Rep. Kathy Steinhoff

Maddy summaryHB 1566 modifies Missouri's property tax relief credit for senior citizens and certain disabled veterans. It primarily affects Missouri residents aged 65+ (or 60+ with surviving spouse Social Security benefits), disabled veterans (100% service-connected), or those with qualifying disabilities, who own or rent their primary home ("homestead"). Key changes include requiring proof of age/residency, adjusting income calculations to exclude certain benefits (like Social Security for disabled veterans), and clarifying that property taxes must be paid before filing. The bill also expands eligibility for surviving spouses and those who die before year-end while meeting other criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 444 establishes the "Missouri Teachers Matter Grant Program" to provide financial incentives for public school teachers in Missouri. It creates two grant types: an MTM district grant (up to $1,000 from state funds plus $1,000 matching from school districts) and an MTM state grant (up to $4,000 total). To qualify, teachers must have a valid license, receive a satisfactory evaluation, and complete 40+ hours of additional self-directed duties (e.g., coaching, mentoring, or ACT prep) beyond their regular teaching duties. The state grant is paid in two installments ($2,000 each) during the school year, with districts required to document these activities. The program expires automatically after six years unless reauthorized by the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 308 expands acceptable forms of photo identification for voting in Missouri. It adds student IDs from Missouri schools or colleges, military/veteran IDs, and certain other documents (like a birth certificate with photo) to the list of valid IDs, alongside existing driver's licenses. Voters without required ID may cast a provisional ballot but must later return with one of the approved IDs or have their signature verified to have their ballot counted. The bill also requires the state to provide free copies of key documents (like birth certificates or marriage licenses) needed to obtain a qualifying ID, and to cover associated fees. This directly affects voters who lack standard photo ID but wish to vote in person.

Maddy summaryHB 1564 establishes new rights and lease requirements for renters in purpose-built student housing - housing specifically designed for students attending colleges or universities in this state. It guarantees renters basic living conditions (water, electricity, heat), timely repairs, protection from unreasonable rent hikes during leases, and anti-discrimination safeguards. The bill mandates that leases clearly outline all fees, conflict resolution processes, academic status change options (like transfers or family emergencies), and the specific academic or essential services (e.g., laundry, internet) the landlord must provide. Landlords failing to deliver these services face penalties, and the state must create a standard flyer to inform renters of their rights. This bill directly affects student renters and landlords of such housing properties.

Maddy summaryHB 1565 modifies Missouri's Working Family Tax Credit Act to make the tax credit refundable starting in 2026 (previously non-refundable), directly affecting low-income Missouri residents who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The bill establishes a base 10% credit (potentially increasing to 20% if state revenue grows significantly) based on the federal EITC amount, with the credit applied against state income tax liability. It also requires the state tax department to proactively notify eligible taxpayers who didn't claim the credit and to publish annual reports on credit usage and distribution. The changes apply to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2023, with refundability taking effect for 2026 and later.

Maddy summaryHB 305 requires school districts and special school districts to provide special education services for children with disabilities aged three and four years, starting from the 1991 school year. It mandates districts to develop service delivery plans involving community agencies and ensures state funding for these services comes from a specific, separate budget appropriation - not reallocated from general education funds. The bill also requires coordination with early intervention programs (Part C of IDEA) for children transitioning from early services and specifies that remedial reading programs do not count as special education services. This applies to all public and special school districts in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 307 requires firearm owners to store guns securely on their premises, meaning unloaded and locked away from children and unauthorized people (including those ineligible to own guns under state/federal law). It defines secure storage as using locks, safes, or personalized firearms with activation features, and creates a new offense for failing to do so, punishable by a $500 fine for a first violation. The bill also mandates that gun dealers display clear warnings about storage penalties and provides multilingual resources on storage rules and suicide prevention via the state website. It exempts antique firearms and curios/relics from these requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 306 requires public school districts and charter schools to create written policies banning student use of phones or tablets during regular class time. The policies must include disciplinary steps for violations and allow exceptions for emergencies, teacher-directed instruction, or students needing devices under federal disability laws (IDEA, ADA, or Rehabilitation Act). Schools must post these policies online, and staff following the rules are protected from liability. This directly affects students' classroom behavior and school staff responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Missouri Career Development and Teacher Excellence Plan, a voluntary program designed to allow public school teachers to earn additional pay by taking on extra professional responsibilities. The plan creates a matching fund system where the state provides financial support to school districts that develop career ladder programs based on specific criteria, such as mentoring students, coaching extracurricular activities, and pursuing advanced training. Local school districts have the option to adopt a model plan created by the state department of education or design their own approved plan, provided they meet funding requirements and do not discriminate against teachers. Participation is entirely optional for educators, and the bill ensures that teachers who choose not to join the program face no penalties or loss of benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Missouri's voting laws by specifying the exact forms of photo identification required to vote in person or absentee. Voters must present a nonexpired Missouri driver's license, a state-issued nondriver's license, a Missouri student ID, or specific military and veteran identification cards. If a qualified voter arrives at a polling place without one of these documents, they may cast a provisional ballot, but their vote will only be counted if they return to the polling place later that day to provide valid ID or if election officials verify their identity through signature matching. To help residents meet these requirements, the bill mandates that state and local offices provide free nondriver's licenses and essential documents like birth certificates and marriage licenses to those who need them for voting. Additionally, the state will cover any fees charged by other agencies to obtain these necessary documents and must publish the new ID rules on its official website.