Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new savings account program designed to help first-time business owners from minority backgrounds start their own companies. To qualify, individuals must have never owned a business before and must identify as members of a minority group, which includes people who have faced prejudice based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Participants can open these accounts at various financial institutions to save money for specific startup costs like legal fees, equipment, rent, and employee wages. The program offers tax benefits by allowing taxpayers to deduct up to 50% of their annual contributions from their state income tax, with annual contribution limits of $1,600 for individuals and $3,200 for married couples filing jointly. Money in the account grows tax-free, but if funds are withdrawn for purposes other than eligible business expenses, the withdrawn amount becomes taxable income.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1492 establishes a $4 admission fee for each person boarding an excursion gambling boat in Missouri, with the revenue split among several specific funds. One dollar goes to the state gaming commission, one dollar is directed to the local home dock city or county, and the remaining two dollars are divided between a veterans capital improvement trust and two legacy funds dedicated to preserving Missouri's steamboat and transportation history. The bill also mandates that the admission fee be adjusted annually based on the federal consumer price index and clarifies that licensees must collect this fee even for complimentary tickets, while prohibiting additional local taxes on gambling operations.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Missouri school districts to allow students in grades six through twelve to miss at least one school day per week for mental health appointments with a healthcare provider. To use this excuse, parents must notify the school at least 48 hours in advance or provide proof of the appointment shortly after it occurs. The law defines a mental health appointment as a visit lasting less than four hours to treat a mental disorder or illness. This provision applies to the 2025-26 school year and all future years, ensuring students can attend necessary therapy without facing attendance penalties.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires that 40% of broadband development grants be awarded to projects serving unserved and underserved areas within urban regions. It establishes a priority system for the Department of Economic Development to evaluate grant applications based on criteria such as financial capability, service speed, and support for community institutions like libraries and schools. By mandating a specific portion of funding for urban areas, the legislation aims to ensure that city environments receive a dedicated share of resources for internet infrastructure expansion.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Mental Health to seek federal funding to create a statewide program of mobile mental health units. These units are designed to travel to various communities and work alongside local health agencies to provide on-site services. The program aims to educate the public about mental health and substance use, reduce stigma, help people access care, and assist with scheduling appointments. Additionally, the mobile units will support community events focused on preventive health measures.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment in Missouri to protect the right of citizens to keep and bear arms, ammunition, and accessories for defense and lawful civil aid. It establishes that any restrictions on these rights must undergo strict scrutiny and explicitly exempts convicted violent felons and individuals deemed a danger due to mental disorders from these protections. Additionally, the amendment allows counties, St. Louis, and Kansas City to enact their own ordinances regulating firearm possession, carrying, and transfers, provided they include specific rules on permit fees, background checks, and penalties. Local governments would also be required to recognize permits issued by a resident's home county and must exempt law enforcement, judges, and certain security personnel from local regulations.
Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the U.S. Congress to admit Washington, D.C., as a state, directly affecting the approximately 689,000 residents who currently lack full voting representation in the federal legislature. The text argues that D.C. residents already pay federal taxes, serve on juries, and defend the nation, yet are denied the ability to elect members to the House of Representatives or the Senate. It highlights that a 2016 local referendum supported statehood by an 86% margin and notes that other democratic nations typically grant their capital cities full political rights. The bill does not enact statehood itself but serves as a formal expression of support for the Washington, D.C., Admission Act, which would grant the district two senators and at least one representative.