Rep. Kem Smith

Maddy summaryThis bill designates December 6th each year as "Reuben Shelton Day" in Missouri to honor Reuben Shelton, a former president of the Missouri Bar Association and the first African American elected president of both the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and the St. Louis Bar Foundation. It encourages Missouri citizens to participate in events celebrating his life and achievements, including his leadership roles in the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and legal community. The bill has no fiscal impact or regulatory requirements, as it is purely a symbolic commemoration.

Maddy summaryHB 911 designates November 26th each year as "Tina Turner Day" in Missouri. The bill encourages Missouri citizens to participate in events honoring Tina Turner, known as the "Queen of Rock 'n Roll," whose career began performing in St. Louis nightclubs during Ike Turner's shows. This commemorative resolution does not create new policies or affect specific groups but formally recognizes her cultural impact. It is a symbolic gesture to celebrate her legacy within the state. The bill is currently pending in the Missouri House Committee on Emerging Issues.

Maddy summaryHB 1449 establishes the "Youth Workforce Development Program" to provide job training, internships, and life skills support for at-risk youth aged 12-21 in counties with over one million residents or certain cities. The program directly serves youth involved in the juvenile justice system, those with documented risk factors (like school suspensions, homelessness, or substance abuse exposure), and those referred by courts, schools, or social services. Key provisions include creating vocational training and high school completion opportunities within juvenile detention facilities, partnering with local businesses for job placements, and funding through a dedicated state fund for program costs like transportation and mental health services. Annual reports will track participant outcomes, including employment rates and recidivism, with the program set to sunset after six years unless reauthorized.

Maddy summaryHB 773 modifies Missouri's minimum prison terms for certain felony offenders. It requires offenders with one prior prison commitment to serve at least 40% of their sentence (or until age 70, whichever comes first) before parole eligibility, increasing to 50% for two prior commitments and 80% for three or more. Dangerous felony convictions (per §556.061) require an 85% minimum sentence. The bill also creates a sentencing advisory commission to study sentencing disparities and alternative programs, though this is a secondary provision. The changes apply specifically to listed felony offenses and do not affect probation rules or certain offenses like domestic assault.

Maddy summaryHB 1401 creates a six-month temporary real estate salesperson license that does not require taking the standard salesperson examination. This license is available to applicants who have not previously taken the exam, have completed the required salesperson coursework within six months, and have no disciplinary history that would block a license. The temporary license automatically expires after six months or when a permanent license is issued and cannot be renewed. This provision allows qualified applicants to begin working in real estate sales more quickly while meeting regulatory requirements.

Maddy summaryHCR 4 designates the last full week in April each year as "Infertility Awareness Week" in Missouri. This symbolic resolution aims to raise public understanding of infertility, reduce stigma, and highlight the emotional, financial, and medical challenges faced by individuals and couples affected by infertility - impacting millions of Missourians. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change healthcare access; instead, it formally recognizes the week to support awareness efforts led by local and national organizations. The resolution was introduced by Representative Murray and sent to the governor for approval.

Maddy summaryHJR 6 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand property tax exemptions in Missouri, primarily affecting disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The amendment would exempt the primary home (homestead) of disabled veterans - defined as those certified by the VA for 100% service-connected disability - and their surviving spouses (if they continue living in the home) from property taxes. It also maintains existing exemptions for business inventories (e.g., manufacturers' raw materials and retailers' stock) and properties used by religious, charitable, or educational organizations. The amendment requires voter approval in Missouri’s 2026 general election.

Maddy summaryHB 269 creates three tax credits to support child care access: a credit for individuals donating to child care providers, a credit for employers purchasing care for their employees' children, and a credit for child care providers themselves. Taxpayers can claim a 75% credit (minimum $100, maximum $200,000 annually) on verified donations to approved child care providers or organizations, provided funds are used for specific purposes like facility improvements, staff training, or quality enhancements. Contributions must be made to entities without the donor’s financial interest, and providers must verify proper use of funds within 60 days. The credits apply to tax years starting January 1, 2026, and cannot be refunded or transferred, though unused credits may be carried forward for up to six years.

Maddy summaryHB 331 creates a state-funded program to reimburse tuition, books, and fees for short-term career certificate programs at approved schools. It directly affects eligible students who qualify for Missouri’s A+ Schools Program but haven’t used its benefits, and approved institutions like community colleges, vocational schools, and training providers offering programs such as Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), EMT, or Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) courses. The bill establishes a dedicated "Career-Tech Certificate (CTC) Program Fund" to cover reimbursements, with limits on payments (capped at public community college rates) and rules to prevent duplicate funding for similar programs. Reimbursement ends when a student completes the program, reaches 150% of standard program time, or receives the full reimbursement amount.

Maddy summaryHB 957 designates Adelaide Avenue in St. Louis City as the "Police Officer David Lee Memorial Highway." The bill directly affects the public using this street by renaming it in honor of Officer David Lee. The key provision requires the Missouri Department of Transportation to install and maintain appropriate highway signs for the new name, with the department covering all associated costs. This is a commemorative resolution with no policy changes beyond the highway designation.