Rep. Scott Miller

Maddy summaryHB 2383 creates new criminal offenses targeting trespass and damage to critical infrastructure facilities, such as power plants, water treatment centers, telecom networks, pipelines, and dams. It establishes a misdemeanor charge for unauthorized entry and elevates damage to a felony, with penalties increasing based on the cost of damage or service disruption. The bill also prohibits unauthorized possession of copper, fiber-optic, or telecom materials (like cables or wires) without proper authorization, making it a felony for most individuals. These provisions directly affect trespassers, vandals, and unauthorized scrap handlers, while exempting authorized entities like utility companies and licensed recyclers. The law focuses on protecting essential infrastructure from intentional harm or theft of materials.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits digital instruction to 45 minutes daily for elementary students in kindergarten through grade five and requires at least 70% of assignments to be completed using pen, paper, or handwriting practice. It mandates daily access to printed books, hands-on learning tools (like blocks or science materials) in core subjects, and explicit cursive handwriting instruction starting in grade two, with requirements to read/write legible cursive by grade five. Exemptions apply for students with IEPs or 504 plans, and schools must adopt written technology-use policies, report device usage, and verify compliance with paper-based and cursive requirements. The law takes effect for the 2027-28 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 1644 clarifies employer responsibility in franchise relationships by stating that a franchisor (the company granting the franchise) is not considered an employer of a franchisee's (the individual running the franchise location) employees, unless the franchisor directly controls hiring, firing, discipline, or daily work direction. This bill specifically prevents franchisors from being held responsible for employment matters like wages or working conditions for franchisee employees, unless they exercise direct control over those specific actions. The law applies to all franchise operations covered under the U.S. Department of Labor's franchising rules (16 CFR 436.1) and directly affects franchisees, their employees, and franchisors by defining clear boundaries for employer liability. It creates a straightforward rule to avoid confusion over who is legally responsible for employee treatment in the franchise model.

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 summaryHB 2553, known as "Calvin's Law," requires children under 10 to wear protective headgear and ride only on motorcycles with proper passenger seats and foot pegs (unless a licensed physician certifies a medical exemption). It prohibits children under 10 from riding as passengers unless they can place both feet on foot pegs. Violations carry fines up to $100, with higher penalties ($100) for cases involving children under 10. The law also mandates that all riders under 26 wear protective headgear while operating or riding motorcycles. It takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1747 requires anyone publishing AI-generated or AI-modified images, videos, or audio to include a clear, visible, or audible label stating the content was created or altered using artificial intelligence. This applies to all publishers and disseminators of such content, including social media platforms, news outlets, and other entities. The bill creates a legal right for individuals who suffer harm due to a failure to label such content to sue the publisher for damages. The label must be developed by the secretary of state and used consistently across all AI-generated media.

Maddy summaryHB 2760, the "PRAISE Act," prohibits state and local governments from restricting religious services during emergencies declared under specific laws, directly affecting places of worship and their attendees. It ensures religious services cannot be made impractical by emergency orders, unless the emergency involves imminent dangers like wildfires or terrorism that apply broadly to the area. The bill allows places of worship to be exempt from general emergency restrictions and provides a legal path for civil lawsuits seeking injunctions, damages, or declarations if violations occur. It explicitly excludes emergency evacuations for immediate threats but requires services to resume once the danger passes.

Maddy summaryHB 1749 requires Missouri state agencies and local governments to give a three-point preference in contract bidding to veteran-owned businesses that are based in Missouri or maintain Missouri offices. It defines "honorably discharged veteran-owned enterprises" (including sole proprietors, partnerships, or corporations with 51% veteran ownership) and "service-disabled veteran businesses" (with similar ownership requirements). The bill sets a goal for 3% of state contracts to go to these businesses, but exempts agencies if no qualified veteran-owned bidders submit proposals for a specific contract. This policy change directly affects Missouri-based veteran entrepreneurs seeking state government contracts.

Maddy summaryHB 1746 declares AI systems non-sentient entities under state law and assigns legal responsibility for their actions to humans. It prohibits AI from holding legal personhood, marriage rights, corporate roles, or owning property - requiring all assets and liability to remain with owners, developers, or users. The bill mandates owners to maintain oversight for AI systems impacting safety, holds developers liable only for design defects (not misuse), and prevents companies from evading accountability through shell entities. It applies to all AI developed after August 28, 2026, and requires prompt reporting of severe incidents involving AI.

Maddy summaryHB 2559 requires state agencies to obtain legislative approval before implementing new administrative rules that would cost over $250,000 annually for government, businesses, or individuals. Agencies must notify the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and the full legislature, which must pass a concurrent resolution approving the rule before it takes effect. Rules not approved this way become invalid, with exceptions for federal compliance or funding requirements. This directly affects state agencies creating significant-cost rules and shifts authority to the legislature for final approval.