Rep. Aaron Crossley

Maddy summaryHB 700 creates a property tax exemption for Missouri veterans with service-connected disabilities and their surviving spouses. It provides annual tax relief based on disability rating: $2,500 for 30-49% disability, $5,000 for 50-69%, and 100% exemption for 70%+ disability or qualifying surviving spouses. To qualify, veterans must own a primary residence valued under $250,000 (not used commercially), have an honorable military discharge, and hold a VA disability certification. Surviving spouses may inherit the exemption if they remain residents and meet specific VA dependency requirements, with the exemption applying to tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 598 requires Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services to conduct **two unannounced annual inspections** of licensed long-term care facilities (including nursing homes, assisted living centers, and residential care facilities). It mandates that inspectors **cannot have worked at a facility they inspect within the past two years** and must disclose any family ties to licensed facilities. The bill also requires facilities to provide inspection records within two business days and prohibits inspectors from disclosing unannounced inspection schedules, with violations punishable as misdemeanors. This directly affects all facilities operating under Missouri's health licensing laws and the state's inspection staff.

Maddy summaryHB 597 allows retired school teachers and non-certified staff to return to full-time work in school districts facing staffing shortages without losing their retirement benefits. Retired certified teachers can work up to four years if a district has a certified teacher shortage (capped at 1% of total staff or five teachers), while retired non-certified staff can do the same for non-certified roles (capped at 1% or five employees). School districts must first prove they tried hiring non-retirees, posted vacancies for a month, avoided recent early retirement offers, and declared an active shortage. The bill requires districts to cover employer contributions and include hires in state hiring verification systems.

Maddy summaryHB 600 lowers the age at which individuals may be excused from serving on a petit or grand jury from 75 to 70 years old. This directly affects residents aged 70 or older, who can now be excused without needing to demonstrate hardship, unlike the previous requirement. The bill maintains existing excusal categories (such as for nursing mothers, health care providers, or those facing undue hardship) but specifically updates the age threshold in section (7). It does not alter other provisions or requirements for jury service.

Maddy summaryHB 786 designates a specific segment of U.S. Highway 24 in Jackson County (from Davis Road east to Ferguson Spring Road) as the "WWII Robert Earl Sauls Memorial Highway." The bill requires the Missouri Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs for this highway, with all costs covered by private donations rather than state funds. This is a commemorative measure honoring Robert Earl Sauls, a WWII veteran, and directly affects the highway signage in that Jackson County location. The bill does not create new regulations or impact residents or businesses beyond the memorial naming.

Maddy summaryHB 215 creates tax credits for individuals and businesses that donate to child care providers or qualifying nonprofits supporting child care services. It allows a 75% credit (up to $200,000 annually) against state tax liability for verified donations used to improve child care access for children 12 and younger, particularly in "child care deserts" (areas with high poverty, low income, or limited provider access). Donors must receive verification from providers or nonprofits, who must use funds solely for child care purposes and report to the state. The credit applies to contributions for facility improvements, staff training, or services, but not for direct care purchases or ineligible purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 599 extends the deadline for property tax assessment appeals by 30 days for residents aged 62 and older. Normally, appeals must be filed by the second Monday in July, but seniors receive until 30 calendar days after that date. This change directly affects older homeowners who disagree with their property valuations and wish to appeal. The bill modifies the filing deadline without altering tax rates or assessment methods.

Maddy summaryHJR 36 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Jackson County to elect its county assessor starting in 2026, replacing the current unelected assessment department. This change would apply specifically to Jackson County, where voters would decide the amendment's adoption via ballot measure after November 2026. The amendment would modify Missouri's constitution to mandate that county assessors be elected officials, rather than appointed positions. It does not affect other counties or change existing assessment duties. The bill must be approved by voters to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 217 sets a 36% annual percentage rate (APR) cap on unsecured short-term loans of $500 or less, directly affecting lenders who provide these loans and borrowers who take them out in Missouri. The bill requires lenders to clearly disclose the maximum APR they charge, provide borrowers with a notice allowing cancellation without cost the next business day, and limit loan renewals to six times with a 5% principal reduction per renewal. It mandates that lenders obtain a $600 annual license (per location) and prohibits deceptive practices like disguising loans as property sales or charging application fees outside the APR calculation. Additionally, lenders must post maximum APRs prominently and provide federal Truth in Lending Act disclosures for all loans.

Maddy summaryHB 699 allows certain Missouri cities (in first-class charter counties) to impose a 5-7% tax on hotel/motel rooms and campsite rentals for tourism promotion and community center operations, but only after voters approve it in an election. The tax must be listed separately on guest bills, and cities can collect it directly or through the state revenue department. It does not affect existing business license taxes on these businesses in non-charter counties. The tax becomes effective three months after voter approval.