Rep. Louis Riggs

Maddy summaryHB 869 requires all state departments, the general assembly, judiciary, and executive branch offices (including the governor's office, attorney general, and state treasurer) to undergo an independent audit every four years. The Office of Administration must select an independent auditor through competitive bidding and submit audit results to the legislature within 30 days of completion. All results must be publicly posted on the agency's website, and non-compliant entities face legal action by the attorney general to enforce participation. This law mandates regular financial oversight and transparency for all major state government entities.

Maddy summaryHB 760 changes the structure of Missouri's Highways and Transportation Commission. It requires the commission to have six members (one from each congressional district), limits the number of members from the same political party to half (with special rules for odd numbers), and mandates that commissioners must be Missouri taxpayers and residents for at least five years. The bill also establishes a new leadership rotation system where the two most senior members from opposing parties alternate as chair and vice chair, and requires the governor to appoint additional members after 2026 based on a list of nominees approved by a two-thirds vote of both legislative chambers. These changes aim to ensure balanced representation and streamline appointments for the commission overseeing transportation infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new program called the Employment Security and Job Referrals Act of 2024 to help people receiving unemployment benefits find work. It requires the state labor division to share job openings directly with claimants and refer them to specific positions, regardless of their employment history. The law sets rules for how claimants must respond to these referrals and allows them to appeal decisions that could reduce their benefits if they fail to reply. Employers can submit open positions to the department, which will then facilitate contact between those employers and the job seekers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all state departments to calculate and report the expenses they incur while following federal regulations. On a quarterly basis, these departments must send their cost reports to the Department of Economic Development. The department will then share these reports with the General Assembly and make them accessible to the public on its website. This change aims to increase transparency by allowing lawmakers and citizens to see how much state agencies spend on federal compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Missouri employers from refusing to hire, firing, or denying promotions to employees who choose not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. It allows individuals who face these actions to sue their employers in court to seek damages, including legal fees, and guarantees the right to a jury trial. The law applies to all types of employers and workers within the state, ensuring that vaccination status cannot be used as a basis for employment decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Transportation to give priority to specific federal high-priority corridors when creating the statewide transportation improvement program. It also mandates that any proposed changes to this program during its implementation period must be approved by the joint committee on administrative rules. These measures aim to ensure that federal funding targets are met and that modifications to the transportation plan undergo additional review before being finalized.

Maddy summaryHB 1813 establishes a new Broadband Development Council to oversee and expand internet access across the state. The bill defines "broadband" using specific speed and reliability standards set by the Federal Communications Commission and creates a council composed of state officials, elected representatives, and public members to guide broadband strategy. This council will survey internet speeds in every county and school district, recommend policies to connect unserved areas, and report annually to the governor and legislature. The legislation also grants the council authority to seek outside funding, hire experts, and advise on how government agencies can better use broadband services.