Maddy summaryHB 2741 requires commercial drivers applying for a license to demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to converse with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to officials, and complete reports. It makes operating a commercial vehicle without this proficiency a class D misdemeanor (first offense) or class B misdemeanor (repeat), with fines up to $1,000 for drivers and $3,000 for carriers. Drivers must achieve proficiency before operating commercially again, and carriers face penalties for employing non-compliant drivers. The bill directly affects foreign applicants and commercial drivers seeking or holding licenses in the state. It modifies existing requirements to add language proficiency as a mandatory qualification for commercial driver's licenses.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 3457 requires hospitals with emergency departments to implement a visible electronic alert for medically complex pediatric patients (under 18 with chronic conditions needing specialty care). The alert must provide quick access to a parent-submitted care plan (created with a healthcare provider) without delaying treatment, using existing electronic health record systems. Participation is voluntary with parental consent, and hospitals aren't required to buy new technology or create new positions. The bill explicitly prohibits creating a state registry or database and ensures all information complies with privacy laws like HIPAA.
Maddy summaryHB 1625 modifies drug trafficking penalties by adjusting quantity thresholds for first- and second-degree offenses. It lowers the fentanyl threshold for enhanced penalties from 20mg to 14mg and adds stricter punishments for trafficking near schools, housing, or hotels (e.g., within 2,000 feet of schools or public housing). This bill directly affects individuals trafficking drugs above these new limits, with harsher penalties for larger quantities or offenses in sensitive locations. The changes update existing drug laws to align with current public safety concerns regarding dangerous substances like fentanyl and methamphetamines.
Maddy summaryHB 2234 requires Missouri counties to report and transfer unclaimed surplus funds from real property tax sales to the State Treasurer's Unclaimed Property division after three years. It directly affects counties (which handle the funds) and former property owners or lienholders who might reclaim unclaimed money. The bill mandates that counties hold surplus funds for three years (or 90 days after the redemption period ends), prioritize distribution to lienholders and owners, and notify former owners before transferring unclaimed funds to the state. Counties must provide written claim procedures and file claims with the county commission within 90 days of the redemption period's end.
Maddy summaryHB 2516, the "Family Mental Health Advocacy and Patient Rights Act," updates confidentiality rules for mental health facilities and expands access to patient records under specific circumstances. It directly affects mental health facilities, patients (both voluntary and involuntary), and authorized parties like parents, guardians, legal advocates, and specialized agencies. Key provisions require facilities to keep records confidential but allow disclosure to parents of minors, legal guardians, attorneys for certain cases, and agencies protecting rights for people with developmental disabilities or mental illness - only when necessary for care, safety, or legal compliance. The bill also establishes new patient rights, including dignity, clear treatment explanations, participation in care decisions, and rapid appeals for involuntary detention. These changes aim to balance privacy with necessary access for safety and advocacy while maintaining strict confidentiality requirements.
Maddy summaryHB 2120 requires Missouri public school districts and charter schools to implement comprehensive antibullying policies. It defines bullying broadly to include physical, verbal, cyber, and electronic harassment that causes fear, disrupts learning, or interferes with educational opportunities. Key requirements include: mandating staff to report witnessed bullying within one school day, banning zero-tolerance disciplinary policies, requiring investigations within ten school days of a report, and providing annual training for staff on policy implementation and student education about bullying prevention. The bill also prohibits retaliation against reporters and mandates specific procedures for notifying parents and addressing incidents, including considerations for self-defense in violent situations.
Maddy summaryHB 1756 designates the first week of June each year as "June's Week" in Missouri to honor June, a Missouri child with a rare pediatric cancer (ATRT-B), and to raise public awareness about rare pediatric diseases. The bill encourages Missourians to participate in events that promote early symptom recognition and support families affected by these conditions. It is a symbolic observance with no new funding or regulatory changes, solely focused on commemoration and awareness. This is a procedural resolution, not a substantive policy bill.
Maddy summaryHB 2304 requires schools to obtain written or electronic parental consent before making specific changes to a child's Individualized Education Program (IEP), including initial placements, placement changes, removal of services, or service minute changes exceeding 25%. It directly affects parents of students with disabilities and local school districts (LEAs), mandating they use a standardized consent form that includes options for full consent, refusal, or partial consent. The bill also requires schools to document consent dates and provide dispute resolution options if parents and schools disagree on IEP changes. Schools must allow parents to visit proposed programs before consenting and notify parents of conduct-related IEP changes per federal rules. The law takes effect July 1, 2027.
Maddy summaryHJR 173 proposes a constitutional amendment to eliminate Missouri's state individual income tax by 2031 if specific revenue goals are met, requiring the legislature to set a tax rate below 1.4% for any tax year starting in 2031 or later. It also restricts expanding sales and use taxes to new services beyond what was taxed as of January 1, 2015, unless the expansion is explicitly tied to reducing the income tax. To offset revenue changes from any tax base expansion, local governments must adjust property taxes, earnings taxes, or sales tax rates by July 1, 2029, without reducing school funding. The amendment further mandates that sales tax rates be adjusted annually to maintain pre-2029 revenue levels, adjusted for inflation. This amendment requires voter approval before taking effect.
Maddy summaryHJR 115 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a property tax exemption for Missouri disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. It defines a "disabled veteran" as a Missouri resident honorably separated from military service with a 100% VA-certified service-connected disability, and a "homestead" as their primary residence (not exceeding 2.5 acres). The exemption would apply to real property used as a primary home, excluding portions rented for more than six months annually. This amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election and would replace the current property tax exemption provisions in Missouri's constitution.