Rep. Peggy McGaugh

Maddy summaryHJR 122 proposes a constitutional amendment to change Missouri's term limits for state legislators. It would replace current limits (8 years in one house, 16 years total across both houses) with a new rule: before December 5, 2030, legislators could serve up to 8 years in one house or 16 years total; after that date, the total limit becomes 16 years across both houses, counting all prior service. The amendment also limits the Speaker of the House to three terms and the Senate President Pro Tempore to two terms. This change requires voter approval in the 2026 election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 3439 modifies Missouri's Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act to expand eligibility for free college tuition. It now includes volunteer firefighters (previously excluded) among public safety personnel who qualify, alongside police officers, paramedics, and EMTs. To qualify, applicants must have at least six years of service, meet specific licensing requirements, pursue approved fields like fire science or emergency management, and apply for other financial aid first. The program covers up to 100% of resident tuition for up to five years or 120 credit hours, with dependent benefits available for those with ten or more years of service.

Maddy summaryHB 1906 allows Missouri counties to let property owners pay real and personal property taxes in installments (annual, semiannual, or quarterly) instead of one lump sum. Taxpayers pay based on an estimate of last year's tax bill, adjusted at year-end for any overpayment (refunded by the county) or underpayment (paid by the taxpayer). Counties must establish collection procedures and can charge interest if installments are missed. This applies to most property owners but excludes financial institutions paying taxes from escrow accounts as defined by federal regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 2605 primarily modifies bond issuance procedures, not election notice publication as the title suggests. It requires state auditors to certify compliance with legal requirements for both bearer and registered bonds issued by local governments (counties, cities, school districts, etc.), detailing specific documentation needed for validity. The bill also includes limited election notice provisions, such as mandating publication in two newspapers of different political faith for special elections and specifying ballot requirements. These election-related provisions appear to be minor additions within the broader bond certification framework. The bill does not directly affect voters or election administration beyond these specific notice requirements for bond-related elections.

Maddy summaryThis resolution grants the Missouri Association of Counties permission to use the House Chamber on April 15, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. for their annual Legislative Day event. The bill directly affects the Missouri Association of Counties and requires their representatives to follow strict conduct rules during the event. Key provisions include prohibiting food, drinks, banners, photography, or equipment use in the chamber, requiring respectful behavior and appropriate dress, and mandating a representative from the sponsoring legislator to oversee the event. The resolution is procedural and does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 394 modifies Missouri's State Legal Expense Fund to expand coverage for legal claims involving specific health care professionals and state employees. It adds coverage for state-employed doctors conducting disability reviews, contracted health providers at correctional facilities, volunteer physicians in community clinics (like free screenings), and school health workers providing primary care without compensation. The bill sets clear spending limits: $1 million per claim for certain physicians, and $500,000 for nurses, dentists, or school health providers. It explicitly excludes claims involving abortion services and clarifies that volunteer work without compensation qualifies for fund coverage under these limits.

Maddy summaryHB 480 criminalizes harassment and threats against election officials and their families, directly affecting county election authorities, judges, and volunteers who work on elections. The bill prohibits specific actions like threatening harm, using force, influencing officials to break election laws, stalking, or sharing personal details (such as home addresses, Social Security numbers, or children's identities) online. Violations are classified as a "class one election offense," with severe cases resulting in a "class B felony" if they cause death or injury. The law aims to protect election workers by creating clear criminal penalties for targeted harassment.

Maddy summaryHB 373 prohibits public officials, employees, or agents of political subdivisions (including school districts and charter schools) from using public funds to support or oppose ballot measures or candidates, or to pay debts for political committees. It specifically bans directing public money toward political activities while allowing officials to make public appearances or issue press releases about ballot measures. Violations would be treated as a class four election offense. The bill aims to prevent public funds from being used for political advocacy, directly affecting local government entities and school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 375 requires all elementary schools in public school districts and charter schools to teach cursive writing, ensuring students can produce readable cursive documents by the end of fifth grade. It mandates that each student pass a teacher-created test demonstrating proficiency in both reading and writing cursive. The bill directly affects elementary students and schools, with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education authorized to create implementing rules under specific procedural guidelines. The legislation focuses on concrete instructional requirements rather than broader educational reforms.

Maddy summaryHB 507 modifies election observer rules in Missouri, primarily affecting political parties through their county committee chairs. It requires parties to designate "challengers" (to monitor voter eligibility) and "watchers" (to observe vote counting) at polling places and counting locations, with both needing to be registered voters in the jurisdiction. Designated observers must be verified by election authorities before the election, and they may report suspected election law violations to judges or authorities but cannot disclose voter names or ballot choices. The bill also clarifies that certain elections (like disaster-related bond votes or school tax elections) are exempt from standard election day rules.