Rep. Tonya Rush

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.

Maddy summaryHB 2747 modifies Missouri's criminal trial procedures for first-degree murder cases involving the death penalty. It establishes a two-stage trial process: the first stage determines guilt, and the second stage (only if the death penalty wasn't waived) decides sentencing based on aggravating/mitigating factors. The bill specifies that life imprisonment without parole must be imposed if the defendant is intellectually disabled, no aggravating circumstances are proven, or the jury cannot unanimously agree on the death penalty. It also defines "intellectual disability" and applies only to offenses committed on or after August 28, 2001. The bill does not address expungement procedures, despite references to related sections in the text.

Maddy summaryHB 2303 requires Missouri public school districts to implement a personal finance course as a half-unit graduation requirement starting in the 2027-28 school year. The bill mandates the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to form a work group - including educators, banking representatives, and financial industry experts - to develop course standards. Students must complete this course after ninth grade to earn a high school diploma, with limited exemptions for transfer students or those with approved academic plans. The course content must cover money management, budgeting, and financial tools needed for adulthood. School districts will have until 2027 to adopt these standards, which must be reviewed every seven years.

Maddy summaryHB 2965 requires Missouri school districts to implement a new graduation requirement starting in the 2027-28 school year. The bill mandates the state education department to develop a curriculum framework for Black history and Black literature courses in grades 9-12, to be adopted by the state board of education by 2027-28. All Missouri high school students must complete one unit of credit each in Black history and Black literature to earn a diploma, with limited waivers for transfer students who completed similar courses elsewhere. This policy directly affects public high school students and school districts across Missouri.

Maddy summaryHB 3113 requires public buildings to store naloxone (an overdose reversal medication) in first aid kits and near defibrillators, and to inform occupants of its location and emergency procedures. It designates April as "Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month" and mandates school districts to establish drug-free advisory committees with community input, implement grade 6-12 fentanyl education, and develop prevention programs for students. The bill also directs law enforcement to investigate all drug-related deaths as homicide crime scenes, regardless of criminal charges, and to collaborate with schools on drug trafficking prevention in school zones. These provisions directly affect public buildings, school districts, and law enforcement agencies across Missouri.

Maddy summaryHB 2392, the "Missouri Social Media Safety for Minors Act," prohibits social media platforms from allowing users under 14 to create or maintain accounts and requires verified parental consent for minors aged 14-16. It mandates platforms to implement secure age-verification processes (without requiring government ID), protect user privacy, and offer parents tools to monitor activity, delete accounts, or limit messaging with unverified adults. The bill bans addictive design features (like infinite scroll), direct messaging from unverified adults to minors, and targeted advertising based on minors' personal data. Violations are deemed unlawful practices, allowing the attorney general or affected parents to seek civil penalties up to $50,000 per violation.

Maddy summaryHB 1714 modifies animal neglect laws by defining neglect as failing to provide adequate care or control for owned animals (excluding livestock like cattle or sheep). It classifies violations as misdemeanors or felonies based on harm: property damage over $750 or injury to people escalates penalties to higher offenses, with death resulting in a felony. The bill requires courts to order offenders to pay for animal care, disposal, clean-up, and public health costs related to the neglect. This directly affects pet owners and animal custodians who fail to meet basic care standards, with stricter penalties for severe consequences.

Maddy summaryHB 3284 designates August 27th each year as "Crystal Lynn Foundation Day" in Missouri. The bill encourages Missouri citizens to participate in events that educate about and support individuals impacted by gun violence through the Crystal Lynn Foundation. This is a commemorative resolution, not a policy change, and it does not create new laws, funding, or obligations. The bill was introduced in February 2026 but withdrawn before further action.

Maddy summaryHB 2047 creates an "automated expungement" system in Missouri, allowing eligible criminal records to be closed without requiring individuals to file court petitions. It applies to people convicted of non-violent offenses (infractions, misdemeanors, or certain felonies) who have completed their sentence, paid all restitution, and had no new felony/misdemeanor convictions (excluding traffic violations) for 1-3 years after completion. Records will be automatically closed by the state's central repository system starting August 28, 2029, for qualifying cases, but excludes juvenile records, traffic violations, and cases with pending charges. This policy change directly affects Missouri residents with eligible convictions who meet the time and offense-free criteria, removing public access to their records while maintaining court access for legal purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 2044 replaces Missouri's child custody law to require courts to determine custody based on the child's best interests. It establishes that courts should assume equal parenting time for both parents is in the child's best interest, which can be challenged with evidence of factors like domestic violence or parental agreement. The court must consider specific factors including the child's relationship with each parent, the child's adjustment to home and school, and any history of abuse. The bill defines "third-party custody" as custody awarded to a non-parent but does not create a priority for grandparents or other specific third parties.