Rep. Kem Smith

Maddy summaryHB 1757 requires school districts to establish state-approved gifted education programs if 3% or more of students are identified as needing specialized services, starting in the 2024-25 school year. It mandates universal screenings for all students before third grade using multiple assessment methods (like academic achievement and creativity), prohibits using Advanced Placement courses alone for identification, and sets teacher certification requirements based on district size. Districts must also create parent notification processes and appeal procedures for gifted program eligibility decisions. The bill directly affects school districts, teachers, gifted students, and their families by standardizing how districts identify and serve gifted students.

Maddy summaryHB 2409 creates three new Missouri tax credit programs to support child care access. It allows taxpayers (individuals, businesses, and charitable organizations) to claim a 75% tax credit on verified contributions to licensed child care providers or approved nonprofit intermediaries, with credits ranging from $100 to $200,000 annually. To qualify, contributions must be made to providers or intermediaries that first secure approval from Missouri's Department of Economic Development. The tax credits apply to tax years beginning January 1, 2027, and are designed to incentivize financial support for child care services, particularly in underserved areas defined as "child care deserts."

Maddy summaryHB 2180 imposes daily late filing fees for unfiled campaign finance reports and financial interest statements. Candidates, committee treasurers, and individuals required to file financial statements face $10/day initially (increasing to $100/day after 30 days of non-compliance), with caps of $3,000 for campaign reports and $6,000 for financial statements. The executive director must send written notices via certified mail to delinquent filers, allowing a 10-day appeal window for "good cause" to waive fees. All collected fees are deposited into the state general revenue fund, in addition to any existing penalties.

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 2975 changes Missouri's personal income tax structure by creating new progressive tax brackets and eliminating tax breaks for certain capital gains. It establishes a temporary top rate of 4.95% for 2023-2026 (down from 5.9%), with potential further reductions if state revenue exceeds specific thresholds. Starting in 2027, new brackets take effect with a 0% rate for income under $2,000, followed by 2.9% to 5.9% rates for higher income levels, adjusted annually for inflation. This bill directly affects all Missouri residents filing state income taxes, altering how their taxable income is calculated under the new rates and brackets.

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 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 summaryHCR 36 designates June 3 as "Josephine Baker Day" in Missouri to honor the legacy of Josephine Baker, a St. Louis-born performer, human rights activist, and World War II resistance figure. The resolution celebrates her contributions to the arts, civil rights, and democracy, as noted in the legislative text. This is a commemorative resolution, not a policy bill, and would require Governor approval under Missouri law. It directly affects Missouri residents through official recognition of Baker's historical significance.

Maddy summaryHB 2957 updates licensing rules for respiratory care practitioners. It creates a 12-month conditional license for applicants pending background checks, requires active National Board for Respiratory Care credentials for license renewal, and mandates random audits to verify these credentials. Licensees can opt for inactive status instead of completing continuing education, but practicing without an active license is prohibited. The bill directly affects current and prospective respiratory therapists seeking to maintain or obtain licensure in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 3074 designates April 30th each year as William Lacy Clay, Sr. Day in Missouri. The bill honors William Lacy Clay Sr., who served Missouri's first congressional district from 1969 to 2001 and co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus. It encourages Missouri citizens to observe the day through events celebrating his life and legacy. As a commemorative resolution, the bill has no binding policy provisions or direct regulatory impact.