Rep. Danny Busick

Maddy summaryHB 202 modifies Missouri's unemployment benefits program by requiring claimants who quit work without "good cause" to earn wages equal to ten times their weekly benefit amount before qualifying for benefits. The bill defines "good cause" to include specific situations like accepting a more remunerative job, returning to a regular employer after temporary work, pregnancy with medical documentation, or relocating due to a military spouse's assignment. It also mandates that claimants apply for suitable work when directed by the unemployment office, with written or email notifications considered valid proof of job offers. This change directly affects Missouri residents filing for unemployment after voluntarily leaving a job.

Maddy summaryHB 1175, titled "Reestablishes the Second Amendment Preservation Act," prohibits Missouri state officials from enforcing federal laws, regulations, or executive orders related to firearms within Missouri. It declares that federal actions restricting firearm ownership, possession, or use in Missouri are "unauthoritative, void, and of no force," and grants Missouri exclusive authority over such matters under state law. Key provisions include imposing a $50,000 civil penalty per violation on state officials who knowingly enforce federal gun laws, allowing citizens to sue for damages, and removing sovereign immunity as a defense in such cases. The bill directly affects Missouri law enforcement officers and state agencies operating within Missouri’s borders, ensuring they cannot comply with federal firearm regulations. It does not alter Missouri’s own firearm laws but asserts state authority against federal overreach in this domain.

Maddy summaryHB 927 designates June as "Fathership Month" in Missouri to promote awareness of fathers' roles in children's lives and establishes the "Missouri Fathership Project" within the Department of Social Services. The bill creates a grant program to fund community organizations that hire "fathership project specialists" who help fathers rebuild relationships with children, navigate court systems, and overcome barriers to reunification. These specialists serve as direct liaisons for fathers in family court cases, developing personalized plans to address relationship breakdowns and support compliance with court-ordered case plans. The initiative directly affects fathers seeking to reconnect with children, particularly those involved in family court or child support cases, and is funded through state appropriations and dedicated grants.

Maddy summaryHB 328 updates regulations for public mass transportation systems, including light rail and buses operated by the bi-state development agency. It prohibits carrying weapons (including firearms) on transit facilities and conveyances, with limited exceptions for law enforcement officers or unloaded rifles/shotguns in a closed container. The bill also bans alcohol consumption, smoking, littering, and obstructive behavior on transit, requiring fare payment and compliance with agency directives. These rules apply directly to all passengers and employees using public transportation services.

Maddy summaryHB 875 prohibits public colleges and universities from denying student groups equal access to benefits like registration, meeting space, or communication channels based on their religious, political, or ideological nature. It directly affects student associations (including religious, political, or ideological groups) and public institutions of higher learning governed by state boards. The bill defines "adverse action" as denying such benefits due to a group's viewpoint, mission, or leadership requirements tied to sincerely held beliefs. Groups harmed by such discrimination can seek legal relief through courts or administrative proceedings. This policy change ensures public institutions treat all student associations equally regardless of their core beliefs or expression.

Maddy summaryHB 247 creates a new five-year motor vehicle registration option for vehicles with a model year of manufacture less than six years old. This change directly affects owners of relatively new passenger vehicles who would previously have been required to register annually or biennially. The bill repeals existing registration terms and establishes that eligible vehicles may be registered for a five-year period instead of the standard shorter terms. This is a concrete policy change to registration duration, not a fee adjustment or new requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 1160 modifies property tax classifications for agricultural land used in energy production. It requires that any portion of agricultural property dedicated to generating energy (like solar or wind power) for resale be reclassified as "utility, industrial, or commercial property" instead of agricultural property. This change directly affects landowners and developers who use farmland for energy projects intended for sale to the grid or other buyers. The bill ensures these energy-producing areas are taxed at higher commercial rates rather than the lower agricultural rates typically applied to farming land. This adjustment aligns tax classifications with the actual commercial use of the property.

Maddy summaryHB 438 modifies Missouri's rules for school bus driver licenses by establishing age-based terms and requirements. Drivers aged 21-70 receive 6-year licenses for school bus endorsements, while those under 21 or over 69 get 3-year licenses. Drivers aged 76 or older with school bus endorsements must renew annually and pass a test excluding pre-trip inspections. The bill also requires verifying legal residency status for license issuance and sets specific fees based on license duration and age.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Missouri law to restrict the use of the design-build contracting method for state and local government projects. Effective August 28, 2024, it requires that any public entity using this method must also require an architect to design the building or remodeling project. The rule applies to counties, municipalities, and various state agencies, including public universities and elected offices. The legislation aims to clarify that these specific government bodies must include an architect in the design phase when choosing this particular construction approach.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution from the Missouri House of Representatives that urges the U.S. Congress to reinstate mandatory country-of-origin labeling for meat products. It directly addresses American farmers, ranchers, and consumers by calling for a return to the 2008 federal law that required labels to distinguish between meat produced domestically and meat imported from other countries. The resolution argues that such labeling helps consumers identify truly American products and supports local producers, though it does not have the legal power to enforce these changes itself.