Rep. Ed Lewis

Maddy summaryHB 140 allows the Department of Social Services and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to directly purchase specific human services from vendors without standard state bidding procedures. This includes services like mental health treatment, disability support, and substance abuse care for affected individuals. The bill sets fee limits for entities distributing these funds (5% under $1 million, 3% over $1 million) and requires the commissioner of administration to create rules ensuring compliance with state purchasing standards. It aims to streamline access to timely services while adding financial accountability for contracted providers.

Maddy summaryHB 221 requires electricity companies to obtain commission approval before constructing new electric transmission facilities (defined as lines designed for 100kV or higher). It mandates that such facilities be designed to use existing infrastructure where possible, include multi-circuit configurations, and undergo competitive bidding for major construction components. The bill applies specifically to companies building major transmission lines connecting to regional grid operators, excluding small-scale projects under 1 megawatt. The commission must review applications based on public benefit, reliability, and economic impact, with approval lapsing if construction doesn't begin within two years.

Maddy summaryHB 139 requires health care facilities (hospitals, long-term care facilities, and hospices) to allow at least two compassionate care visitors simultaneously during minimum six-hour daily visitation hours - including evenings, weekends, and holidays. It defines "compassionate care visitors" as family, friends, or others needed for end-of-life decisions, emotional support, or medical assistance, while permitting facilities to restrict visits only under specific conditions like medical contraindications or safety concerns. Facilities violating these rules face $1,000 daily civil penalties, with complaints investigated within 36 hours by the Department of Health. The bill directly affects patients/residents, their families, and health care facilities by mandating expanded visitation rights and enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 792 creates a Missouri state scholarship program to support teacher education students. It provides up to full tuition and educational costs at Missouri public universities (capped at University of Missouri-Columbia rates) for eligible students who commit to teaching in hard-to-staff schools or subjects for two years per year of scholarship received. The program increases annual scholarship availability from 200 (2024-25) to 600 (2030+) with corresponding funding limits, targeting students who are Missouri residents, maintain a 2.5 GPA, and agree to teach in high-need schools. This directly affects prospective teachers pursuing degrees at Missouri four-year colleges, with repayment required if the teaching commitment isn't met.

Maddy summaryHB 243 ensures that pregnancy cannot delay or prevent a court from granting a divorce (dissolution of marriage) or legal separation. It explicitly states that a court must proceed with the judgment regardless of whether one party is pregnant, removing pregnancy as a barrier to these proceedings. The bill affects individuals seeking divorce or legal separation who are pregnant, requiring courts to follow standard residency and procedural requirements without considering pregnancy status. This change applies to all divorce or separation cases, maintaining existing rules about residency, custody, and property division while clarifying that pregnancy alone does not block finalization.

Maddy summaryHB 607 modifies Missouri's education laws to change how student attendance and academic performance are measured. It requires schools to count suspended or expelled students as "in attendance" for accountability metrics like school improvement plans and weighted daily attendance calculations. The bill mandates a new performance-based statewide assessment system focused on problem-solving and skills - not rote memorization - and creates "Outstanding Schools Waivers" for schools meeting specific performance criteria for three years, allowing flexibility in testing and operations. It also establishes alternate assessments for students with special needs and military dependents, while excluding English learner test scores until they've been in English-medium schools for three years.

Maddy summaryHB 75, the "Missouri Religious Freedom Protection Act," prevents Missouri public officials from issuing orders that restrict religious services or meetings at places of worship or for religious groups. It directly affects religious organizations and places of worship by requiring public officials to allow such gatherings, unless the group is planning violence (as excluded in subsection 5). The bill explicitly states that places of worship must still comply with standard building and fire safety codes (subsection 6). This legislation focuses on ensuring religious assembly rights while maintaining public safety and regulatory compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 1086 reclassifies single-family homes rented for less than 30 consecutive days as "residential property" for tax purposes, instead of treating them as "transient housing." This directly affects landlords using short-term rental platforms (like Airbnb) and local property tax assessors who determine tax classifications. The bill clarifies that such rentals - subject to sales tax under Missouri law - must be taxed as residential property, not under transient housing rules. This change ensures these properties are taxed at standard residential rates rather than higher transient rates. The law takes effect upon enactment, impacting how short-term rental properties are evaluated for property tax.

Maddy summaryHB 937 requires Missouri public schools and postsecondary institutions to treat antisemitic harassment and discrimination identically to racial discrimination under existing laws. It mandates schools to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism into their codes of conduct, prohibit antisemitic behavior that creates fear or impedes access, and report incidents to a state Title VI coordinator. The bill also encourages integrating Jewish American heritage into curricula while clarifying that criticism of Israel is not antisemitic and protecting First Amendment rights. Schools must investigate complaints within 30 days and face potential federal reporting if unresolved, with annual reports submitted to the legislature.

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.