Maddy summaryHB 2997 creates a public registry of persistent domestic violence offenders within Missouri's Department of Public Safety. It defines "persistent offenders" as individuals convicted of multiple domestic violence offenses against the same victim (including at least one prior conviction), requiring courts to mandate registration upon sentencing. The registry will include names, dates of birth, offense details, conviction dates, and photos - excluding sensitive data like addresses or Social Security numbers - and will be accessible online. Offenders must pay a $150 registration fee, with $100 directed to a domestic violence prevention fund, while the department maintains the system using data from courts, corrections, and law enforcement.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHR 3986 grants the Missouri Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities permission to hold a mock legislative session in the Missouri House Chamber on July 16, 2026. The event will allow high school students with disabilities to practice leadership skills through a simulated legislative workshop, directly benefiting participants selected by the Missouri Governor's Council on Disability. The resolution specifies strict conduct rules, including no food, drinks, banners, or equipment on the dais, and requires a sponsor to oversee the group during the session. This is a procedural resolution for a single event, not a policy change.
Maddy summaryHB 2337 ensures that pregnancy does not prevent a court from granting a divorce (dissolution of marriage) or legal separation. The bill explicitly states that courts must consider pregnancy status when making decisions but cannot deny a judgment solely because a party is pregnant. It also requires divorce petitions to include the last four digits of Social Security numbers for all parties and children, and mandates courts to address custody, support, and property division. This directly affects individuals seeking divorce or legal separation while pregnant, removing a potential barrier to finalizing their cases.
Maddy summaryHB 737 replaces four existing Missouri statutes with new provisions governing financial accountability for children in state custody. The bill directly affects children under the Children's Division, their parents, and financial representatives (like fiduciaries or payees) handling funds for these children. Key mechanisms require all money received for a child - such as benefits from Social Security or Veterans Administration - to be accounted for in the child’s name and used *only* for "unmet needs" like tutoring, transportation, housing preparation, or technology (not for foster care costs or general maintenance). The law also mandates annual reviews to identify new benefits and ensures the division only acts as a representative payee when no other suitable candidate exists.
Maddy summaryHB 617 removes a restriction that previously prevented Missouri residents on probation or parole from voting after a felony or misdemeanor conviction. The bill directly affects individuals under community supervision for these offenses, allowing them to register and vote in state elections while still on probation or parole. It amends Section 561.026 of Missouri law to eliminate the disqualification for "probation or parole" after conviction, though it maintains voting bans for those incarcerated or permanently disqualified for specific offenses. This change applies only to state elections, not federal ones, and does not affect current prison voting restrictions.
Maddy summaryHB 281 establishes that alleged fathers (putative fathers) or confirmed biological fathers may be required to pay child support for an unborn child during pregnancy. The law allows mothers to petition a court within two years of the child's birth to include support payments for the pregnancy months, with payments starting six weeks after conception as determined by the mother's physician. The court sets the payment amount considering the mother's and child's best interests, and payments can be retroactively collected even if paternity is confirmed after birth. This applies only when paternity is established or disputed but resolved, and it does not create new obligations for fathers without confirmed paternity.
Maddy summaryHB 1513 expands mandatory abuse and neglect reporting requirements to include companion animal abuse. It requires professionals who already report human abuse/neglect (such as healthcare workers, social workers, animal control officers, and humane investigators) to also report suspected animal abuse. The bill mandates that these professionals complete at least one hour of training covering how to identify animal abuse, how to report it, and the connection between adult abuse and animal abuse. This training must be provided during work hours by the Department of Health and Senior Services. The law applies specifically to individuals with direct contact with vulnerable adults in their professional roles.
Maddy summaryHB 286 removes an exception that previously protected confidential communications between clergy and congregants regarding child abuse or neglect. The bill requires ministers, clergypersons, and designated agents of religious organizations to report suspected child abuse or neglect under the same mandatory reporting laws that apply to teachers, doctors, and other professionals. It repeals old provisions that exempted such communications from reporting requirements and clarifies that religious organizations may designate agents to handle reports if clergy do not report directly. This change ensures clergy are treated as mandated reporters under Missouri law when they have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes specific guidelines for humanely euthanizing dogs and cats at animal control agencies, shelters, or pounds. It designates the injection of sodium pentobarbital as the standard method for inducing death and prohibits other techniques such as gas chambers, electrocution, or blunt force trauma. The legislation allows for alternative substances if the American Veterinary Medical Association recognizes them as equally humane and if a shortage of sodium pentobarbital is officially declared. Additionally, it bans the use of commercially bottled carbon monoxide gas or chambers connected to internal combustion engines for this purpose. The bill directly impacts animal control facilities and their staff by setting legal standards for end-of-life procedures.
Maddy summaryHB 278 prohibits political subdivisions (like cities or counties) from penalizing residents, tenants, or landlords for contacting law enforcement or emergency services during abuse, crime, or emergencies when done reasonably to prevent harm. It directly affects victims of abuse/crime, their neighbors, and rental property occupants. The bill explicitly states that such requests cannot be deemed a "public nuisance," blocking penalties like eviction, license revocation, or fines. If penalties are attempted, affected individuals can sue for remedies including financial compensation, reinstated rental licenses, and attorney fees.