Rep. Kem Smith

Maddy summaryHB 2318 prohibits any developer or deployer of artificial intelligence in Missouri from advertising or representing that their AI system acts as a mental health professional or provides therapy services. The bill defines artificial intelligence broadly to include systems that learn from data or mimic human cognition, while clarifying that only licensed mental health professionals may offer such services. Violations are treated as consumer protection law violations under Missouri's Merchandising Practices Act, with the Attorney General enforcing the law and imposing civil penalties of $10,000 for first offenses and $20,000 for repeat violations. Individuals may report suspected violations to the Attorney General, who can pursue civil actions for damages, fines, or court-ordered remedies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 4125) is a procedural resolution granting permission for multiple schools in Missouri House District 68 to use the House Chamber on April 20, 2026, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. for presenting the "Glory of Missouri" Awards to students. It directly affects participating schools and students in District 68 by allowing a ceremonial event in the Capitol chamber. Key provisions include strict rules: participants must dress respectfully, avoid food/smoking, refrain from photography or banners, and comply with chamber decorum guidelines during the event. The resolution requires the sponsoring representative’s designee to oversee the event and ensure adherence to these rules.

Maddy summaryHB 3058 creates a public registry for individuals convicted of multiple domestic violence offenses against family or household members. It requires courts to order registration for offenders with at least one prior conviction for such an offense, collecting their name, photo, offense details, and conviction dates while excluding addresses and ID numbers. Offenders pay a $150 registration fee ($100 funds domestic violence prevention programs), and their names are removed from the registry after 5-20 years based on prior convictions. The registry, maintained by Missouri’s Highway Patrol, will be accessible online but expires six years after implementation unless renewed.

Maddy summaryHB 3085, known as "Calvin's Law," establishes new safety requirements for motorcycle riders and passengers. It requires all riders under 26 to wear protective headgear while riding, prohibits allowing children under 10 to ride as passengers without a proper seat and foot pegs (with medical exemptions permitted), and mandates that children under 10 wear headgear meeting state standards. Violations of the headgear requirement carry fines up to $25 for adults (or $100 if a child under 10 is involved), while operating without a motorcycle license can lead to escalating penalties, from misdemeanors to felony charges for repeat offenses. The bill also prohibits local governments from imposing additional headgear rules and clarifies that police may stop riders solely to check child passenger compliance (not for general headgear).

Maddy summaryHB 617 removes a restriction that previously prevented Missouri residents on probation or parole from voting after a felony or misdemeanor conviction. The bill directly affects individuals under community supervision for these offenses, allowing them to register and vote in state elections while still on probation or parole. It amends Section 561.026 of Missouri law to eliminate the disqualification for "probation or parole" after conviction, though it maintains voting bans for those incarcerated or permanently disqualified for specific offenses. This change applies only to state elections, not federal ones, and does not affect current prison voting restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 1436 establishes Missouri's "Four For More Program," allowing parents of K-12 students to take up to four hours of paid leave per month to work directly at their child's school. Employers who provide this leave receive a tax credit covering 50% of the wages paid during those hours, capped at $50,000 per employer annually and $10 million statewide. The program applies only to parents employed by school districts or entities operating school-based programs, with the tax credit available for tax years starting in 2026. It automatically expires after six years unless renewed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 1187 prohibits employers from firing, refusing to hire, or otherwise disadvantaging employees based solely on their credit history or credit score. The bill specifically targets employment decisions like pay, promotions, or hiring unless an employer can prove the credit information is directly, materially, and substantially related to the job duties or business operations. This law directly affects employees whose credit history might have been used against them in employment decisions and applies to all employers covered under the state's anti-discrimination laws. Employers must now justify using credit information as essential to the specific role, not as a routine screening tool.

Maddy summaryHB 571 modifies Missouri's juror compensation by increasing daily pay over time while maintaining a $0.07 per mile travel reimbursement. It phases in higher daily rates: $6/day before 2026, $10/$15 for first/subsequent days 2026-2027, and $15/$25 thereafter. Counties can add extra daily pay, but the state reimburses $6 of that additional amount to ensure total compensation reaches at least $18/day. This directly affects all Missouri jurors serving in county or city courts and requires county/city governments to pay the adjusted rates.

Maddy summaryHB 1285 creates a state-funded program to help Missouri high school students cover transportation costs for dual enrollment courses taken off-campus. It provides reimbursement for mileage expenses at 37 cents per mile for round trips between a student's home and the course location, subject to income-based eligibility requirements (such as free/reduced lunch eligibility or foster care status). The program applies to students enrolled in approved dual credit or dual enrollment courses who attend classes at a location other than their high school and meet economic need criteria. Reimbursements are paid quarterly based on documented travel records. The bill establishes a dedicated fund to finance these payments, with unused funds carrying over to the next biennium.

Maddy summaryHB 959 requires police departments in Missouri counties with over 1 million residents to create dedicated missing persons units. These units must coordinate reports, share information through state systems like MULES and NCIC, establish communication protocols for missing persons cases, and collaborate with the state highway patrol’s missing persons unit. Departments may hire new staff or reassign current employees using their existing annual operating budget, with no new state funding required. This bill directly affects large-county police departments but does not apply to smaller jurisdictions.