It allows students who graduated from a Missouri high school or earned a high school equivalency in Missouri to be treated as Missouri residents for tuition purposes, even if they are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, provided they agree to regularize their immigration status when eligible. The bill prohibits Missouri colleges and universities receiving state funds from denying admission based solely on immigration status if students meet these conditions. It also requires that any information collected for this purpose during admission remains confidential.