Rep. Marlene Terry

Maddy summaryHB 385 would prevent courts from ordering child support payments when parents share physical custody equally. Specifically, it states that if one parent voluntarily gives up physical custody of a child for more than 30 consecutive days, the other parent’s child support obligation would be reduced or stopped for that period. The bill directly affects parents in joint custody arrangements where time is shared equally, modifying how courts calculate support obligations during extended custody periods. The legislation is currently pending in the Missouri House Committee on Emerging Issues.

Maddy summaryHB 1235 establishes a formal process for citizens to remove certain city and village officials through recall petitions. It requires petitions signed by at least 25% of registered voters in the municipality, with specific address and date details for each signature, and limits recalls to cases of misconduct, incompetence, or failure to perform duties. The bill prohibits officials removed by recall from running for the vacant position or being appointed to fill it, and prevents multiple petitions within six months of a previous vote. This directly affects city/village elected officials and voters seeking to hold them accountable through a structured, voter-driven process.

Maddy summaryHB 817 creates Missouri's "Motivational Boot Camp Incarceration Program" within the Department of Corrections, targeting individuals aged 17-21 with two prior nonviolent convictions who face a third nonviolent offense. The program replaces jail or prison sentences with a two-year, structured regimen featuring rigorous physical training, counseling to address criminal behavior, and discipline, requiring participants to complete all components to qualify for record expungement. Eligibility requires court approval after verifying the individual’s physical/mental fitness, absence of contagious diseases, and departmental provisional approval. Upon successful completion, the court must expunge the conviction from the person’s record; failure to complete may result in a traditional jail or prison sentence.

Maddy summaryHB 818 replaces all existing laws governing Missouri cities classified as "fourth class" with 40 new sections. It directly affects small municipalities by updating their governance structure, including how mayors, city council members (referred to as "alders"), and other officers are elected and serve. Key changes include allowing cities to extend or reduce boundaries with voter approval, modifying term lengths for elected officials (e.g., mayor terms could be set to 2-4 years), and clarifying requirements for police and financial officers. The bill streamlines fourth-class city operations by revising outdated provisions without introducing new policy initiatives.

Maddy summaryHCR 4 designates the last full week in April each year as "Infertility Awareness Week" in Missouri. This symbolic resolution aims to raise public understanding of infertility, reduce stigma, and highlight the emotional, financial, and medical challenges faced by individuals and couples affected by infertility - impacting millions of Missourians. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change healthcare access; instead, it formally recognizes the week to support awareness efforts led by local and national organizations. The resolution was introduced by Representative Murray and sent to the governor for approval.

Maddy summaryHB 236 requires commercial websites where 33% or more of content is deemed "material harmful to minors" to use reasonable age-verification methods before allowing minors access. If a website fails this, it can be sued by a minor who accessed such content, facing damages and legal fees. The law explicitly excludes news organizations and internet service providers from liability, stating they aren't responsible for content they transmit but don't create. It defines "material harmful to minors" as content appealing to prurient interests, depicting sexual acts or nudity, or lacking artistic/scientific value for minors.

Maddy summaryHB 916 allows individuals convicted of drug-related felonies to qualify for SNAP (food stamp) benefits if they meet specific criteria. It exempts them from a federal restriction that bars such individuals from SNAP, provided they are actively in approved substance abuse treatment, comply with court requirements, avoid new drug offenses within a year, and pass sobriety tests. The bill directly affects people with past drug felony convictions who are engaged in treatment programs, ensuring they can access food assistance while meeting strict participation conditions. It requires the Department of Social Services to verify eligibility through documented evidence and develop rules for treatment program standards. The bill does not change federal law but implements a state-level exemption option under federal SNAP rules.

Maddy summaryHB 284, the Missouri CROWN Act, prohibits educational institutions receiving state financial aid or serving students with state financial aid from discriminating against students based on hair texture or protective hairstyles (like braids, locks, twists, or afros) that are commonly associated with race. It defines "protective hairstyles" as those designed to protect natural hair and explicitly bans discrimination based on these styles in school programs. Exceptions allow schools to require hair nets or secured hair for safety in career/technical classes and permit religious institutions to exempt themselves if the rule conflicts with their tenets. The bill directly affects public and private schools, colleges, and student programs receiving state or federal education funding.

Maddy summaryHB 728 modifies how incarcerated individuals can earn sentence reduction ("good time credit") by requiring the Department of Corrections to create a policy rewarding participation in rehabilitation programs. Eligible offenders may earn up to 360 days of credit (max 90 days yearly) for completing programs like high school diplomas, vocational training, drug treatment, or restorative justice work. Credit is lost for major misconduct, parole violations, or exceeding six minor infractions annually. The policy applies retroactively to offenses after 2009 and excludes death penalty or life without parole sentences.

Maddy summaryHB 834 creates a new process for emergency suspension of professional licenses (e.g., for doctors, engineers, or other licensed occupations) when a licensee faces criminal charges related to their work and public safety is at immediate risk. It requires licensing boards to quickly submit evidence to an administrative body, which must review the case within five days and issue a temporary suspension order if justified. The law mandates strict timelines: boards must serve notice within 24 hours, hold a hearing within 45 days, and determine if the suspension should continue based on evidence. This directly affects licensed professionals charged with crimes relevant to their profession, adding a formal emergency step before full disciplinary action.