Rep. Gretchen Bangert

Maddy summaryHB 1499 requires that every used motor vehicle sold in Missouri undergo a safety inspection before the transaction is completed, regardless of the vehicle's age or mileage. This rule applies to both private sellers and dealers, with the seller responsible for paying for the inspection and providing the buyer with a valid certificate of inspection at the point of sale. The bill includes specific exceptions for vehicles under 40,000 miles within three years of manufacture, as well as those sold for junk, salvage, or rebuilding purposes. Violations of this new requirement are classified as infractions, and the inspection must be performed no more than sixty days prior to the date of purchase.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a legal shield for individuals who break into locked cars to rescue animals they believe are in immediate danger. To qualify for this protection, a person must first call emergency services, stay with the animal until help arrives, and use only the force necessary to get the animal out. The law defines "animal" as any living vertebrate other than humans or livestock, ensuring the immunity applies specifically to pets and wild animals trapped in vehicles. It does not grant permission to enter a vehicle for any reason other than saving an animal or a minor from imminent harm.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the governor to create and maintain a public list of all state boards, commissions, and committees where the governor appoints members. The list must include each appointee's name, city or county of residence, and the date their term ends, with photos and vacancy information posted on the governor's website starting in September 2024. While the list is designated as a public record, the governor's office is protected from monetary fines if the information is not provided correctly, and disputes over the list can only be resolved through court orders rather than financial penalties. The governor may assign the task of keeping this list and website current to the office of administration.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that drivers and passengers in most cars and trucks must wear properly adjusted safety belts, with specific exceptions for postal workers, agricultural activities, and vehicles carrying more people than available seat belts. The law applies to vehicles manufactured after 1968 and allows individuals to claim a medical exemption if they have a doctor's note stating a physical reason for not wearing a seat belt. Violations are classified as a minor infraction punishable by a fine of up to ten dollars, but the offense will not result in points on a driver's license or serve as probable cause for other traffic violations. Additionally, the bill clarifies that failing to wear a seat belt cannot be used as evidence of negligence in lawsuits, though it may slightly reduce compensation if an injury is directly linked to the lack of a seat belt. The state transportation commission is also tasked with creating a public awareness program to encourage compliance and evaluating the law's effectiveness annually.

Maddy summaryHB 1503 allows election authorities in Missouri to randomly select individuals from voter registration lists to serve as election judges when there is a shortage of volunteers. The bill requires that these randomly chosen judges be selected from a diverse cross-section of the population, considering factors like political party, location, and demographics, while ensuring service remains voluntary and free from discrimination. It also establishes protections for employees who serve as judges, prohibiting employers from penalizing them for missed work hours and allowing them to use paid time off without using personal leave. Additionally, the legislation outlines eligibility requirements for judges, such as the ability to speak English and restrictions on serving in polling places where relatives are candidates, and mandates that selected judges receive training and a notice at least fifteen days before their service begins.

Maddy summaryHB 1505 creates the Missouri Teachers Classroom Supply Assistance Program to provide direct funding for classroom materials and school supplies to teachers in public school districts and charter schools. The bill authorizes the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to distribute funds based on student attendance, which schools then allocate to individual teachers via debit cards before the start of each school year. Teachers must sign an acknowledgment statement and submit receipts for all purchases made with these cards, while any unused funds remain in the account for future distribution. The program explicitly prohibits using the money to buy equipment and requires the department to establish rules for administering the debit cards and tracking expenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies existing laws to classify the improper transportation or storage of a firearm in a motor vehicle as a specific offense under the unlawful use of a weapon statute. It directly affects individuals who carry loaded, concealed firearms in vehicles without placing them in a locked container or trunk, while also creating exceptions for law enforcement, judges, and other authorized personnel performing official duties. The legislation provides specific exemptions for adults transporting concealable firearms under certain conditions, such as when the vehicle is in a non-functioning state, traveling on a continuous journey, or when the firearm is under the driver's direct control. Additionally, the bill clarifies that transporting an unloaded firearm where ammunition is not readily accessible does not constitute a violation.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to protect the right to own and carry firearms for self-defense, while allowing local governments in certain counties and cities to regulate those rights. The amendment states that gun rights are unalienable and requires strict scrutiny for any restrictions, but it explicitly permits laws disarming convicted felons and individuals deemed dangerous due to mental health issues. Local jurisdictions would be able to issue permits for carrying firearms, charge fees limited to administrative costs, and enforce penalties of up to a $1,000 fine or one year in jail for violations. The text also recognizes out-of-state permits and exempts law enforcement, judges, and certain security personnel from local firearm regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 2794 requires Missouri public schools to help students from kindergarten through grade 12 create and regularly update personal plans for their future education and careers. These plans must include graduation requirements, career goals, and a sequence of courses that lead to the student's postsecondary objectives. The bill also mandates specific career literacy instruction time each week and requires students in grades eight and ten to complete career assessments with guidance counselors. Additionally, the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must establish online tools for tracking student progress and provide education on various college options, technical degrees, and job market trends.