Rep. Brad Pollitt

Maddy summaryHB 2559 requires state agencies to obtain legislative approval before implementing new administrative rules that would cost over $250,000 annually for government, businesses, or individuals. Agencies must notify the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and the full legislature, which must pass a concurrent resolution approving the rule before it takes effect. Rules not approved this way become invalid, with exceptions for federal compliance or funding requirements. This directly affects state agencies creating significant-cost rules and shifts authority to the legislature for final approval.

Maddy summaryHB 2288 modifies setback distance rules for solid waste disposal facilities in counties. It sets maximum distances: three miles from incorporated cities, schools, churches, subdivisions, or parks; three-quarters of a mile from residential homes; and 200 feet from property lines. These rules apply to county ordinances governing solid waste disposal siting and prevent stricter local requirements. The bill directly affects waste disposal operators and nearby residents or property owners. It does not change existing zoning laws but limits how close facilities can be to certain locations.

Maddy summaryHB 2889 changes the legal definition of "delivery of a controlled substance causing death" to make it a class A felony. It applies when someone delivers or distributes a Schedule I or II controlled substance (like opioids or stimulants) and a death results, regardless of whether the user contributed to their own death or consented to the substance. The bill removes the defense that the user's actions caused their death, holding distributors fully accountable. This directly affects drug distributors who cause fatal overdoses through their actions.

Maddy summaryHB 379 expands the legal definition of "special victim" to include sports officials (such as referees, umpires, or linesmen) who are assaulted while performing their duties at any level of competition. This means assaults against certified sports officials during games or events would now be treated under the same legal provisions as assaults against other protected groups like law enforcement or emergency personnel. The bill specifies that officials must be trained and certified by an organization overseeing sports officiating to qualify under this definition. This change directly affects sports officials and the legal handling of assaults against them, potentially leading to enhanced penalties for such offenses.

Maddy summaryHJR 100 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Missouri school districts to borrow up to 20% of their taxable property value (currently limited to 5% for most local entities), instead of the standard limit. This change would directly affect school districts seeking to fund capital projects like building repairs or new facilities, requiring voter approval through a specific vote threshold (4/7 at general elections or 2/3 at other elections). The amendment, if adopted by voters, would alter the state constitution’s debt rules for school districts only. It remains a proposed measure awaiting voter approval, not yet law.

Maddy summaryHB 712 requires all public school districts and charter schools in the state to produce annual, standardized "school accountability report cards" by December 1st each year. These reports must include detailed, non-identifiable data on academic performance (including new "grade-level equivalence" ratings starting 2026-27), student demographics, staff ratios, finances, graduation rates, and school improvement status, designed for easy public access by parents, media, and lawmakers. The bill mandates a state-developed standard format covering metrics like ACT scores, teacher salaries, per-pupil spending, and eligibility for free lunch programs. It also specifies how schools must distribute the reports (including printed copies upon request) and clarifies that charter schools may voluntarily share data with districts under mutual agreement. The report cards aim to provide transparent, comparable school performance data while allowing districts to maintain separate reporting.

Maddy summaryHB 475 modifies how utility companies (like electric, gas, and pipeline providers) can use eminent domain to acquire private property. It specifically prohibits utilities from condemning land currently used by other utility providers (such as municipalities or cooperatives) for the same purpose, unless the new use is a nonexclusive easement that doesn’t disrupt current operations or future expansion. The bill also explicitly excludes wind and solar energy facilities from condemnation authority but allows utilities to take land for transmission lines needed to connect renewable energy to the grid. These changes aim to limit utility overreach while maintaining access to critical infrastructure for energy delivery.

Maddy summaryHB 711 revises Missouri's school enrollment rules for nonresident students, allowing them to attend public schools without traditional residency proof under specific conditions. It directly affects homeless students (as defined by the bill, including those living in shelters or temporary housing), military-connected students (whose parents are relocated under military orders), and students granted waivers for hardship. The bill requires school districts to process waiver requests within 45 days for hardship or good cause, explicitly prohibiting athletic ability as a waiver reason. These changes streamline enrollment for vulnerable student groups while maintaining safety checks for immediate risks.

Maddy summaryHB 328 updates regulations for public mass transportation systems, including light rail and buses operated by the bi-state development agency. It prohibits carrying weapons (including firearms) on transit facilities and conveyances, with limited exceptions for law enforcement officers or unloaded rifles/shotguns in a closed container. The bill also bans alcohol consumption, smoking, littering, and obstructive behavior on transit, requiring fare payment and compliance with agency directives. These rules apply directly to all passengers and employees using public transportation services.

Maddy summaryHB 366 allows certain organizations, such as farm bureaus or large membership groups meeting specific criteria (e.g., 100,000+ members, $500 million in assets), to offer health care contracts that are not classified as insurance under state law. These contracts must follow similar processing rules as insurance plans for claims and benefits but include a mandatory disclaimer stating they are not insurance and are not covered by state insurance guaranty associations. The bill directly affects members of qualifying organizations, who would receive these contracts instead of traditional insurance policies. It does not change health care coverage for the general public but creates a distinct regulatory pathway for these specific membership-based health arrangements.