Rep. Louis Riggs

Maddy summaryHB 3079 allows speech-language pathologists working in Missouri public schools or charter schools to qualify for retirement benefits under the Public Schools Retirement System. The bill requires the state education department to recognize these professionals as equivalent to certified teachers for employment, benefits, and retirement eligibility, provided they hold a valid state license. It ensures they receive the same retirement contributions, service credit, and benefits as teachers. The bill takes effect July 1, 2027, and directly affects licensed speech-language pathologists in Missouri public schools.

Maddy summaryHJR 175 proposes a constitutional amendment to redirect Missouri’s fuel tax revenue toward road funding. It mandates that 10% of net fuel tax proceeds go to a County Aid Road Trust Fund (with specific allocations for cities outside counties), 15% to incorporated cities/towns for road maintenance, 1% to counties based on agricultural land, and the remainder to the state road fund. All distributed funds must be used exclusively for road construction, maintenance, repairs, and related purposes - prohibiting use for equipment, salaries, or non-road projects. The amendment also prevents local governments from imposing new fuel-related taxes without voter approval and clarifies these funds won’t count toward state revenue calculations.

Maddy summaryHB 2937 creates a new Joint Committee on Government Efficiency to review state operations and identify cost-saving opportunities. The committee, composed of appointed legislative members, will examine state rules for inefficiency, analyze agency budgets (including potential staff reductions), review unused state property, assess budget-impacting laws, and evaluate Missouri's social services system. Its recommendations on budget cuts and property sales automatically take effect in February unless the legislature or governor blocks them. Savings from these recommendations will fund a dedicated "Government Efficiency Fund" held in the state treasury. The committee must submit annual reports by December 1st and a comprehensive report by September 1st of even-numbered years.

Maddy summaryHB 2224 creates the Missouri Advisory Boards and Commissions Association, a voluntary organization open to current and former members of Missouri's advisory boards, commissions, and governing bodies. The association must meet annually, establish membership rules and bylaws, and produce reports for the legislature and executive branch. It will issue recommendations to lawmakers and officials but does not create new laws or alter existing policies. Membership is unpaid, and the bill primarily establishes a formal structure for these groups to coordinate and report.

Maddy summaryHB 2210 creates a state "Matching Grants for Teachers Plan Fund" to help school districts increase teacher salaries using their own reserve funds. School districts can withdraw money from their reserves for salary increases and receive state matching funds equal to that amount, up to $1 million annually per district. To qualify, districts must maintain at least $100,000 in reserves, cannot deplete reserves below state minimums, and must use existing interest earnings from school funds to supplement salary increases (not replace them). The bill ensures unspent fund balances do not revert to general revenue and requires districts to deposit interest into reserves.

Maddy summaryHB 2227 requires all state departments to report quarterly to the Department of Economic Development the costs they incur to follow federal regulations. These reports must include all expenses related to federal rule compliance for the previous quarter and will be shared with the legislature and posted publicly online. The bill directly affects every state agency that implements federal rules, making their compliance costs transparent. This creates a regular, public record of how much state operations cost due to federal requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2209 requires all Missouri public and private high schools (excluding trade schools) to offer a civics course covering U.S. and Missouri government, electoral processes, and American history by 9th-12th grade. Students must pass a 100-question exam (similar to the U.S. citizenship test) on civics, U.S. Constitution, and American history to graduate. The bill includes exceptions for transfer students with prior documentation and students with disabilities via IEP recommendations. It also mandates that American history courses include coverage of the racial equality movement's impact on laws and attitudes.

Maddy summaryHJR 133 proposes a constitutional amendment that would grant Missouri's legislature the power to veto the Missouri Department of Transportation's (MoDOT) spending plans, including its statewide transportation improvement program (STIP). If passed by voters, the amendment would require a legislative majority vote to reject MoDOT's annual spending plans, shifting oversight authority from the governor's administration to the legislature. This change would directly affect MoDOT's budget execution and the legislative process for transportation funding decisions. The bill must pass both chambers and gain voter approval in a future election to become part of Missouri's Constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 2221 requires the Department of Transportation to prioritize specific highway corridors identified under a 1991 federal transportation law when creating the state's statewide transportation plan (STIP). It also mandates that any changes to this plan during its implementation period must be approved by the joint committee on administrative rules. The bill directly affects how transportation projects are selected and funded in the state, ensuring federal priority corridors receive explicit consideration. This changes the planning process by adding a legislative approval step for STIP modifications, making the committee's oversight a formal requirement for adjustments. The policy focuses on procedural changes to transportation funding decisions without altering project eligibility or funding levels.

Maddy summaryHB 2211 creates Missouri's Office of Workforce Coordinator, led by a single director who will coordinate workforce development programs across state agencies. The office directly affects workers, employers, and underserved groups - including people with disabilities, veterans, foster youth, formerly incarcerated individuals, and small businesses - by aligning resources and improving access to training. Key provisions require the office to identify future skills needs, integrate programs for seamless access, support digital transitions for businesses, and develop career pathways including quantum computing skills. The bill mandates continuous feedback collection and focuses on closing labor-force gaps for populations facing barriers to employment.