Rep. Michael Davis

Maddy summaryHB 663 modifies Missouri's judicial review process for agency decisions by requiring courts to interpret statutes, rules, regulations, and subregulatory documents **de novo** (without deferring to agency interpretations). It directly affects courts, state agencies, and individuals or entities challenging agency actions. The key provision mandates that courts independently interpret legal texts rather than relying on agency explanations, with courts resolving ambiguities by favoring interpretations that limit agency power and protect individual liberty. This change applies to all administrative cases under sections 536.100-536.140, altering the standard of review for agency determinations.

Maddy summaryHB 433's title about "storage and use of gold and silver" is inaccurate - the bill is actually a Missouri income tax modification. It adjusts how Missouri calculates taxable income by adding back certain items excluded from federal taxable income, such as: 1) Federal tax refunds that created Missouri tax benefits (excluding pandemic-related refunds), 2) Interest on some government bonds, 3) Specific deductions for property purchases (2002-2003), and 4) Net operating loss carryforwards. It also subtracts certain items added back (like state tax refunds or military combat zone income) to prevent double taxation. The bill directly affects all Missouri individual income taxpayers by changing their taxable income calculation relative to federal rules.

Maddy summaryHB 742 prohibits Missouri state departments from using public funds for any programs, staffing, or initiatives related to "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (or similar terms) that promote preferential treatment based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics. It specifically bans funding for initiatives advancing concepts like "disparities are solely due to oppression" or "collective guilt," while allowing compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The bill also prevents state departments from requiring private companies to adopt such programs as a condition of receiving state contracts. This law directly affects all state agencies and their budget allocations for workplace programs.

Maddy summaryHB 459 prohibits Missouri state and local agencies from enforcing any "red flag law" that would seize firearms from citizens without a court trial. It blocks the use of federal funds to support such enforcement and bans law enforcement from complying with federal or state orders requiring firearm seizures. The bill directly affects Missouri residents who might face such seizures and state agencies responsible for law enforcement. Violating the law could trigger $50,000 penalties per incident and allow affected citizens to sue for damages.

Maddy summaryHB 630 (the "Constitutional Money Act" title is misleading) primarily revises Missouri's income tax calculation rules, not gold/silver regulation. It modifies Section 143.121 to add specific federal tax items to Missouri adjusted gross income, including most federal tax refunds (except pandemic-related credits) and certain tax-exempt interest. The bill also adjusts business deduction rules for property purchased in 2002-2003 and changes how net operating losses are treated for state tax purposes. This directly affects Missouri residents and businesses filing state income tax returns by altering taxable income calculations. The brief reference to "specie" (gold/silver) in Section 30.266 relates only to the state treasurer holding a minimal 1% of state funds in physical currency, not regulating public use of precious metals.

Maddy summaryHB 317 requires Missouri correctional centers and jails to provide inmates with reasonable access to phone services during confinement, while allowing limited restrictions for disciplinary reasons. It directly affects inmates in state correctional facilities and county jails by setting a strict cost limit: no facility or third party may charge more than 12 cents per minute for domestic phone calls, including all fees and per-minute rates. The bill amends Missouri statutes (sections 217.451 and 221.108) to establish this pricing cap as a new requirement for both correctional centers and jails. This policy change aims to reduce financial burdens on inmates and their families by capping phone call costs.

Maddy summaryHJR 81 proposes a constitutional amendment in Missouri that would establish a fundamental parental right to direct their child's education without government interference. If passed, it would guarantee parents the right to home school without regulations, access public school curricula online, ensure schools avoid teaching specific concepts (like critical race theory or certain diversity programs as defined by law), and prevent schools from following statewide academic standards. The amendment directly affects all parents of school-age children in Missouri, public schools, and school districts by altering educational governance. It requires voter approval in a 2026 election to become part of Missouri's constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 987 modifies Missouri's voter registration process by adding a clear option for political party affiliation on the registration form, including "unaffiliated" as a default choice. If a voter does not select a party, election authorities must mark their registration as unaffiliated. The bill standardizes the registration form statewide to comply with federal law and ensures it includes all established parties, while simplifying data collection when applying through driver's license offices. This change directly affects voters registering to vote in Missouri, particularly those who may not have previously indicated party preference.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies trial procedures for first-degree murder cases in Missouri by separating the guilt phase from the punishment phase when the death penalty is sought. If a defendant is found guilty, the trial proceeds to a second stage where the jury or judge decides on sentencing based on evidence regarding aggravating and mitigating circumstances. Under the new rules, a defendant will automatically receive life imprisonment without parole if the trier determines they are intellectually disabled or if they do not meet the specific criteria required for a death sentence. The legislation also allows for intellectual disability to be resolved before the trial begins if both parties agree, and it applies these changes to offenses committed on or after August 28, 2001.

Maddy summaryHB 2258 modifies Missouri laws to regulate how the U.S. government acquires land within the state for federal purposes such as post offices, military sites, and national parks. The bill requires specific legislative approval for each instance of land acquisition by the federal government for military use, hospitals, or recreational and agricultural projects, while maintaining the state's right to tax these properties. It also clarifies that Missouri retains concurrent civil and criminal jurisdiction over federal lands, including specific national monuments and historic sites, unless explicitly waived. Additionally, the legislation outlines procedures for cities to issue bonds to help fund the purchase of land needed for federal facilities.