Rep. Mazzie Christensen

Maddy summaryHJR 9 proposes a constitutional amendment to Missouri's constitution that would define "person" to include all humans with unique DNA from conception through birth. This would replace the current constitutional language and directly affect abortion access by legally recognizing in utero children as persons under the constitution. The amendment specifies that the new definition does not secure a right to abortion or require abortion funding. If approved by voters in 2026, it would change Missouri's constitutional framework regarding personhood and life. The official ballot question asks whether Missouri's constitution should "protect each human life with a unique DNA code regardless of age."

Maddy summaryHB 691 requires commercial websites offering "material harmful to minors" (explicit content targeting minors) to verify users are over 18 using government-issued ID or other commercial age-verification methods. It applies to businesses like adult entertainment sites but exempts bona fide news organizations and their content. Commercial entities failing to implement verification could face liability for minors accessing such material, including damages and legal fees. The bill also prohibits retaining user identification data after access is granted. Internet service providers are not held liable for merely hosting such content.

Maddy summaryHB 462 requires Missouri public schools and charter schools to adopt policies enabling parents to report materials they deem obscene or harmful to minors. Schools must remove reported materials for 30 days while the school board reviews them to decide if they should be permanently removed or returned. Schools must annually report permanently removed materials to the state education department, and failure to comply may result in withheld state funding. The bill applies directly to school libraries, instructional materials, and school board decision-making processes.

Maddy summaryHB 461 requires public schools to teach human sexuality education with specific content, directly affecting students in grades where such instruction occurs. Key provisions mandate medically accurate instruction on sexually transmitted diseases, contraception, emotional consequences of adolescent activity, and conflict management, while emphasizing abstinence as the "preferred choice." The bill uniquely requires schools to show two specific videos: a high-definition fetal development ultrasound (3+ minutes) and the "Meet Baby Olivia" video detailing human development from fertilization to birth. It also includes parental notification and opt-out rights, prohibits using materials from abortion service providers, and defines terms like consent and sexual violence for classroom instruction.

Maddy summaryHB 514 exempts political subdivisions (like small towns or local agencies, excluding counties and school districts) with fewer than 500 residents from daily $500 fines for late annual financial filings. It specifically removes penalties under Section 9 of the existing law for these small entities, while maintaining all other filing requirements. The bill clarifies that such subdivisions must still submit financial reports on time, but will not face fines for delays. This change applies immediately upon enactment and voids any previously assessed fines for qualifying subdivisions.

Maddy summaryHB 721 prohibits Missouri governmental entities (like courts, legislatures, or local authorities) from granting or recognizing "legal personhood" for specific categories. It defines legal personhood as the legal rights and obligations under Missouri law and explicitly bans government recognition for artificial intelligence, inanimate objects, bodies of water, land, real property, atmospheric gases, astronomical objects, weather, plants, nonhuman animals, and nonhuman species. This bill directly affects how Missouri government interacts with these entities, preventing them from being treated as legal persons with rights or obligations. The policy change is a clear restriction on government actions, not a new right for the affected categories.

Maddy summaryHB 672 restricts foreign ownership of agricultural land in the state by setting a statewide cap: no foreign individuals or businesses may acquire new agricultural land after August 28, 2025, and existing foreign owners must sell their land by August 28, 2030. The law requires all transfers of agricultural land involving foreign entities after 2025 to be reviewed by the Department of Agriculture to ensure compliance with the 1% ownership limit. The Department must track foreign-owned land, notify owners by 2026, and report non-compliance by 2030. This bill directly affects foreign-owned agricultural landholders and any entity seeking to transfer such land after the 2025 deadline.

Maddy summaryHJR 14 proposes a constitutional amendment to Missouri's Constitution that would replace Article I, Section 2 with new language affirming a "natural right to life" for all humans. The key provision explicitly defines "person" to include "every in utero human child at every stage of biological development from the moment of conception until birth." This amendment would require abortion restrictions under Missouri law, as it adds that "nothing in this constitution secures or protects a right to abortion." The amendment will be submitted to Missouri voters in the 2026 general election, with no expected fiscal impact.

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.

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.