Rep. Michael Johnson

Maddy summaryHB 676 requires Missouri employers to allow employees unpaid leave for mental health appointments, specifically granting at least one weekly appointment per employee. Employees must provide 48 hours' notice (or certification afterward if unscheduled) and submit a sworn statement with provider documentation for verification. Employers must keep all related information confidential and annually notify staff of this policy. The leave cannot exceed federal FMLA limits or override stronger protections in existing contracts or benefit plans. This bill directly affects Missouri employees and their employers, creating a new standard for mental health leave access.

Maddy summaryHB 948, the "Veterans Well-Being and Resource Outreach Act," requires the veterans commission and mental health department to create a program providing twice-monthly wellness checks for veterans at risk of isolation, homelessness, or mental health challenges. The program identifies at-risk veterans and assigns trained veterans or staff to conduct real-time check-ins - via in-person, phone, or digital means - to assess and address their medical, mental health, housing, and job-related needs. It directly affects vulnerable veterans in need of support, with implementation governed by joint rules from the commission and department. The bill mandates concrete service delivery (bi-monthly check-ins) without specifying funding or outcome guarantees.

Maddy summaryHB 954 extends federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) protections to Missouri National Guard members and Missouri employees who are National Guard members from other states when called to active state duty by their respective governors. It ensures these individuals receive the same reemployment rights, protection from discrimination, and civil relief under SCRA (50 U.S.C. § 3901 et seq.) as active-duty military. Employers must post a notice about these rights, and the attorney general can enforce them or pursue legal action if violated. The bill directly affects Guard members and their employers by codifying existing federal SCRA benefits for state duty scenarios.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 1200) creates a new "intermediate driver's license" for 16-17 year olds, directly affecting minors seeking to drive. Key provisions require applicants to: hold a temporary permit for 6+ months, complete 40+ hours of supervised driving (with parental/guardian or instructor consent), pass a written test, and pay a $5 fee. Restrictions include nighttime driving curfews (1 a.m.-5 a.m. without supervision), limits on teen passengers (max 1 non-family under 19 for first 6 months), and mandatory seatbelt use. The license transitions to full driving privileges at age 18 if the teen has no alcohol-related offenses or traffic violations in the prior year. The bill’s title referencing "age of marriage" appears inconsistent with its actual focus on driver licensing rules.

Maddy summaryHB 716 modifies how nuisance lawsuits can be filed against deteriorated properties in specific cities. It allows property owners within 1,200 feet of a deteriorated property or neighborhood organizations to sue for injunctive relief (to force repairs) without proving financial damage, after sending 60 days' written notice via certified mail. The bill applies only to home rule cities with over 350,000 residents, cities spanning multiple counties, or cities with 71,000-79,000 residents. Successful plaintiffs in commercial/industrial cases may also recover attorney fees, but the law only covers these specific city types.

Maddy summaryHR 1970 is a procedural resolution granting the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus permission to use the House Chamber on June 23, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for its 2025 Emerging Leaders Youth Conference, which educates youth about state government. The resolution permits the event but requires participants to maintain decorum, dress respectfully, and prohibits food, drinks, smoking, banners, photographs, or equipment use in the chamber. The sponsor, Rep. Michael Johnson or their designee, must oversee the event to ensure compliance with these rules. This is a facility-use permission, not a policy change, directly affecting the youth conference participants and organizers.

Maddy summaryHB 1040, the "Artistic Protection Act of 2025," generally prohibits using a defendant's creative or artistic expression (like music, poetry, visual art, or film) as evidence in criminal cases. It only allows such evidence if prosecutors prove four specific conditions: the defendant intended a literal meaning (not metaphor), the expression directly relates to the specific crime facts, it addresses a disputed issue, and it has unique value not shown by other evidence. If admitted, courts must redact irrelevant parts and give the jury clear instructions about its limited use. This law directly affects criminal defendants whose artistic work could be used against them, aiming to protect creative expression from being misinterpreted in court.

Maddy summaryHB 1495 directs the Missouri Veterans Commission to review existing federal laws and regulations related to veteran mental health care. The commission must then work with the Department of Mental Health to develop and implement new procedures, programs, and treatment options aimed at preventing veteran suicide. Additionally, the commission is required to submit annual reports to the Department of Public Safety and the General Assembly by July 1st each year detailing the progress and effectiveness of these efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 2522 updates the legal definition of a "machine gun" to include firearms that fire multiple shots automatically with a single trigger pull, regardless of whether they were originally made that way or modified using components like Glock switches or bump stocks. This change directly affects the classification of such weapons under state law, ensuring that both factory-made and altered automatic firearms are treated consistently. The bill also revises definitions for other terms, including knives, explosives, and antique firearms, to clarify what items are considered dangerous weapons versus collectibles. By broadening the scope of what constitutes a machine gun, the legislation aims to close potential loopholes related to modified automatic weapons.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week from September 24 to 30 each year as "Historically Black College and University Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Week" in Missouri. It encourages citizens to participate in events that celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion as demonstrated by historically Black colleges and universities. The legislation does not create new funding or legal requirements but serves as a symbolic recognition of these institutions.