Rep. Josh Hurlbert

Maddy summaryHB 2312, if passed, would create a legal remedy for Missouri residents and businesses targeted by lawsuits claiming websites violate accessibility laws (like the ADA). It allows these parties to sue the lawyers or firms filing such lawsuits if courts determine the litigation is "abusive" - meaning it primarily seeks payment for defense costs rather than fixing accessibility issues. Key provisions include a 30-day window for defendants to correct website issues before lawsuits can be deemed abusive, court factors to assess abuse (like history of similar lawsuits or defendant resources), and penalties including attorney fees for abusive cases. The law would expire if the federal government issues ADA website accessibility standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Missouri's tax credit program for contributions to educational assistance organizations (EAOs). It allows taxpayers to claim a 100% credit for donations made after August 2021, capped at 50% of their state tax liability, with an annual $75 million limit adjusted yearly based on school district funding changes. Credits are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and taxpayers cannot designate specific students for scholarships. The law directly affects donors to EAOs and the organizations themselves, ensuring credits are used within the annual cap without transferability or refunds.

Maddy summaryHB 2154 allows Missouri adult students (aged 21+, without a high school diploma or equivalent, needing fewer than 12 credits to graduate) to enroll in state-approved virtual school programs offered by school districts or public colleges. The bill establishes a specific funding mechanism where providers receive 14% of the state adequacy target per completed course, paid monthly from state funds separate from regular school revenue. It also prohibits school districts from reporting adult student enrollment data for certain state reports under sections 160.522 or 161.670. This directly affects adult learners seeking diplomas and the school districts or institutions offering these virtual programs.

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 91 establishes a licensing framework for naturopathic doctors in the state, creating the "Naturopathic Practice Act" to define their scope of practice and oversight. The bill sets requirements for licensure, including education standards, continuing education hours, and professional conduct rules, while defining permitted procedures like allergy testing and minor office treatments (e.g., superficial wound care). It also creates a five-member Board of Naturopathic Medicine, appointed by the governor, to regulate the profession - comprising three licensed naturopathic doctors, one medical doctor, and a public member. This directly affects naturopathic doctors seeking or maintaining licensure and ensures standardized practice within defined boundaries.

Maddy summaryHB 447 repeals and replaces Missouri's existing charter school laws to restrict where charter schools can operate and who can sponsor them. The bill limits charter schools to specific districts: metropolitan areas, large urban districts (over 350,000 residents), unaccredited or provisionally accredited districts, certain counties (150,000-200,000 population), and counties with charter government. It also imposes a 35% enrollment cap for districts with over 1,550 students and restricts sponsors to local school boards, accredited colleges, or community colleges serving the district. These changes directly affect school districts, charter school operators, and students in the specified geographic areas.

Maddy summaryHB 1393 requires school districts to create policies allowing students to be excused from school for religious instruction courses (called "released time courses") taught by independent groups. It mandates that districts must excuse students for 1-5 hours weekly upon written parental consent, with specific conditions: the sponsoring group must handle transportation and liability, use no school funds (beyond minimal administrative costs), and provide attendance records. Crucially, the bill requires school districts to award academic credit for these courses based *only* on secular criteria (like class hours, syllabus, and instructor qualifications), not religious content. This directly affects students, parents, and school districts by establishing clear, neutral rules for religious instruction outside school hours while ensuring credit recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 1270 changes how schools handle missed days due to weather, emergencies, or closures. It replaces the previous requirement to make up entire school days with an hour-based system (requiring 36 hours of makeup for the first closure period, then half hours for additional days). School districts can use approved remote learning plans for up to 36 hours per year during emergencies (like pandemics or severe weather), but must submit detailed plans to the education department covering instruction, communication, and student support. The law directly affects all public school districts in the state, requiring them to track hours instead of days and follow specific guidelines for approved alternative instruction.

Maddy summaryHB 568 modifies Missouri's tax credit program for contributions to educational assistance organizations that fund scholarships. It allows taxpayers to claim a 100% tax credit (up to 50% of their state tax liability) for donations made after August 2021, replacing previous rules. The bill sets an annual $75 million cap on total credits, adjusted yearly based on school district aid changes, with credits allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. This directly affects taxpayers who contribute to scholarship programs, enabling them to reduce their state tax bill while supporting student scholarships through designated organizations.

Maddy summaryHB 92 allows electrical corporations to include construction costs for new natural gas power plants in their rate base (the assets used to calculate customer rates), but only within estimated project costs and timelines. It requires annual capacity planning reports showing how utilities will meet future energy needs for four years ahead, with penalties for failing to secure sufficient capacity due to imprudent decisions. The bill also mandates refunds with interest if construction costs are later deemed imprudently incurred, and includes a sunset provision expiring in 2035 unless extended. This directly affects utilities by changing how they recover infrastructure costs and plan for energy supply.