Rep. Gregg Bush

Maddy summaryHB 2113 requires firearm owners to store guns securely to prevent access by children or ineligible persons, such as keeping them unloaded in locked safes, gun cabinets, or with trigger locks. It directly affects individuals owning or controlling property where firearms are stored, with penalties including a $500 fine for first violations and a class B misdemeanor for repeat offenses. The law defines "secure storage" to exclude antique firearms and includes defenses for lawful self-defense. It also mandates that firearm dealers display warning notices about penalties and requires the state to provide multilingual educational materials on safe storage and suicide prevention resources.

Maddy summaryHB 2263 prevents Missouri utilities from charging extra deposits or transfer fees when moving a utility account to a spouse under specific circumstances. It directly affects spouses of account holders who lose access due to death, deportation, or incarceration exceeding 30 days, provided the account was in good standing. Utilities may still require deposits if the spouse has unpaid bills within five years, previously interfered with service, or fails to provide ID or marriage documentation. The bill mandates that any required deposit can be paid in installments unless the spouse has a history of service interference. This creates a clear, fee-free transfer process for spouses in these defined situations.

Maddy summaryHB 1662 requires all public schools to provide every enrolled student with one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day they attend classes. This applies to all students attending public schools as defined by state law, directly affecting every child in participating schools. The bill mandates daily meal provision without requiring families to qualify for reduced-price programs. It creates a new requirement for school districts to cover the cost of these meals for all students. The legislation is still in early stages, having been prefaced and read for the first time.

Maddy summaryHB 1618 proposes a new "Missouri Clean Indoor Air Act" by redefining key terms that determine where smoking and vaping are prohibited. It clarifies that smoke-free rules apply to restaurants, health care facilities, government buildings, and most workplaces, while creating specific exemptions for certain cigar-tobacco bars that meet revenue thresholds (over 50% from tobacco sales). The bill defines terms like "electronic smoking device" (including e-cigarettes and vapes), "secondhand smoke," and "enclosed area" to establish clear boundaries for smoke-free zones. This proposed legislation would directly affect businesses (especially bars and food service venues), employees, and public health agencies by standardizing indoor air quality requirements. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (prefiled and read first/second time in 2026) and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryHB 2251 establishes Missouri's "Free School Meals Program," requiring participating public, charter, and private schools to provide all students with free breakfast and lunch daily. Schools must qualify by participating in the USDA National School Lunch Program and meeting specific student eligibility thresholds. The state reimburses schools for the difference between federal meal reimbursement rates and the actual federal funds received per meal, covering up to one free breakfast and one free lunch per student each day. This program applies only to schools already enrolled in USDA meal programs with identified student poverty rates meeting federal criteria. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education administers the state aid payments and sets implementation rules.

Maddy summaryHB 2573 repeals Missouri's existing charter school laws and replaces them with new restrictions on where and how charter schools can operate. The bill limits charter school establishment to specific school districts (e.g., unaccredited districts, districts in cities over 350,000 population, or districts with three years of provisional accreditation) and restricts enrollment in larger districts to 35% of total students. It also narrows eligible sponsors to school boards, specific colleges/universities, and the Missouri charter public school commission. This bill directly affects all Missouri school districts considering charter schools by tightening eligibility rules and operational limits.

Maddy summaryHB 1918 expands Missouri's legal definition of "special victim" to include staff members of the Division of Youth Services and registered nurses. This change directly affects these professionals by granting them enhanced legal protections if they are assaulted while performing their job duties. The bill modifies Section 565.002 of Missouri law to add specific categories (items 14(l) and 14(b)) to the existing list of special victims, such as law enforcement officers and emergency personnel. The key mechanism is simply adding these two groups to the statutory definition, ensuring they receive the same legal considerations as other protected professions. This is a procedural change to the law's definitions, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1925 bans the manufacture, sale, and use of firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals (known as "forever chemicals") in Missouri after January 1, 2028, with limited exceptions for airport use required by federal law or military defense applications. It requires immediate reporting of any foam discharge to the state environmental agency within 24 hours and mandates manufacturers to recall existing PFAS-containing foam while reimbursing buyers. The law aims to protect Missouri's water sources by regulating PFAS in firefighting foam, requiring manufacturers to provide certification of compliance. It directly affects foam manufacturers, fire departments, airports, and military facilities handling such foam.

Maddy summaryHB 1920 requires Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services to create an education program promoting respect for health care professionals and informing the public about legal consequences of assaulting them. It allows hospitals to receive state reimbursement for two years of security-related property/technology costs (compliant with federal standards) and for three years of security personnel payroll costs, funded through a new dedicated "Hospital Security Fund." The fund, supported by state appropriations and other sources, must be used solely for these reimbursements, with unspent balances at the end of each biennium not reverting to general revenue. The program expires on August 28, 2029.

Maddy summaryHB 1899 designates the first full week in May each year as "Missouri Compost Awareness Week." The bill encourages Missouri citizens to participate in events promoting composting food scraps and yard waste to improve soil health. It does not create new regulations or funding but formally recognizes this annual observance through state law. The designation applies statewide and aims to raise public awareness about composting benefits.