Rep. Stephanie Boykin

Maddy summaryHB 2773 requires all public elementary schools in the state to teach cursive writing, ensuring students can produce legible cursive handwriting by the end of fifth grade. Students must pass a teacher-created test demonstrating proficiency in both reading and writing cursive. The law directly affects elementary students and school districts, mandating this instruction as part of their curriculum. It does not specify teaching methods but sets a clear proficiency standard for fifth-grade students.

Maddy summaryHB 2772 establishes the "Youth Workforce Development Program" to provide job training, certifications, and life skills to at-risk youth aged 12-21 in counties with over 1 million residents or cities outside counties. The program, administered by the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, offers vocational training, high school diplomas, internships with local businesses, and mental health support - specifically requiring juvenile detention facilities to provide these services to youth held there. A dedicated state fund finances the program, covering costs like transportation, childcare, mental health services, and internship stipends, with annual reports tracking participant employment rates and recidivism. The program targets youth involved in juvenile justice, those with school suspensions, homelessness, or other risk factors, aiming to improve workforce readiness and reduce future system involvement.

Maddy summaryHB 3122 requires new charter schools (not established by August 28, 2026) to obtain a "certificate of need" from the State Board of Education before operating. This affects proposed charter schools seeking approval, mandating they prove local demand for alternatives, demonstrate no harm to existing public schools, and show potential to improve academic outcomes, reduce inequities, and address family needs like safety and transportation. The State Board must review applications within 120 days, approving only if supporting data is factual and reasonable. Renewals or sponsor transfers of existing schools are exempt from this requirement. The bill does not change existing legal obligations under other education laws.

Maddy summaryHB 3123 lowers the minimum age for school entry in Missouri from 7 to 5 years old. It requires parents or guardians to enroll children aged 5 and older in school and ensure regular attendance, with exceptions for children with documented disabilities, those aged 14+ with legal employment, or children with mental health needs supported by professional documentation. Parents may also withdraw children aged 5-7 from school by submitting a written request. The bill clarifies that private, home, and religious schools are not required to follow state-mandated curricula.

Maddy summaryHB 2063 requires Missouri's Secretary of State to provide all printed public materials in Spanish upon request. This applies to materials published and distributed by the Secretary of State's office, such as voter guides or forms. The bill adds a new section (28.950) to state law, mandating Spanish availability without requiring automatic translation of all materials. It directly affects Spanish-speaking residents and others who need these materials in a language they understand. The change is limited to printed materials and only when a specific request is made.

Maddy summaryHB 2522 allows individuals with specific U.S. federal employment authorizations to obtain professional or occupational licenses (like for nursing or contracting) if they provide two documents: an unexpired DHS employment authorization card (Form I-766) and proof they meet federal REAL ID Act criteria. Licenses issued under this bill are only valid for the same period as the employment authorization document. The bill explicitly states it does not change other license requirements, grant access to public benefits beyond licensing, or alter immigration status. It directly affects immigrants with certain work permits who seek licensed professions but does not impact unrelated licensing rules or eligibility for other government assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 2355 would authorize Missouri's Department of Social Services to seek a federal waiver from Medicare and Medicaid to create a "Food is Medicine" program within MO HealthNet. This program would provide nutrition services - including counseling, meals, prescriptions, and grocery support - to MO HealthNet participants diagnosed with nutrition-related chronic diseases like diabetes or heart conditions. The bill requires prioritizing community organizations and local farms for food purchases in nutrition prescriptions. It directly affects low-income Missourians enrolled in MO HealthNet who manage chronic health conditions linked to diet. The bill is currently in the Health and Mental Health committee for review.

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 3280 creates a special license plate for surviving spouses of disabled veterans, replacing the standard "SHOW-ME STATE" plate with "SURVIVING SPOUSE" and "OF DISABLED VETERAN" on the bottom. To qualify, applicants must prove surviving spouse status, pay a $15 fee on top of regular registration, and own a vehicle (not commercial or over 24,000 lbs gross weight). The plates must be reflective, visually clear at night, and aesthetically consistent with state standards, but cannot be transferred to others except to a co-owner if the qualifying spouse dies. This policy change directly affects eligible surviving spouses by providing a visible identifier for their status.

Maddy summaryHB 2276 creates a property tax exemption for Missouri veterans with service-connected disabilities, directly affecting qualifying veterans and their surviving spouses. It provides annual tax relief based on disability rating: $2,500 for 50-70% disability, $5,000 for 70-100%, and full tax exemption for 100% disability, all applied to the primary residence (valued under $250,000). Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or with service-connected death may also qualify if they meet VA certification and residency requirements. The exemption begins January 1, 2027, and requires annual reapplication unless the veteran has a 100% disability rating.