Rep. Bruce Sassmann

Maddy summaryHB 2411 creates a new "Missouri Medal of Honor Fallen Heroes Fund" by allowing Missouri taxpayers to designate $1 or more from their income tax refund (or send separate contributions) to fund memorial highway signs. The fund, managed by the Department of Revenue, finances signs honoring military personnel killed in service, first responders, Missouri Medal of Honor recipients, and state employees who died while serving. It modifies the highway designation process by requiring 100 signatures and a fee for most requests (exempting certain memorials), mandating two signs per designation, and requiring 20-year maintenance. Unspent funds remain in the memorial account and cannot be diverted to general revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies sentencing for individuals convicted of murder who were under 19 at the time of the offense. It allows them to petition for parole review after 25 years (and again after 35 years) of incarceration, replacing life without parole sentences. Parole boards must consider rehabilitation efforts, maturity, accountability, and institutional conduct during reviews. Judges must also weigh youth-specific factors like development, background, and rehabilitation potential when sentencing minors convicted of murder.

Maddy summaryHB 1981 modifies Missouri law to allow certain nurses to prescribe controlled substances under specific conditions. It permits advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with a special certificate to prescribe Schedule III-V drugs and limited Schedule II drugs (only hydrocodone for hospice patients), with a 120-hour supply limit and a ban on self-prescribing. Certified nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) can administer controlled substances during anesthesia care without needing a prescriptive certificate. The bill requires written agreements between physicians and nurses to delegate prescribing authority and updates rules for handling unused medications.

Maddy summaryHB 1619 requires the Department of Natural Resources to allocate at least 10% of state or federal funds designated for developing Rock Island Trail State Park toward addressing specific concerns raised by nearby landowners. These concerns include agricultural fencing, farm crossings, drainage, signage, safety, and security measures. The bill directly affects landowners adjacent to the park by mandating that a portion of park development funds address their practical needs. It does not change park operations or land use but ensures funding is specifically directed to mitigate impacts on neighboring agricultural properties. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (prefiled and read first time).

Maddy summaryHB 3105, titled the "Second Amendment Preservation Act," protects Missouri residents' right to possess firearms by declaring federal gun regulations within the state invalid if they exceed constitutional limits. It grants the state attorney general or county prosecutors authority to sue federal officials for infringing on these rights and requires disciplinary action for law enforcement officers who knowingly violate them. The bill also affirms Missouri's exclusive authority to regulate firearms, including maintaining the existing federal excise tax on firearms, which it states does not restrict lawful ownership.

Maddy summaryHB 2170 updates Missouri's child passenger safety requirements, requiring drivers to secure children under 16 in appropriate restraints based on age, weight, and height. Specifically, children under 3 must use rear-facing seats (with limited manufacturer exceptions), those under 4 must use a restraint regardless of weight, children under 8 and under 40 pounds must use a restraint, and children aged 4-8 who weigh 40+ pounds but are under 4'9" need a booster seat. Violations for the first four categories are minor infractions punishable by up to $50 fines, but drivers can avoid penalties by purchasing a compliant restraint before court. The law excludes school buses (for students 4+ on buses with 11+ seats) and public carriers, and includes a public education program to support compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 1624 requires seed permit applicants and nursery dealers in Missouri to include an affidavit stating they will not knowingly sell certain nonnative invasive plants as part of their permit or registration application. The affidavit specifically prohibits the sale of climbing euonymus, Japanese honeysuckle, Sericea lespedeza, and Perilla mint after January 1, 2027, and burning bush or Callery pear after January 1, 2029. This requirement is mandatory for obtaining or renewing a seed permit or nursery dealer registration, directly affecting nurseries and seed sellers who must comply to operate legally. The bill does not impose direct penalties but ties permit approval to adherence with these plant sale restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 1855 requires Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services to add alpha-gal syndrome and Lyme disease to its list of noncommunicable diseases needing mandatory reporting. Healthcare providers must report most cases within seven days of a positive lab result, while labs must report alpha-gal syndrome cases using specific IgE test thresholds (≥0.1 IU/mL). The department must verify cases through random sampling and submit annual reports to the CDC on these diseases. This directly affects healthcare providers, laboratories, and public health officials responsible for disease surveillance in Missouri.

Maddy summaryHB 1623 creates a streamlined process for temporarily suspending or restricting the licenses of massage therapists and chiropractors when two conditions are met: the licensee faces criminal charges related to their work, and the licensing board believes the public health, safety, or welfare is at immediate risk. The bill requires the board to quickly submit evidence to an administrative hearing commission, which must review the request within five days and issue an order if justified. A formal hearing must then occur within 45 days (or by the end of criminal proceedings) to determine if the suspension should continue, with the licensee able to present evidence. If no disciplinary cause is found at the hearing, the suspension is automatically lifted, and the board must remove all related records from public files. This process applies only to emergency suspensions and does not replace other disciplinary actions the board may take.

Maddy summaryHB 1798 requires that the written portion of Missouri's driver's license examination be administered exclusively in English, prohibiting the use of translators during this test. This change directly affects applicants for new or renewed driver's licenses who do not speak English fluently, as they must now complete the written test without language assistance. The bill does not alter other components of the licensing process, such as vision tests, practical driving tests, or exceptions for military members or license holders from reciprocal states. It specifically targets the written exam's language requirement, ensuring all applicants must demonstrate understanding of traffic laws in English. This policy change applies to all applicants taking the written test, regardless of prior license status or background.