Rep. Carolyn Caton

Maddy summaryHB 2999 clarifies the scope of practice for optometrists in Missouri by defining "practice of optometry" to include specific examinations, diagnoses, treatments, and procedures like foreign body removal, lens fitting, and low vision care. It explicitly prohibits optometrists from performing surgery or using lasers for vision correction or treating eye diseases. The bill directly affects Missouri optometrists by defining their permitted activities and setting clear boundaries on what they cannot do. This update replaces outdated language in Missouri law to better reflect current optometric practice standards.

Maddy summaryHB 2977 prohibits Missouri residents from registering a motor vehicle in another state solely to avoid Missouri's titling and registration requirements. It directly affects individuals or entities attempting to circumvent Missouri's vehicle registration laws by registering elsewhere. The bill repeals existing registration law and adds new provisions (sections 301.092-301.094) with penalties for violating this rule. Key mechanisms include clear definitions of prohibited conduct and enforcement through the Department of Revenue. This is a straightforward policy change to ensure all vehicles registered in Missouri comply with state-specific rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1755 creates a process for Missouri businesses to challenge lawsuits claiming their websites don’t meet accessibility standards as "abusive litigation." It requires defendants to fix accessibility issues within 30 days before lawsuits can be contested, and directs courts to consider factors like whether multiple similar lawsuits were filed or if the defendant could reasonably address the issue. If a court rules litigation abusive, it can order the filing party to pay the defendant’s legal fees and up to three times those costs. The law specifically targets lawsuits alleging violations of federal or state disability access laws related to websites operated by Missouri residents.

Maddy summaryHJR 23 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Jackson County to elect its property tax assessor rather than appointing one. Currently, Jackson County (with a population over 600,000 but under 700,000) is exempt from this requirement under Missouri's constitution. The amendment would repeal existing constitutional sections and replace them with new language mandating that all county assessors be elected officers, except for counties in Jackson County's population range. If approved by voters in 2026, this change would directly affect Jackson County's governance structure for property tax assessment. The amendment does not apply to St. Louis City or other counties outside this population threshold.

Maddy summaryThis bill's title claims to authorize a tax deduction for election workers, but the actual text describes a complex revision to Missouri's income tax calculation rules. It modifies how Missouri calculates taxable income by adding certain federal tax items (like specific refunds or interest) to federal adjusted gross income, while subtracting other items (like state tax refunds or certain interest). These changes affect all Missouri taxpayers who file income tax returns, not just election workers. The provisions focus on aligning Missouri's tax computations with federal rules, such as adjusting for federal tax credits or handling net operating losses. The bill does not create a new deduction for election worker compensation as suggested by its title.

Maddy summaryHB 1582 requires property tax assessors to notify owners earlier and more clearly when property valuations increase, directly affecting homeowners and property owners in counties covered by the law. Key provisions mandate that notices (sent by June 15th) include projected tax bills based on current rates, detailed breakdowns of taxes by local government entity, previous tax rates, and appeal deadlines - all formatted prominently in 12-point font. The bill also requires counties to provide website access to assessment methods for owners without internet access, and to disclose third-party data used in valuations. These changes aim to improve transparency about how valuation changes impact actual tax bills, particularly during reassessment years.

Maddy summaryHB 625 modifies the state's minimum wage law to exempt employees under 20 years old from future minimum wage increases starting January 1, 2025. Under this bill, workers under 20 in private businesses would continue to be paid the $6.50 hourly rate in effect on December 31, 2024, rather than the higher rates scheduled to take effect in 2025 ($13.75) and 2026 ($15.00). The exemption applies only to private employers, while public employers (like government agencies) remain subject to full minimum wage increases. This change does not affect other wage laws or requirements for young workers under existing exemptions.

Maddy summaryHB 1359 authorizes specific cities meeting defined population thresholds (e.g., cities with 10,000-11,000 residents or home rule cities with 48,000-49,000 residents) to levy a citywide sales tax of up to 0.5% for public safety. The tax requires voter approval via ballot measure at a general election and must be used exclusively for police, fire, and emergency medical services - covering equipment, salaries, and facilities. All revenue is deposited into a dedicated public safety trust fund, separate from general city funds, and cannot be diverted for other purposes. The bill ensures funds remain restricted to public safety even after the tax ends, with any remaining balance used for ongoing safety needs.

Maddy summaryHB 1453 establishes a "Contingency Management Program" within Missouri's Department of Corrections to support substance abuse recovery for individuals on probation or parole after incarceration. Participants must meet specific requirements - including six months of abstinence, attendance at 62 approved recovery meetings, two negative drug tests, and completing a recovery workbook - to earn a $250 cash incentive, with a maximum of 28 awards available. The program is set to automatically expire six years after implementation unless reauthorized by the legislature, with potential reauthorization extending its duration to twelve years. This legislation directly affects formerly incarcerated individuals under community supervision seeking to maintain long-term abstinence.

Maddy summaryHCR 4 designates the last full week in April each year as "Infertility Awareness Week" in Missouri. This symbolic resolution aims to raise public understanding of infertility, reduce stigma, and highlight the emotional, financial, and medical challenges faced by individuals and couples affected by infertility - impacting millions of Missourians. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change healthcare access; instead, it formally recognizes the week to support awareness efforts led by local and national organizations. The resolution was introduced by Representative Murray and sent to the governor for approval.