Rep. Donna Barnes

Maddy summaryHB 1419 requires most people operating vessels on Missouri state waters to carry a permanent boating safety identification card. To qualify, individuals must complete a nationally approved boating safety course, pass an equivalency exam, or hold a valid U.S. Coast Guard license. The bill exempts Coast Guard license holders, private lake users, short-term nonresidents, military personnel, and those with out-of-state certificates from the requirement. Temporary cards (valid for seven days) may be issued by rental/sale businesses for new operators, but these do not affect driver’s licenses and expire December 31, 2032.

Maddy summaryHB 295 creates two new offenses related to school and recreation athletic events. It makes it illegal to harass officials (like referees or coaches) during or near athletic contests, defined as behavior causing a reasonable fear of bodily harm, with penalties including fines up to $500, up to 90 days in jail, 40 hours of community service, and mandatory counseling. The bill also prohibits entering or remaining on athletic event sites after being forbidden by authorities, with similar penalties including fines up to $500 and up to six months in jail. These provisions directly affect individuals who engage in such behavior at sanctioned school or recreation athletic events.

Maddy summaryHB 213, the "Firefighters' Procedural Bill of Rights Act," establishes specific procedural protections for firefighters during investigations that could lead to disciplinary action. It requires employers to inform firefighters of investigation details, conduct interrogations at reasonable times with clear notification of participants, prohibit coercive tactics, allow recording of sessions, and guarantee legal representation during investigations. The bill also prohibits retaliation for exercising these rights and ensures firefighters cannot be punished for lawful activities like political engagement or seeking public office. This directly affects public agency firefighters (including paramedics and EMTs) who have completed their probationary period, setting clear standards for fair treatment during disciplinary processes.

Maddy summaryHCR 12 designates the week of November 4-11 each year as "Veterans Week of Service" in Missouri, aligning with Veterans Day on November 11. This symbolic resolution encourages all Missouri residents to reflect on veterans' sacrifices and contributions to the state and nation. It does not create new programs or funding but formally recognizes the ongoing service of veterans through veteran-led organizations and the legacy of military service.

Maddy summaryHB 505 amends the legal definition of "special victim" to include sports officials (like referees, umpires, or linesmen) who are assaulted while performing their duties at any level of sporting competition. This change directly affects certified sports officials by ensuring assaults against them are treated as more serious offenses under the law. The bill specifies that officials must be trained and certified by an authorized organization to qualify under this provision. It does not alter existing protections for other special victims (such as law enforcement or emergency personnel) but expands the category to cover this new group.

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 1405 enables cities and St. Charles County to merge their separate library systems under specific conditions, such as matching library tax levies and a county population under 250,000. The bill establishes rules for appointing a nine-member board of trustees for the merged library, based on population comparisons between the city and county, with a detailed process for the four most populous cities in counties with 400,000-500,000 residents starting in 2026. It requires transferring all unexpended funds, property, and tax responsibilities from the separate systems to the merged library, which will operate as a county library district under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 1005 requires most candidates for public office in Missouri to verify they have no unpaid state income, property, or municipal taxes. Candidates must submit an affidavit confirming tax compliance (or provide proof of payment) with their candidacy paperwork, except for county/city party committee candidates. The Department of Revenue investigates tax delinquency complaints, giving candidates 30 days to pay outstanding taxes; failure to pay results in disqualification from the current election and a full election cycle ban. This bill directly affects individuals running for most elected offices by adding tax compliance as a qualification requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 520 amends campaign finance and financial disclosure filing requirements, primarily increasing late fees for candidates, committees, and officials who miss deadlines. It establishes tiered late fees ($10 to $100 per day) for unfiled campaign reports and financial interest statements, with notices sent via certified mail. The bill includes appeal processes for fee assessments and mandates collection procedures, including state treasurer deposits for unpaid fees. It directly affects state/local candidates, committee treasurers, and officials required to file campaign or financial disclosures. The bill passed committee but remains pending legislative action (Voted Do Pass on 2025-04-28).

Maddy summaryHB 984 prevents the Department of Health and Senior Services from refusing trauma center designation to hospitals solely based on their distance from other trauma centers. It directly affects hospitals seeking or maintaining Level I, II, or III trauma center status, ensuring geographic proximity isn't a barrier to approval. The bill requires the department to base designations on meeting clinical standards (like those from the American College of Surgeons) rather than location, while maintaining other requirements like site reviews or national verification. Hospitals must still meet evidence-based clinical criteria, but distance alone can no longer be used to deny their designation.