Rep. Kem Smith

Maddy summaryHB 2522 allows individuals with specific U.S. federal employment authorizations to obtain professional or occupational licenses (like for nursing or contracting) if they provide two documents: an unexpired DHS employment authorization card (Form I-766) and proof they meet federal REAL ID Act criteria. Licenses issued under this bill are only valid for the same period as the employment authorization document. The bill explicitly states it does not change other license requirements, grant access to public benefits beyond licensing, or alter immigration status. It directly affects immigrants with certain work permits who seek licensed professions but does not impact unrelated licensing rules or eligibility for other government assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 1921, the "Missouri Worker Dues Tax Fairness Act," allows Missouri taxpayers to subtract union dues from their state income tax. It applies to individuals who pay union dues (including initiation fees but excluding political contributions) and are subject to Missouri income tax, with a maximum annual subtraction of $2,000 per person or $4,000 for joint returns. The deduction becomes effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2027, and requires taxpayers to provide documentation like pay stubs or union statements to claim the benefit. This policy directly affects union members by reducing their taxable income for state tax purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 1920 requires Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services to create an education program promoting respect for health care professionals and informing the public about legal consequences of assaulting them. It allows hospitals to receive state reimbursement for two years of security-related property/technology costs (compliant with federal standards) and for three years of security personnel payroll costs, funded through a new dedicated "Hospital Security Fund." The fund, supported by state appropriations and other sources, must be used solely for these reimbursements, with unspent balances at the end of each biennium not reverting to general revenue. The program expires on August 28, 2029.

Maddy summaryHB 1922 modifies Missouri's tax computation rules by repealing and replacing section 143.121 of the state tax code. The bill adds specific modifications to federal adjusted gross income for Missouri tax purposes, including adjustments for federal tax refunds (excluding pandemic-related credits), interest on certain government bonds, and net operating losses. It does not create new tax deductions for educators or first responders, as the title suggests, but instead adjusts how existing tax calculations are processed. The changes primarily affect how Missouri calculates taxable income based on federal tax filings, with no direct new benefits specified for any profession.

Maddy summaryHB 1949 creates new provisions to improve access to maternal health care by allowing state health officials and licensed physicians to issue standing orders for services like prenatal vitamins and doula recommendations without requiring individual patient authorization each time. These standing orders must be posted online, expire after one year unless renewed, and terminate if the issuing professional leaves their position. The bill also provides legal immunity from criminal, disciplinary, or civil liability for professionals issuing orders in compliance with the law. This directly affects Missouri's Medicaid program (MO HealthNet) and eligible patients seeking maternal health services.

Maddy summaryHB 1933 prohibits Missouri employers from firing, refusing to hire, or disadvantaging employees based on their credit history or credit score, unless the credit information is directly related to the job duties or business operations. The law directly affects employees who might face employment decisions based on credit checks and employers who currently use credit history for hiring or termination. It creates a clear exception allowing credit checks only when they are materially relevant to the position (e.g., financial roles). This bill amends Missouri’s employment law to ban non-job-related credit discrimination.

Maddy summaryHB 1934 establishes a 15-member "College Admission and Financial Aid Letter Consistency Task Force" to create standardized forms for public colleges and universities in Missouri. The task force, appointed by specified groups including students, parents, college administrators, and counselors, must develop standard admission and financial aid letters by January 1, 2027. The standardized financial aid letter must clearly list estimated costs (tuition, fees, books, etc.), all aid types with repayment explanations, graduation rates, and a glossary of terms. This bill directly affects public Missouri colleges/universities, requiring them to adopt these standardized letters for student communications.

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 2614 modifies income eligibility rules for state-funded child care assistance in Missouri. It establishes a sliding fee scale based on family income and size, allowing families to pay reduced fees while receiving subsidies. Families earning above the annual income limit (determined yearly by budget) must pay the full cost of child care, ending their subsidy eligibility. The bill also waives fees for children with special needs and requires applicants to work 20+ hours weekly in licensed child care settings to exclude income from eligibility calculations. These changes directly affect low-income families using state child care programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2355 would authorize Missouri's Department of Social Services to seek a federal waiver from Medicare and Medicaid to create a "Food is Medicine" program within MO HealthNet. This program would provide nutrition services - including counseling, meals, prescriptions, and grocery support - to MO HealthNet participants diagnosed with nutrition-related chronic diseases like diabetes or heart conditions. The bill requires prioritizing community organizations and local farms for food purchases in nutrition prescriptions. It directly affects low-income Missourians enrolled in MO HealthNet who manage chronic health conditions linked to diet. The bill is currently in the Health and Mental Health committee for review.