Rep. Kem Smith

Maddy summaryHB 3131 requires that for all emergency calls classified as mental-health related, law enforcement must respond with a behavioral health specialist (such as a psychologist, social worker, or counselor) alongside the officer. This applies unless dispatch or on-scene assessment indicates an immediate threat of violence, in which case officers may initially secure the scene without the specialist but must bring them in once the scene is safe. The bill mandates standardized dispatch protocols to identify mental-health calls and assign co-response teams, directly affecting Missouri law enforcement agencies and emergency dispatch centers. It aims to improve crisis response by ensuring trained behavioral health professionals are part of the initial emergency team for mental health calls.

Maddy summaryHB 3138 requires police departments in counties with over one million residents to create a dedicated missing persons unit. This unit must coordinate missing person reports, enter data into state and national databases (MULES and NCIC), establish communication systems for missing persons information, and work with the state highway patrol's missing persons unit. Departments may hire new staff or reassign current employees for this unit, with costs covered by their regular operating budget. The bill directly affects large-county police departments and mandates specific operational procedures for handling missing persons cases.

Maddy summaryHB 3148 repeals Missouri's previous requirement that law enforcement officers must be U.S. citizens, replacing it with a provision allowing certain permanent residents to serve. The bill specifically permits individuals who are lawful permanent residents of the U.S. and have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces to work as police officers, turnkeys, or police officers in Missouri. This change directly affects military veterans with permanent residency status who were previously barred from these roles due to citizenship requirements. The key mechanism is the updated eligibility criterion in section 84.120(2), which expands the qualifying group beyond U.S. citizens alone.

Maddy summaryHB 3137 requires public school districts and charter schools to offer students aged 17 years and 6 months the chance to register to vote during school hours. Schools must provide registration opportunities on the fourth Tuesday in September each year (or the next school day if needed), and coordinate with local election offices for a second registration event later in the school year. The state will supply voter registration materials for these events, and schools must submit annual reports to the education department by December 31st detailing their participation. This policy directly affects eligible high school students in participating schools, making voter registration a routine school activity.

Maddy summaryHB 2063 requires Missouri's Secretary of State to provide all printed public materials in Spanish upon request. This applies to materials published and distributed by the Secretary of State's office, such as voter guides or forms. The bill adds a new section (28.950) to state law, mandating Spanish availability without requiring automatic translation of all materials. It directly affects Spanish-speaking residents and others who need these materials in a language they understand. The change is limited to printed materials and only when a specific request is made.

Maddy summaryHB 2130 updates the definition of a "qualified school" for Missouri's empowerment scholarship program. To qualify, schools must meet specific state education requirements (like dyslexia assessments, physical activity standards, and flag display rules) and comply with anti-discrimination laws. This change directly affects schools - both public and private, including charter and virtual schools - seeking to participate in the scholarship program by meeting these new compliance criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 2242 provides state funding to help public school districts hire licensed school nurses and mental health professionals. School districts can apply for a state supplement covering up to the full salary (including experience) for one nurse or mental health professional per school, with preference given to schools with the greatest need - based on factors like student health ratios, free/reduced lunch eligibility, and Title I funding. Districts may also use the funds to reimburse telehealth services for remote access to these professionals, subject to parental consent. The bill creates dedicated state funds for these supplements, ensuring unspent money doesn’t revert to general revenue and must be used solely for this purpose.

Maddy summaryHB 2192 protects and promotes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in Missouri's public institutions, including schools, universities, and government agencies. The bill explicitly prohibits state laws, policies, or executive orders from defunding, restricting, or penalizing these efforts, covering DEI offices, inclusive curriculum training, and voluntary employee engagement programs. It requires the Missouri Commission on Human Rights to investigate complaints about violations and recommend remedies to restore affected DEI programs. The bill aims to ensure public institutions can maintain these initiatives without state interference.

Maddy summaryHJR 137 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Missouri legislators to work as employees of school districts while serving in the General Assembly. Currently, Section 12 of Missouri's Constitution prohibits legislators from holding "lucrative office or employment" under state or local governments, but this amendment would explicitly add school district employees to the list of permitted positions. The change would remove a barrier preventing educators working for school districts from also serving as state representatives or senators. If approved by voters in 2026, this amendment would modify the state constitution to permit this specific employment relationship.

Maddy summaryHB 2317 requires Missouri public school districts to implement educational programs and activities during February that honor Black Americans' historical struggles and triumphs. Specifically, each public school must dedicate at least one class period in February to these activities, as determined by school boards and administrators. The bill directly affects all public schools within Missouri school districts by mandating a structured, annual observance. It focuses on educational content rather than ceremonial actions, with no specific curriculum requirements specified.