Rep. Deanna Self

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that single-family homes rented for less than 30 consecutive days (subject to sales tax) must be classified as residential property for tax purposes, not as "transient housing." It explicitly defines "transient housing" as rentals where rent receipts are subject to sales tax, excluding short-term home rentals. This affects property owners and local tax assessors who must apply this classification when determining property tax rates. The change ensures short-term rentals are taxed under residential rates rather than commercial rates, without altering rental regulations or tenant rights.

Maddy summaryHB 2505 modifies Missouri custody law to establish that grandparents must be given priority over other third parties when a court considers placing a child in third-party custody. The bill specifically states that if a court finds parents unfit or unable to care for a child, custody should first be offered to the child's grandparent(s) before considering other third parties like relatives or non-relatives. This applies only in cases where the court determines third-party custody is necessary and in the child's best interest, not automatically. The law requires courts to make this priority explicit in their custody decisions under the "best interest of the child" standard. It does not change existing custody rules for parents but adds grandparents as the first option for third-party custody placements.

Maddy summaryHB 2944 modifies Missouri's senior citizen homestead tax credit to help eligible residents aged 62+ who own their primary residence. It defines the credit amount as the difference between a taxpayer's current property tax bill and their "initial credit year" tax bill, automatically applying this credit annually without requiring reapplication after initial qualification. Counties can choose to implement the credit through a local ordinance or voter referendum, and must apply it to reduce the taxpayer's annual property tax liability. The credit continues automatically until the senior moves or dies, with special rules for home improvements or property annexation affecting the initial tax calculation.

Maddy summaryHB 2125 establishes the "Missouri Voter Registration System," a computerized statewide database managed by the secretary of state to store and maintain voter registration information. The system requires unique voter identifiers, electronic access for election officials, and coordination with state databases (like motor vehicle records) to verify registration details, including driver's license or Social Security numbers. It mandates regular maintenance to remove ineligible voters while preventing errors, prohibits using voter data for commercial purposes (such as selling names for solicitation), and requires security measures to protect the system. This bill directly affects the secretary of state, local election authorities, and all registered voters in Missouri by standardizing voter registration processes and data handling.

Maddy summaryHB 1826 modifies Missouri school policies to allow students with asthma or anaphylaxis to self-administer prescribed epinephrine. The bill requires schools to authorize students to carry and use their own medication if a physician prescribes it, the student demonstrates proper use, a written treatment plan is approved, and parents sign a liability acknowledgment form (excluding negligence claims). Schools must keep emergency medication accessible and maintain required documentation on file. It also permits school nurses to maintain an emergency supply of epinephrine devices for student use during health crises.

Maddy summaryHB 2536 repeals two existing Missouri law sections (1.020 and 163.048) and replaces them with five new sections defining terms for legal use. The bill specifically adds definitions for "Female" (describing reproductive anatomy related to egg production) and "Male" (describing reproductive anatomy related to sperm production), alongside standard legal terms like "certified mail" and "county attorney." This is a definitional bill, not a substantive policy change, as it establishes terminology for use in other statutes rather than creating new protections or programs. The bill does not directly affect any specific group or mandate new actions beyond clarifying existing legal language.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 2913 provides legal immunity to teachers who intervene in school violence to protect themselves or students. Teachers gain immunity if they follow school procedures or act in good faith with a reasonable belief their actions are justified under self-defense law. Schools also receive immunity for teachers' actions when following this law, but immunity does not cover willful misconduct or gross negligence. The bill prohibits school districts from creating policies that prevent teachers from intervening in violent incidents.

Maddy summaryHB 2335 requires Missouri school districts to establish written discipline policies that include corporal punishment procedures (with parental written consent required) and specify how to handle student violence, disabilities, and confidentiality. It mandates annual training for all school employees on these policies, including handling school violence and student education plans. The bill also requires schools to report specific violent crimes and drug offenses to law enforcement and restricts suspended students from being within 1,000 feet of school property unless under adult supervision or meeting specific exceptions. This directly affects school employees, administrators, students (especially those with disabilities or involved in discipline incidents), and school safety protocols.

Maddy summaryHB 2426 establishes that parents have fundamental rights to direct their child's education, healthcare, and upbringing without government interference. It grants specific rights including choosing schools (public, private, homeschool, or faith-based), accessing educational and medical records, consenting to medical treatments (except abortions, which require parental consent), and opting children out of school data collection. The bill prohibits government restrictions unless necessary to serve a compelling interest, with explicit exceptions for life-threatening medical care and child safety. It applies to all state and local laws and allows parents to seek legal remedies if their rights are violated.