Rep. Willard Haley

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the criteria for granting teaching certificates in Missouri to accommodate various educational backgrounds and experience levels. It establishes new pathways for individuals holding doctoral degrees, those with specific expertise in banking or financial responsibility, and candidates certified by the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence. The legislation also introduces a one-year visiting scholars certificate for industry professionals and outlines alternative requirements for provisional teachers who may not pass standard exit exams on their first attempt. These changes aim to expand the pool of eligible educators while maintaining standards through background checks, performance evaluations, and professional development mandates.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how certain boats and related items are taxed for property purposes in Missouri. It requires houseboats, cabin cruisers, and floating boat docks to be assessed in the county where they are physically located rather than where the owner lives. Additionally, motorboats and vessels stored at a marina or on a lift outside the owner's home county will be taxed in that location if they are not regularly driven back and forth. The legislation also clarifies that no single item can be taxed in more than one county and outlines specific rules for assessing farm equipment and vehicles used in interstate commerce.

Maddy summaryHB 1429 changes how counties handle interest charges on personal property taxes when taxpayers make installment payments. Under the new rules, counties would only charge interest on the specific unpaid balance due, rather than on the entire tax liability, even if some payments have already been made. This provision aims to prevent penalties on money that taxpayers have already paid toward their bill. The bill applies to counties that choose to offer installment plans for personal property taxes, while excluding certain financial institutions that manage tax payments through escrow accounts.

Maddy summaryHB 2778 prohibits financial institutions in Missouri from discriminating against firearms retailers by refusing payment card transactions, charging higher fees, or limiting business based on whether a merchant uses the specific "firearms code" merchant category. The bill also bans these institutions from creating or maintaining lists of privately owned firearms or their owners, with exceptions for criminal investigations and legal requirements. To enforce these rules, the Attorney General can investigate violations and issue notices requiring immediate cessation of discriminatory practices, while affected merchants or customers can petition for an investigation or seek court injunctions if the agency does not act. Additionally, the law prevents financial institutions from disclosing financial records containing the firearms code if it was collected in violation of the bill, and it allows for civil penalties and the recovery of legal fees for those who successfully enforce the statute.