Rep. Marty Murray

Maddy summaryHB 2505 modifies Missouri custody law to establish that grandparents must be given priority over other third parties when a court considers placing a child in third-party custody. The bill specifically states that if a court finds parents unfit or unable to care for a child, custody should first be offered to the child's grandparent(s) before considering other third parties like relatives or non-relatives. This applies only in cases where the court determines third-party custody is necessary and in the child's best interest, not automatically. The law requires courts to make this priority explicit in their custody decisions under the "best interest of the child" standard. It does not change existing custody rules for parents but adds grandparents as the first option for third-party custody placements.

Maddy summaryHB 1856 amends Missouri's cigarette tax law to set a rate of $0.17 per pack (8.5 mills per cigarette), with revenue directed to public education and healthcare through the "Fair Share Fund." This change would require voter approval and applies to all cigarette sales within Missouri, affecting retailers, distributors, and consumers. The bill maintains existing tax collection mechanisms, requiring stamps on cigarette packages and specifying that the tax must be absorbed by the consumer. It also preserves provisions for the tax to potentially decrease to $0.13 per pack ($0.065 per cigarette) if certain state appropriations are made. The measure does not alter current tax rates but formalizes their use for designated public purposes upon voter consent.

Maddy summaryHB 1923 restricts general public access to Missouri jails and detention facilities, requiring most visitors to obtain special permission from the facility's chief administrator. The bill specifically allows access for certain officials (like state legislators, judges, prosecutors, and county executives), their authorized assistants, and all recognized clergy for religious services. It mandates that all jails update their visitor rules by March 1, 2027, to comply with these provisions, with the state Department of Public Safety reviewing rules for consistency. The law does not change who can be incarcerated but modifies who may visit facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 1911 creates a new criminal offense for installing, concealing, or placing an electronic tracking device on a motor vehicle without the consent of all vehicle owners, specifically to monitor occupants. It directly affects vehicle owners and occupants by prohibiting unauthorized tracking, with key exceptions including law enforcement investigations, parents monitoring minor children, tracking stolen vehicles, and certain insurance programs. The bill specifies penalties: a class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a class E felony for repeat violations. It explicitly excludes manufacturers' built-in tracking systems and covers specific authorized uses like lienholders repossessing vehicles.

Maddy summaryHB 1921, the "Missouri Worker Dues Tax Fairness Act," allows Missouri taxpayers to subtract union dues from their state income tax. It applies to individuals who pay union dues (including initiation fees but excluding political contributions) and are subject to Missouri income tax, with a maximum annual subtraction of $2,000 per person or $4,000 for joint returns. The deduction becomes effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2027, and requires taxpayers to provide documentation like pay stubs or union statements to claim the benefit. This policy directly affects union members by reducing their taxable income for state tax purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 1920 requires Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services to create an education program promoting respect for health care professionals and informing the public about legal consequences of assaulting them. It allows hospitals to receive state reimbursement for two years of security-related property/technology costs (compliant with federal standards) and for three years of security personnel payroll costs, funded through a new dedicated "Hospital Security Fund." The fund, supported by state appropriations and other sources, must be used solely for these reimbursements, with unspent balances at the end of each biennium not reverting to general revenue. The program expires on August 28, 2029.

Maddy summaryHB 1922 modifies Missouri's tax computation rules by repealing and replacing section 143.121 of the state tax code. The bill adds specific modifications to federal adjusted gross income for Missouri tax purposes, including adjustments for federal tax refunds (excluding pandemic-related credits), interest on certain government bonds, and net operating losses. It does not create new tax deductions for educators or first responders, as the title suggests, but instead adjusts how existing tax calculations are processed. The changes primarily affect how Missouri calculates taxable income based on federal tax filings, with no direct new benefits specified for any profession.

Maddy summaryHB 2391 modifies Missouri law to expand prescribing authority for advanced practice registered nurses (APNs). It allows APNs with a board-certified controlled substance prescriptive authority to prescribe medications in Schedules III, IV, and V, and limited Schedule II (specifically hydrocodone for hospice patients). The bill requires APNs to either work under a collaborative practice agreement with a physician or qualify for an exemption from that requirement. It also prohibits APNs from prescribing controlled substances for themselves or family members and limits Schedule II/hydrocodone prescriptions to 120-hour supplies without refills. This directly affects APNs seeking greater prescribing independence within defined boundaries.

Maddy summaryHB 2632 prohibits insurers from using credit reports or insurance credit scores to set rates for auto, property, or renters insurance policies. It directly affects consumers applying for or holding these policies, requiring insurers to disclose if credit data influences rates and providing notice of adverse actions (like higher premiums). Key provisions include mandating disclosure at application, extending dispute resolution periods for credit errors, and requiring insurers to justify rate decisions based on non-credit factors if credit scores are unavailable. The bill excludes mortgage, commercial insurance, and payment plan options, and prohibits using credit inquiries as negative factors in scoring.

Maddy summaryHB 2630 changes how vacancies in the state's general assembly are filled. It requires the governor to issue an election writ within seven days if a member dies during a recess, unless the vacancy occurs after the 40th Tuesday before the member's term ends. This directly affects governors, who must act faster to schedule special elections for vacant seats. The bill modifies the existing process to streamline vacancy fillings, ensuring timely elections for constituents. (Procedural bill; summary focuses on specific policy change.)