Rep. Greg Sharpe

Maddy summaryHB 3522 requires that the written portion of Missouri's driver's license examination be administered exclusively in English, with no translators permitted for applicants taking this section. The bill directly affects all Missouri driver's license applicants who must complete the written test, including those renewing licenses or applying for new licenses. It specifically mandates that the written exam (covering traffic laws and sign comprehension) be given in English only, though vision tests and practical driving demonstrations remain unaffected. This policy change applies to all applicants except those covered under existing exemptions, such as active military personnel or those with reciprocal license agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 3523 creates Missouri's "Homes for Missouri Program," allowing the Department of Corrections to contract with nonprofits for inmates to build single-family homes in areas with documented affordable housing shortages. Inmates participating voluntarily would receive structured vocational training in construction trades (like carpentry and electrical work), classroom instruction, and opportunities to earn industry certifications (such as OSHA safety credentials), with homes sold at below-market, cost-based prices. The program requires participation to be voluntary, mandates documentation of skills for post-release employment, and expires six years after enactment unless renewed by the legislature. It directly affects eligible incarcerated individuals and communities facing housing shortages, focusing on workforce development and affordable housing delivery.

Maddy summaryHB 1715 creates a Missouri tax credit program to incentivize workforce and disaster recovery housing projects. It provides tax credits against state income or franchise taxes for housing developers, contractors, or nonprofits building projects that meet specific criteria, including locations in designated "distressed workforce housing communities" or counties with state disaster declarations eligible for FEMA aid. Projects must include at least two single-family homes (or four in non-small cities), three multi-unit dwelling units, or two units in redeveloped multi-use buildings. The credits cover qualifying costs like construction or rehabilitation, excluding amounts already covered by other government grants or tax credits, and target underutilized sites like brownfields (contaminated properties) or grayfields (blighted, outdated developments).

Maddy summaryHB 2886 updates Missouri's broadband grant program to fund projects expanding high-speed internet access in unserved and underserved areas. It defines "unserved" areas as lacking 500 Mbps download/upload speeds and "underserved" areas as lacking 750 Mbps speeds, requiring new projects to prioritize 500 Mbps or higher speeds (matching FCC standards). Grants must be used exclusively for broadband infrastructure, with strict repayment rules if funds are misused. The program expires in 2030 unless renewed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 3028 modifies industrial development corporation (IDC) rules by removing special provisions that applied only to Lewis County. It specifically ends unique director appointment requirements for IDCs in certain counties (third classification without township government, population 10,400-10,500). After August 28, 2026, these counties will follow standard director rules instead of the previous exception. The bill directly affects IDCs operating in those specific counties by ending their special governance structure. This is a procedural change to align Lewis County’s IDC rules with statewide standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1714 modifies animal neglect laws by defining neglect as failing to provide adequate care or control for owned animals (excluding livestock like cattle or sheep). It classifies violations as misdemeanors or felonies based on harm: property damage over $750 or injury to people escalates penalties to higher offenses, with death resulting in a felony. The bill requires courts to order offenders to pay for animal care, disposal, clean-up, and public health costs related to the neglect. This directly affects pet owners and animal custodians who fail to meet basic care standards, with stricter penalties for severe consequences.

Maddy summaryHB 1716 establishes a state grant program to create workforce housing investment funds in rural communities (populations under 50,000). Nonprofit development organizations can apply for grants up to $1 million over two years to launch these funds, requiring a 1:1 match from private or local sources. The program supports projects like new construction, rehabilitating dilapidated housing, or upper-story development, with units costing no more than $275,000 (owner-occupied) or $200,000 (rental) per unit. Grantees must report annually on fund usage, achieve occupancy within 24 months, and maintain financial oversight through independent audits.

Maddy summaryHB 240 creates tax credits for housing developers who build or rehabilitate workforce housing in designated areas, including disaster recovery zones. It directly affects housing businesses (developers, contractors, nonprofits) constructing projects meeting specific criteria: at least 2-4 single-family units or multiple dwelling units in small cities, urban areas, or FEMA-eligible disaster zones. Key provisions include tax credits based on qualifying new investment costs (capped at $150,000 per unit), with exemptions for federal/state grants. Projects must occur on brownfield, grayfield, or greenfield sites and meet minimum unit requirements or qualify as rehabilitation projects meeting historic preservation standards. The program aims to incentivize housing development in underserved communities and post-disaster areas through state tax relief.

Maddy summaryHJR 56 proposes adding a constitutional amendment to guarantee Missourians' right to hunt and fish legally, directly affecting all residents who engage in these activities. The amendment would protect this right "forever" in Missouri's Constitution, subject to existing conservation laws and state wildlife agency authority. It explicitly excludes convicted violent felons and individuals deemed a danger to themselves/others due to mental health issues from this protection, while clarifying it doesn't change trespass or property laws. The bill, currently referred to committee, requires voter approval in 2026 to become part of Missouri's Constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 245 establishes a grant program through Missouri's Department of Economic Development to support nonprofit organizations in creating "workforce housing investment funds." These funds will finance affordable housing projects in rural communities (populations under 50,000) that meet specific cost criteria: owner-occupied units costing no more than $275,000 per unit or rental units under $200,000 per unit (adjusted annually using the Producer Price Index). Nonprofits must apply for grants to develop these funds, which will provide financing for new construction, rehabilitation, or upper-story housing. The bill directly affects rural communities and nonprofit housing developers by creating a structured mechanism to increase affordable housing options for local workers.