Rep. Carolyn Caton

Maddy summaryHB 1752 allows fire protection districts to distribute or sell surplus supplies and property to volunteer fire associations, other fire departments, or organizations participating in the federal surplus property program. Districts may also transfer items to 501(c)(3) nonprofits or public service corporations providing emergency training (like search/rescue or watercraft operations). Surplus property can be sold to the public via auction or sealed bid, but the bill prohibits donating or selling emergency vehicles or supplies to board members, employees, or their relatives (except through approved online auctions). This law directly affects fire protection districts by clarifying how they can manage unused assets while preventing conflicts of interest.

Maddy summaryHB 2923, titled the "Homestead Improvement Property Tax Relief Act," would exempt qualifying improvements to a homeowner's primary residence (homestead) from real property taxation. This bill directly affects homeowners who make eligible improvements, such as renovations or additions, to their primary residence. The key mechanism is that these qualifying improvements would be excluded from the taxable value of the property, potentially lowering annual property tax bills. The exemption applies to improvements meeting criteria defined in the bill, though specific details of qualifying improvements are not outlined in the provided context.

Maddy summaryHB 2606 strengthens patient control over health records by requiring healthcare providers to obtain explicit, written patient consent before sharing health information, except during medical emergencies. It prohibits providers from conditioning treatment on consent, banning blanket consent forms for research, and mandating specific patient authorization for any use of health data. The bill also establishes civil penalties, allowing patients to recover $1,000-$10,000 per violation for unauthorized disclosures or lack of proper consent. This directly affects patients (who gain ownership rights) and healthcare providers (who must follow strict disclosure rules).

Maddy summaryHB 1885 establishes the "Clean Water Commission of the State of Missouri" to replace the previous commission structure. The bill sets specific requirements for the commission: seven members appointed by the governor (with Senate approval), no more than four from the same political party, and at least two members must have expertise in agriculture, industry, or mining. It also prohibits members from having significant income from permit holders in the past two years and mandates at least four public meetings annually. This commission directly governs water quality regulations affecting public health, agriculture, industry, and wastewater systems across Missouri.

Maddy summaryHB 3313 establishes court-ordered outpatient mental health treatment for adults with severe mental disorders who cannot make informed treatment decisions and face a risk of serious harm. It directly affects individuals meeting strict criteria: aged 18+, suffering from a mental disorder, unable to seek voluntary treatment, and at risk of deterioration or harm due to past non-compliance or violent behavior. The law creates a process where mental health providers, guardians, or health agencies can petition a court for treatment, requiring a hearing within two days, clear evidence of eligibility, and appointed legal representation for the affected person. Key provisions include defining "assisted outpatient treatment" (covering case management, therapy, medication, and crisis services) and mandating that courts approve such treatment only when less restrictive options have failed.

Maddy summaryHB 3428 creates a tax amnesty program allowing taxpayers to pay past-due taxes from 2014 without penalties or interest, provided they pay in full by November 30, 2015, and agree to comply with tax laws for eight years. It directly affects taxpayers with unpaid state tax liabilities due by December 31, 2014, excluding those under criminal investigation or litigation. The program establishes a "Tax Amnesty Fund" to hold payments, using funds to increase MO HealthNet provider reimbursements and dental coverage for adults in fiscal 2016, with any remaining money after 2023 transferred to general revenue. The bill specifies strict eligibility rules, including full payment deadlines, 8-year compliance requirements, and forfeiture of appeal rights for participating taxpayers.

Maddy summaryHB 1975 revises Missouri's laws governing pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) to protect patient choice and ensure fair reimbursement for pharmacies. The bill prohibits PBMs from penalizing patients for choosing non-network pharmacies (e.g., via higher co-pays) or requiring pharmacies to meet extra certification standards beyond state licensing rules. It also mandates that PBMs reimburse pharmacies at least the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) for prescription drugs. These changes directly affect patients, pharmacies, and PBMs by ensuring transparent pricing and preserving patient freedom to select their pharmacy.

Maddy summaryHB 2368 prohibits AI developers and deployers in Missouri from advertising or representing artificial intelligence as a mental health professional or capable of providing therapy services. The bill directly affects companies or individuals creating or using AI systems in the state, requiring them to avoid misleading claims about AI's clinical capabilities. Violations would be enforced by the Missouri Attorney General under the state's consumer protection laws, with civil penalties of $10,000 for first offenses and $20,000 for subsequent violations. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (prefiled and first reading) and does not regulate AI use in mental health treatment itself, only advertising practices.

Maddy summaryHB 3173 prohibits the possession, sale, distribution, and advertising of products containing specific compounds derived from kratom, including those with over 2% of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) or mitragynine pseudoindoxyl. It directly affects businesses selling such products and consumers who purchase them. The law includes an exception allowing research institutions to handle these products for scientific or medical research. This bill aims to restrict access to certain kratom-based products while permitting legitimate research activities.

Maddy summaryHB 2176, titled the "Anti-Red Flag Gun Seizure Act," prohibits Missouri state agencies, law enforcement, and political subdivisions from enforcing any "red flag law" (including federal or state orders requiring temporary firearm seizure or confiscation). It bans the use of state or federal funds to enforce such laws and imposes a $50,000 civil penalty for violations. The bill specifically exempts firearm seizures as evidence during criminal investigations. It directly affects Missouri citizens' firearm rights and law enforcement practices by blocking enforcement of red flag laws across state and local agencies.