Rep. Lilly Fuchs

Maddy summaryHJR 69 proposes a constitutional amendment in Missouri that would establish an individual's right to make their own medical decisions, including gender-affirming care, without government interference. It directly affects transgender adults aged 18+ and healthcare providers who assist with such care. The bill requires that any state action restricting these decisions must use the "least restrictive means" to advance health, while ensuring decisions are made freely, supported by a licensed physician, and follow evidence-based standards. It specifically protects gender-affirming care like hormone therapy and surgeries (e.g., chest, facial, genital procedures). The amendment would take effect if approved by voters in 2026, but it has only recently been introduced and referred to committee.

Maddy summaryHB 965 extends a provision allowing retired teachers (excluding those receiving disability retirement) to work part-time as substitute teachers without losing their retirement benefits. The bill specifically continues the rule that retired educators can substitute teach through 2030 without interruption to their retirement allowance or requiring contributions to retirement systems during this work. It applies directly to retired teachers employed by public school districts or third parties in temporary substitute roles. The key mechanism is maintaining the existing policy that prevents retirement benefit discontinuance for qualifying part-time substitute work.

Maddy summaryHB 1459 repeals Missouri's statutory ban on same-sex marriage by removing Section 451.022 from state law. This bill directly affects same-sex couples in Missouri by eliminating legal barriers to marriage recognition that previously existed. The key provision removes four specific prohibitions: the statement that marriage is only between a man and a woman, the invalidation of same-sex marriages, the restriction on marriage licenses to opposite-sex couples, and the refusal to recognize same-sex marriages valid elsewhere. The bill does not create new marriage rights but removes existing legal restrictions. This change would align Missouri law with the recognition of same-sex marriages contracted within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1392 requires legislators who sponsor bills to remain present in the hearing room for the entire public hearing on their own legislation. It mandates continuous attendance unless the sponsor leaves briefly for essential health or personal needs (like medical care), requiring them to return within ten minutes. The bill explicitly excludes meal breaks or meetings from the allowed exceptions. This procedural rule directly affects bill sponsors in the general assembly during committee hearings. It aims to ensure sponsor engagement during legislative review without altering substantive policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new class E felony for government officials who maliciously prosecute journalists without good reason. It applies when an official (like a prosecutor or elected leader) starts or continues a criminal case against a journalist without probable cause, acts with malice, knows the journalist didn’t commit a crime, and causes harm. Violators face up to one year in prison and must pay damages for reputational harm. The law broadly defines "journalist" to include digital creators like bloggers and podcasters, and removes government immunity to allow lawsuits.

Maddy summaryHB 1050 repeals restrictions that previously prevented cities, towns, and counties from creating their own firearm regulations. It allows local governments to adopt rules matching specific state firearm laws (sections 571.010-571.070) or regulating open carry and firearm discharge, while banning most other local controls on sales, ownership, or transportation. The bill also shields gun manufacturers from nuisance lawsuits related to lawful sales and limits liability for injuries caused by negligent or defective products. This directly affects local governments’ regulatory authority and gun manufacturers’ legal exposure.

Maddy summaryHB 427 changes Missouri's higher education tuition residency rules. It allows students who graduated from a Missouri high school or earned a high school equivalency in Missouri to be treated as Missouri residents for tuition purposes, even if they are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, provided they agree to regularize their immigration status when eligible. The bill prohibits Missouri colleges and universities receiving state funds from denying admission based solely on immigration status if students meet these conditions. It also requires that any information collected for this purpose during admission remains confidential.

Maddy summaryHCR 4 designates the last full week in April each year as "Infertility Awareness Week" in Missouri. This symbolic resolution aims to raise public understanding of infertility, reduce stigma, and highlight the emotional, financial, and medical challenges faced by individuals and couples affected by infertility - impacting millions of Missourians. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change healthcare access; instead, it formally recognizes the week to support awareness efforts led by local and national organizations. The resolution was introduced by Representative Murray and sent to the governor for approval.

Maddy summaryHB 1058 prohibits discrimination based on a person's private medical history or medical choices in both employment and housing. It bans employers from making decisions about hiring, firing, promotions, or benefits, and housing providers from denying rentals, sales, or financial services, based on these factors. The law includes exceptions when medical history directly affects job performance or for religious institutions regarding reproductive health services. This bill directly affects employees, job applicants, and housing seekers who might face bias over personal health matters.