Rep. Lilly Fuchs

Maddy summaryHB 1033 removes time limits for prosecuting certain sexual offenses involving minors. Specifically, it allows prosecutions for unlawful sexual offenses against victims under 18 years old to be filed at any time, regardless of when the offense occurred. This change directly affects victims of these crimes, prosecutors, and the justice system by eliminating statutes of limitations for these cases. The bill amends Chapter 566 to clarify that such offenses - defined as those requiring registration under sections 589.400-589.425 - may be prosecuted without time restrictions. This is a concrete policy change focused on enabling accountability for crimes against minors.

Maddy summaryHB 1585 exempts registered syringe access programs and their staff from criminal charges for distributing hypodermic needles/syringes when operating under state health department authorization. To qualify, programs must register with the Department of Health and Senior Services, partner with mental health/substance use treatment providers, and avoid locations within 500 feet of schools built after their operation began. The bill specifically removes penalties for needle distribution tied to these registered programs, while maintaining criminal penalties for general drug paraphernalia sales. This policy change allows harm-reduction services to operate without fear of prosecution for needle distribution under defined conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 1460 amends Missouri's anti-discrimination law to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status in both employment and housing. The bill updates the definition of "discrimination" to include these categories alongside existing protections like race, sex, and disability, which were not previously covered for sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. This affects employers with six or more employees and housing providers by requiring them to avoid discriminatory practices based on these protected characteristics. Individuals facing such discrimination can file complaints with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights under the updated law.

Maddy summaryHB 843 abolishes the death penalty for first-degree murder convictions in Missouri, requiring courts to sentence offenders to life imprisonment without parole instead. It directly affects individuals convicted of first-degree murder under Missouri law (RSMo § 565.004), replacing the death penalty option with a mandatory life sentence. The bill repeals existing statutes allowing the death penalty and mandates that any current death sentences be automatically converted to life imprisonment without parole. This change applies to all future convictions and existing cases where a death sentence was imposed but not executed.

Maddy summaryHB 994 abolishes the death penalty for first-degree murder convictions in Missouri, replacing it with a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without parole. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of first-degree murder who would have previously faced execution. Key provisions repeal all existing death penalty statutes and require courts to impose life imprisonment without parole as the sole penalty for this offense. The law eliminates the possibility of a death sentence, ensuring all such convictions result in life in prison. It applies to all current and future cases involving first-degree murder.

Maddy summaryHCR 13 rescinds all prior applications made by the Missouri legislature to Congress for an Article V convention, which is a process to propose changes to the U.S. Constitution. This resolution formally cancels Missouri's previous efforts to request such a convention and asks that it be published in the Congressional Record and added to the official tally of state applications. It does not create new policy but updates Missouri's legislative position on constitutional convention requests.

Maddy summaryHB 1357 decriminalizes certain acts previously classified as prostitution (like selling sex for money) but creates a new offense for "commercial sexual exploitation" targeting those who profit from others' sexual acts. It establishes specific rules for sexually oriented businesses, including requiring employees to stay at least 10 feet from patrons while seminude and banning employees from touching customers. The law directly affects sex workers (for decriminalized acts), businesses operating in this sector, and individuals engaging in exploitation. Key provisions include class A misdemeanor penalties for violations like employees touching customers or allowing minors on premises, while aiming to reduce exploitation and protect minors.

Maddy summaryHB 811 allows DACA recipients who meet all educational and professional requirements to obtain state-issued professional licenses (like for nursing or engineering) on the same basis as U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. It prohibits licensing boards from considering citizenship or immigration status when reviewing applications and requires evaluations to be based solely on qualifications, education, and competency. Licenses granted under this bill would have the same renewal terms and validity as those issued to other licensees, provided the recipient maintains valid work authorization. The law applies to all license applications submitted on or after August 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1057 requires HIV testing for individuals convicted of sexual offenses (as defined in Chapter 566) before incarceration, limiting testing to two rounds per year at the defendant’s expense. It grants crime victims the right to access the offender’s HIV test results and mandates healthcare facilities to provide infection control training, including universal precautions for handling invasive procedures. The bill updates protocols for healthcare professionals and facilities to prevent transmission of HIV and other blood-borne infections during patient care. These changes directly affect convicted offenders, crime victims, and Missouri healthcare providers.

Maddy summaryHB 1395 establishes Missouri's "Fair Housing Act" by overhauling state law to prohibit discrimination in housing and employment based on protected characteristics like race, religion, disability, sex, age, and familial status. The bill adds explicit protections for families with children (including pregnant individuals) and updates disability definitions to include people recovering from substance use disorders through rehabilitation programs. It clarifies that housing providers, landlords, and employers (including state entities) must comply with these anti-discrimination standards, covering rental properties, public accommodations, and hiring practices. The law replaces outdated provisions with new sections to modernize enforcement and align with broader civil rights protections.