Rep. Steve Butz

Maddy summaryHB 1859 makes it an infraction to possess an open alcoholic beverage container in the passenger area of a motor vehicle on public roads, including streets and highways. It defines an "open container" as any bottle, can, or receptacle that is open, has a broken seal, or has partially removed contents. The law does not apply to commercial vehicles transporting people for compensation, motor homes' living quarters, or locked glove compartments. Violations are classified as minor infractions with no impact on driving records, and only the person physically holding the container can be cited.

Maddy summaryHB 1864 changes Missouri campaign finance law by prohibiting candidates from serving as their own treasurer for their campaign committees. This affects all candidates running for office who must form a candidate committee under Missouri law, requiring them to appoint a separate treasurer instead of managing their committee's finances personally. The bill removes an existing exception that allowed candidates to appoint themselves as treasurer, mandating that committees must have a designated treasurer who is a state resident. The key change ensures campaign funds are managed by an independent person, not the candidate, to improve financial oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 1862 replaces Missouri's existing ethics commission rules with new provisions. It establishes a six-member bipartisan commission appointed by the governor from lists submitted by party committees, requiring nominees to disclose financial interests and political contributions. Members serve four-year terms with strict party balance rules (no more than three from one party, one per congressional district) and cannot serve more than one full term. The bill also sets term expiration dates and prohibits interference with the commission's independent operations.

Maddy summaryHB 1861 modifies Missouri law specifically for the sheriff of the City of St. Louis by replacing sections 57.010 and 57.530 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo). The bill requires the St. Louis sheriff to hold a valid peace officer license (with limited exceptions) and mandates that deputies receive a minimum annual salary of $50,000. It also requires the sheriff to obtain circuit court judge approval before appointing deputies and sets salary limits based on the City of St. Louis Board of Aldermen's approved rates. This bill directly affects the St. Louis sheriff’s office and its deputy employees.

Maddy summaryHB 1857 modifies Missouri's law on unlawful firearm possession by expanding who is prohibited from possessing a firearm and adjusting penalties. It makes it a crime for individuals with certain felony convictions (including out-of-state), fugitives from justice, those habitually intoxicated, or mentally incompetent to possess a firearm. The bill also prohibits minors under 18 from possessing a firearm on public property, unless they completed a required hunter education course. Penalties are set as a class C felony (or class B if the person has a prior dangerous felony conviction or prior unlawful possession). Antique firearms are specifically exempt from these provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1860 creates a 15-member "Task Force on Gun Violence in the City of St. Louis" to address local gun violence. The task force includes four state legislators (appointed by chamber leaders), a public safety director, and eight community members representing police, schools, parents, students, and residents. It will form specialized teams to analyze gun violence data, build community partnerships, develop reduction strategies, and measure progress through monthly meetings. The task force must submit annual reports to the governor and legislature and expires on December 31, 2028 (or extended to 2030). This bill directly affects St. Louis City residents and local institutions by establishing a formal structure for collaborative violence prevention efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 1707 modifies Missouri's sales tax code by excluding credit card and debit card processing fees from the definition of "gross receipts." This means businesses will no longer pay sales tax on these transaction fees, as they are now specifically exempted from the taxable sales amount. The bill directly affects retailers, restaurants, and other businesses that process payments through credit or debit cards. The key mechanism clarifies that these fees, previously included in taxable gross receipts, are now treated as separate from the actual sale price for tax calculation purposes. This change reduces the tax burden on businesses for payment processing costs.

Maddy summaryHB 1717 would allow veterans aged 21+ with PTSD, major depression, substance use disorders, or end-of-life care needs to legally use psilocybin for therapeutic purposes under strict conditions. To qualify, veterans must enroll in a research study, provide physician documentation of their condition, identify a trained facilitator (a licensed mental health professional meeting specific criteria), and have psilocybin tested by a state-licensed lab. The bill prohibits state/local penalties for compliant use, requires a 150mg annual limit, and shields healthcare providers from professional discipline for participating. It also mandates a $2 million state grant for psilocybin research and annual reports on the program’s implementation. This bill is currently pending in committee and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryHB 2465 amends Missouri's definition of "eligible employee" under the Small Employer Health Insurance Availability Act. It specifies that an eligible employee must work a full-time schedule of 30+ hours per week, including sole proprietors, partners, and independent contractors covered under a small employer's health plan. The change explicitly excludes part-time, temporary, and substitute workers from eligibility for small employer health insurance programs. This adjustment affects small employers (typically those with fewer than 50 employees) and their workers seeking coverage under this state insurance program.

Maddy summaryHB 2934 restructures the Regional Convention and Visitors Commission in St. Louis City and County, changing its membership composition effective August 28, 2026. The bill increases membership from 11 to 15 members, requiring four additional members appointed by the governor (including one as chair and three hotel/motel industry representatives). It specifies that city-appointed members must include a restaurant industry rep and a tourist attraction rep, while county-appointed members must include three hotel/motel representatives. The commission will continue to serve without pay, with terms structured to ensure balanced industry representation and smooth transitions for current members.