Rep. Josh Hurlbert

Maddy summaryHB 1779, titled the "Defining SEX Act," defines key terms in state law to establish that "biological sex" (male or female) determines legal references to "sex" or "gender" in existing statutes and administrative rules. It specifies that "gender," when used alone, must refer to biological sex - not gender identity, expression, or role - and clarifies that "gender identity" cannot replace "sex" in legal contexts. The bill directly affects how state laws and regulations interpret terms in areas like healthcare, education, and employment, requiring state agencies to align their rules with these definitions. It also includes a specific provision ensuring individuals with differences in sex development retain ADA protections under federal law.

Maddy summaryHB 3105, titled the "Second Amendment Preservation Act," protects Missouri residents' right to possess firearms by declaring federal gun regulations within the state invalid if they exceed constitutional limits. It grants the state attorney general or county prosecutors authority to sue federal officials for infringing on these rights and requires disciplinary action for law enforcement officers who knowingly violate them. The bill also affirms Missouri's exclusive authority to regulate firearms, including maintaining the existing federal excise tax on firearms, which it states does not restrict lawful ownership.

Maddy summaryHJR 169 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring voter approval before Missouri state or local districts can increase taxes, debt, or annual spending above certain thresholds. It directly affects state and local governments (excluding government-owned enterprises) by mandating public votes for new revenue measures and creating a refund process for illegally collected revenue. Key mechanisms include requiring districts to provide detailed spending data to voters before tax/debt votes, refunding illegally collected revenue with 10% annual interest, and suspending certain spending limits only during declared emergencies. The amendment takes effect January 1, 2027, and would override conflicting existing laws.

Maddy summaryHJR 153 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how judges are selected in Missouri courts. It would replace current election-based selection with a system where the governor appoints judges (with Senate approval) from a list of nominees recommended by a nonpartisan judicial commission. The amendment also establishes a new seven-year term for all judges, including circuit and associate circuit judges, instead of varying terms under current law. Voters in certain counties could later choose through a ballot measure whether to maintain this appointment system or revert to elections. This change would affect all judges serving in Missouri's circuit courts, associate circuit courts, and higher courts, with the proposal requiring voter approval in the 2026 election.

Maddy summaryHB 3239 creates a state-funded program to help Missouri adults (21+ without a high school diploma) earn diplomas through virtual learning. It establishes "adult virtual programs" offered by school districts or public colleges, allowing eligible adults to enroll in state-approved online courses. Key provisions include funding providers 14% of the state’s funding level per completed course (capped at the full funding amount), prohibiting school districts from reporting these students for standard enrollment reports, and defining terms like "career pathways coursework" and "stackable credentials" to align education with job training. The bill directly affects adult learners seeking diplomas, providers of virtual programs, and the state education department managing funds.

Maddy summaryHB 2069 establishes legal rules for fully autonomous vehicles (SAE Levels 4-5) operating without human drivers in the state. It requires these vehicles to achieve a "minimal risk condition" during system failures, submit a law enforcement plan to public safety, and carry proof of financial responsibility. The bill mandates special vehicle registration and titling identifying them as autonomous, while clarifying that automated systems are legally considered the "driver" for traffic law compliance. It also specifies crash reporting protocols and exempts these vehicles from certain driver-focused equipment laws when operating autonomously.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public high schools to administer career readiness assessments, such as the WorkKeys test (which leads to a nationally recognized career certificate), before students graduate. Students who complete WorkKeys are exempt from taking the ACT assessment. School districts may offer additional free assessments using state funds. It also establishes that WorkKeys certificates can count as credit toward technical college degrees.

Maddy summaryHB 2248 creates a new discount program for large commercial and industrial utility customers expanding their electricity load. It offers two discount tiers: a 35% discount for new loads between 300 kW and 10 MW (applied for 5 years) and a 35% discount for loads between 10 MW and 75 MW (applied for 10 years), both requiring a minimum load factor. Discounts are calculated to ensure utilities recover 120% of their variable costs to serve the new load, with annual verification required to maintain eligibility. Customers must apply 90 days in advance and meet specific load size, load factor, and economic development incentive criteria.

Maddy summaryHJR 119 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how judges are selected in Missouri. It would require the governor to appoint judges from three nominees provided by a nonpartisan judicial commission for vacancies in the supreme court, court of appeals, and St. Louis city/Jackson County circuit courts. For other judicial circuits, voters would decide at elections whether to adopt this appointment method (instead of the current system) or maintain the existing process, with changes allowed only once every four years. The amendment must be approved by voters in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1778, the "Missouri Religious Freedom Protection Act," prohibits Missouri public officials from restricting religious services or meetings at places of worship (defined as buildings or grounds used for religious activities). It applies to state and local government employees, requiring them to allow such gatherings unless the religious group is knowingly planning violence or harm. The bill explicitly states that places of worship must still comply with standard building and fire safety codes. This law directly affects religious groups seeking to hold in-person services and government officials responsible for enforcing public health or safety regulations.