Rep. Carolyn Caton

Maddy summaryHB 236 requires commercial websites where 33% or more of content is deemed "material harmful to minors" to use reasonable age-verification methods before allowing minors access. If a website fails this, it can be sued by a minor who accessed such content, facing damages and legal fees. The law explicitly excludes news organizations and internet service providers from liability, stating they aren't responsible for content they transmit but don't create. It defines "material harmful to minors" as content appealing to prurient interests, depicting sexual acts or nudity, or lacking artistic/scientific value for minors.

Maddy summaryHB 999 gives Missouri counties 90 days to correct property valuation errors ordered by the state tax commission under state law. If counties miss this deadline, the commission can direct the state revenue department to withhold local sales tax funds equal to 110% of the improperly assessed value. Counties can regain withheld funds by fixing the error and providing verification, but receive no interest on the withheld amount. Counties also have 30 days to seek court review if they dispute the commission’s withholding determination.

Maddy summaryHB 431 transfers ownership of a specific 11,237-square-foot parcel of state-owned land in Lee's Summit, Jackson County, to the Missouri State Highways and Transportation Commission. The bill requires the state to convey this property for a nominal consideration of $1 or less, with terms set by the Office of Administration and Transportation Commission. It mandates attorney general approval of the conveyance document but does not alter existing land use or impose new obligations on residents. This is a straightforward property transfer bill affecting state ownership rights and the transportation commission's land holdings.

Maddy summaryHB 742 prohibits Missouri state departments from using public funds for any programs, staffing, or initiatives related to "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (or similar terms) that promote preferential treatment based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics. It specifically bans funding for initiatives advancing concepts like "disparities are solely due to oppression" or "collective guilt," while allowing compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The bill also prevents state departments from requiring private companies to adopt such programs as a condition of receiving state contracts. This law directly affects all state agencies and their budget allocations for workplace programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies evidence rules in criminal cases involving children or vulnerable people (defined as those with developmental delays, mental health conditions, or under age 17). It allows certain prior statements made by these individuals to be admitted as evidence without live testimony, provided courts find the statements reliable and the witness is unavailable due to trauma or other reasons. The bill also establishes new rules for admitting visual/aural recordings of statements made at child assessment centers, requiring specific safeguards like accurate recording and witness identification. Additionally, it mandates $10,000 restitution per victim for certain human trafficking offenses (e.g., sections 566.203-566.211) to fund a dedicated state exploitation prevention fund.

Maddy summaryHJR 4 proposes a constitutional amendment that would change Missouri's property tax assessment rules, primarily affecting residential property owners. It would limit annual increases in the assessed value of residential homes to the lower of either the consumer price index change or a 2% cap (excluding increases from new construction). The amendment also sets a 8% tax cap on "class 3" property (commercial/industrial) and requires all properties within the same subclass to be taxed at the same percentage of value. This amendment requires voter approval in a 2026 election to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 929) grants the Women Legislators of Missouri Caucus use of the House Chamber on April 7, 2025, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. for an award ceremony honoring the 2025 DeVerne Lee Calloway Award recipient (recognizing outstanding female leaders in Missouri) and presenting the Women Legislators of Missouri Scholarship to high school seniors. It does not create new laws or policies but authorizes a specific event space in the Capitol building. The resolution includes guidelines for respectful conduct during the event, prohibiting food, photos, banners, and certain equipment in the chamber. This is a procedural resolution, not a substantive legislative measure.

Maddy summaryHB 758 replaces the automatic cost-of-living adjustment for the state minimum wage with fixed annual increases. It sets the minimum wage at $13.75 per hour starting January 1, 2025, increasing to $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2026, with future adjustments tied to federal rates if they exceed the state rate. The bill exempts employees under 20 from the state minimum wage requirement and excludes public employers (state/local government) from this law. It directly affects private-sector employers and their workers, while maintaining federal minimum wage standards as the floor.