Rep. Tonya Rush

Maddy summaryHB 3524 designates August 27th each year as "Crystal Lynn Foundation Day" in Missouri. The bill encourages Missouri citizens to participate in educational events and service activities focused on supporting individuals impacted by violence. This is a commemorative resolution with no new programs or funding, solely recognizing the foundation's work through an annual designated day.

Maddy summaryHB 3526 modifies Missouri's property tax credit program for senior citizens. It creates a credit equal to the difference between a senior's current property tax on their primary home and their tax liability in their "initial credit year," directly affecting Missouri residents aged 65+ (or receiving specific Social Security/veterans benefits) with household income under $75,000 who own their primary residence. Counties must adopt an ordinance or pass a referendum to implement the credit, and the state will reimburse counties for revenue losses. The bill also clarifies how property tax increases from home improvements or annexation affect the credit calculation.

Maddy summaryHB 2948 creates a Missouri state tax credit for caregivers of eligible family members. It allows Missouri residents who provide ongoing care to a qualifying recipient (a person aged 60+ or under 60 with a disability requiring daily assistance) to claim a credit of up to $1,500 annually, based on documented caregiving costs like adult day care, in-home services, transportation, or medical supplies. Caregivers must provide proof of residency, care provision, and dependency status (or alternative documentation), but medical records are not required. The credit, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2027, is refundable and cannot be carried forward or transferred.

Maddy summaryHB 2794 designates December 6th each year as "Reuben Shelton Day" in Missouri to honor Reuben Shelton, a prominent legal leader who was the first African American elected president of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and the St. Louis Bar Foundation, and a former president of the Missouri Bar Association. The bill commemorates his life and achievements in law and community service through state recognition. It has no policy impact or financial obligations, as it is a symbolic designation without new legal requirements or affected parties. The bill was introduced in the Missouri House on January 7, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3025 requires public school districts and qualifying charter schools (those serving 40%+ students from households earning ≤185% of federal poverty guidelines) to provide free tampons and sanitary napkins ("period products") in all restrooms of middle and high schools (grades 6-12) starting July 1, 2027. The state will cover all costs using dedicated funding for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This directly affects schools meeting the income threshold, ensuring no-cost access to period products for students. The bill mandates physical availability in school restrooms without requiring student requests or fees.

Maddy summaryHB 3023 creates Missouri's "Private Security Camera Incentive Program" to provide rebates or vouchers for security camera purchases to low-income seniors, disabled residents, or those meeting income thresholds (≤150% federal poverty level or ≤60% state median income) living in designated high-crime "priority areas." The program, funded by a state treasury account, reimburses up to the full cost of qualifying outdoor cameras installed after August 2026, with strict rules prohibiting recording of others' private property. Applications require written agreements, and funds will be distributed by local law enforcement starting January 2028. The program expires six years after enactment unless reauthorized.

Maddy summaryHB 3024 requires public and charter schools to implement suicide prevention measures for students and staff. Starting in 2023-24, all teachers and licensed educators must complete at least two hours of annual suicide prevention training, including Columbia Protocol risk assessment tools by 2027. Schools serving grades 7-12 must print the 988 suicide lifeline number on student ID cards starting July 2025, and all high schools must provide mental health awareness instruction to students during their four years of high school. The bill directly affects school districts, educators, and students by mandating training, policy updates, and visible crisis resources.

Maddy summaryHB 2970 would require telemarketers to stop calling Missouri residents who have registered on the state's official no-call list. It directly affects telemarketing companies and sales calls targeting residential customers. The bill includes key exceptions for calls with prior permission, recent business contacts, charitable fundraising by 501(c)(3) organizations, and licensed professionals (like contractors) setting appointments. This proposed law is currently pending in the Missouri legislature after its introduction on January 14, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3084, the Small Business Start-up Fee Reduction Act, reduces or waives specific state fees for Missouri micro-businesses (3 or fewer employees, excluding the owner) during their first 24 months of operation. It covers formation fees for LLCs, business name registrations, vendor certifications, and annual reporting fees, while also prohibiting penalties for timely first-time filings during this period. The bill requires the Department of Economic Development and Secretary of State to coordinate fee reductions, publish an annual report tracking participation and costs, and partner with business support organizations to offer voluntary services like financial training. Businesses must qualify as micro-businesses during their start-up period to access these fee benefits, which take effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 2892 requires high-risk domestic abuse offenders (those with two prior convictions or a high recidivism risk assessment) to register with Missouri’s Department of Public Safety within 72 hours of conviction or release. Offenders must provide personal details like addresses, employment, and vehicle information, updating within 10 days of changes, with registration lasting five years after sentence completion. The confidential registry is accessible only to law enforcement for safety planning, not the public, and includes penalties for non-compliance (fines for first violations, misdemeanor charges for repeat offenses). The program expires after six years unless reauthorized by the legislature, with biennial reports required to assess effectiveness and recidivism rates.