Rep. Tonya Rush

Maddy summaryHB 1937 expands Missouri's legal definition of "special victim" to include sports officials (like referees, umpires, and linesmen) who are assaulted while performing their duties at any level of sporting event. This change directly affects certified sports officials by granting them the same legal protections as other special victims, such as law enforcement or emergency personnel, under Missouri's criminal statutes. The key provision adds a new subsection (14)(l) to the definition, specifying that a "sports official" must be trained and certified by an official sports organization. This bill modifies existing law to ensure these individuals receive enhanced legal consideration if assaulted during their official duties at games or events.

Maddy summaryHB 2391 modifies Missouri law to expand prescribing authority for advanced practice registered nurses (APNs). It allows APNs with a board-certified controlled substance prescriptive authority to prescribe medications in Schedules III, IV, and V, and limited Schedule II (specifically hydrocodone for hospice patients). The bill requires APNs to either work under a collaborative practice agreement with a physician or qualify for an exemption from that requirement. It also prohibits APNs from prescribing controlled substances for themselves or family members and limits Schedule II/hydrocodone prescriptions to 120-hour supplies without refills. This directly affects APNs seeking greater prescribing independence within defined boundaries.

Maddy summaryHB 2590, the Healthy Pets Act, requires commercial breeders to maintain health records for breeding animals, including genetic testing, vaccinations, hip dysplasia screenings for dogs, and annual vet exams with photos. It mandates that breeders provide these records - including medical history, parentage, and socialization details - to pet shops and buyers when selling animals. Pet shops must display the breeder’s license and price prominently, and guarantee animals are free from genetic or major medical conditions for one year, covering treatment costs or refunds if issues arise. Violations by breeders or pet shops can result in fines (class A misdemeanor) or license revocation, with dealers prohibited from purchasing from breeders with recent animal abuse violations.

Maddy summaryHB 2632 prohibits insurers from using credit reports or insurance credit scores to set rates for auto, property, or renters insurance policies. It directly affects consumers applying for or holding these policies, requiring insurers to disclose if credit data influences rates and providing notice of adverse actions (like higher premiums). Key provisions include mandating disclosure at application, extending dispute resolution periods for credit errors, and requiring insurers to justify rate decisions based on non-credit factors if credit scores are unavailable. The bill excludes mortgage, commercial insurance, and payment plan options, and prohibits using credit inquiries as negative factors in scoring.

Maddy summaryHB 2634 updates the requirements for reporting elder abuse and neglect by mandating that hotline reports include specific details: the eligible adult's name, age, address, and caregiver information, plus the nature of their condition. It also requires the state department to refer cases where individuals aren't deemed "eligible adults" to other authorities. The bill ensures a statewide 24/7 toll-free hotline is maintained for receiving reports, operating continuously without interruption. This directly affects seniors at risk of abuse, their caregivers, and the state agency managing the hotline.

Maddy summaryHB 2592 would restore voting rights to Missouri residents convicted of a felony who are on probation or parole, removing a current barrier that prevents them from voting until their supervision ends. The bill amends state law to eliminate the provision that disqualifies individuals "while on probation or parole" after a felony conviction, directly affecting thousands of Missourians under community supervision. Key provisions would allow these individuals to register and vote in all elections once they meet standard residency and registration requirements, without waiting for full discharge from supervision. This change specifically applies to felony convictions, not misdemeanor offenses or incarceration, and aligns with broader efforts to expand voting access for people with past criminal convictions.

Maddy summaryHB 2830 proposes increasing a user fee collected by Missouri recorders of deeds from $3 to $9 per recorded property document. This fee change directly affects property owners and real estate professionals who must pay the fee when recording deeds, mortgages, or other land-related documents. The additional $6 per transaction (making the total $9) would be sent to the Missouri Housing Trust Fund, specifically designated for housing-related programs under Section 215.034. The bill does not alter other fee components, such as the $2 retained by recorders for office operations or the $1 allocated to land survey and local records funds.

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 summaryHCR 28 designates the last full week in April each year as "Infertility Awareness Week" to increase public understanding of infertility. The resolution directly affects individuals and couples experiencing infertility, which impacts roughly 1 in 6 U.S. couples, by reducing stigma and promoting awareness. It does not create new programs or change funding but formally recognizes this week annually to encourage support and highlight access to care.

Maddy summaryMissouri's HB 2328, known as "Calvin's Law," creates new safety requirements for children under 10 riding as passengers on motorcycles or motortricycles. It prohibits operators from allowing children under 10 to ride unless the vehicle has a proper passenger seat and the child can place both feet on foot pegs (with medical exemptions allowed), and requires all under-10 passengers to wear helmets meeting state standards. The law directly affects motorcycle operators transporting young children and sets fines up to $100 for violations, with stops permitted solely to check compliance. It takes effect January 1, 2027, and does not impose criminal penalties for these specific violations.