Rep. Ray Reed

Maddy summaryHB 2612 requires insurance companies selling long-term care insurance in the state to submit premium rate proposals to the Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) for prior approval before implementing them, effective August 28, 2026. Insurers cannot charge new or changed premiums without DCI's written approval, and DCI must act within 90 days (or the rate is automatically approved). DCI may disapprove rates if they are unreasonable, unfairly discriminatory, excessive, or based on unrealistic assumptions, providing written reasons for rejection. The bill also mandates public hearings or comment periods for rate filings and gives DCI authority to later revise approved rates.

Maddy summaryHB 3283 modifies how public employee unions and government employers negotiate contracts. It requires both sides to bargain in good faith for wages, benefits, and working conditions, with a 180-day deadline to reach an agreement before mediation begins. If negotiations stall, the dispute moves to mediation (within 14 days) and then binding interest arbitration (within 90 days), with arbitrators selected from federal or private panels. The bill prohibits public employers from making unilateral changes to negotiated terms during bargaining and ensures arbitration decisions are binding, except for provisions requiring new laws. It directly affects public sector unions and government bodies across Missouri.

Maddy summaryHB 2898 modifies Missouri law governing how counties with land bank agencies handle tax-delinquent properties. It establishes new procedures for land bank agencies to acquire properties through tax sales after two years of unpaid taxes, replacing older rules. Key changes include restricting who can bid (barring current tax delinquents, land bank employees, and certain officials), requiring non-resident bidders to appoint a Missouri agent, and allowing counties to opt into this process. The bill directly affects counties operating land banks, potential property buyers, and tax collectors managing these sales. It focuses on streamlining land bank acquisitions while adding safeguards to prevent conflicts of interest in the bidding process.

Maddy summaryHB 1757 requires school districts to establish state-approved gifted education programs if 3% or more of students are identified as needing specialized services, starting in the 2024-25 school year. It mandates universal screenings for all students before third grade using multiple assessment methods (like academic achievement and creativity), prohibits using Advanced Placement courses alone for identification, and sets teacher certification requirements based on district size. Districts must also create parent notification processes and appeal procedures for gifted program eligibility decisions. The bill directly affects school districts, teachers, gifted students, and their families by standardizing how districts identify and serve gifted students.

Maddy summaryHB 2592 would restore voting rights to Missouri residents convicted of a felony who are on probation or parole, removing a current barrier that prevents them from voting until their supervision ends. The bill amends state law to eliminate the provision that disqualifies individuals "while on probation or parole" after a felony conviction, directly affecting thousands of Missourians under community supervision. Key provisions would allow these individuals to register and vote in all elections once they meet standard residency and registration requirements, without waiting for full discharge from supervision. This change specifically applies to felony convictions, not misdemeanor offenses or incarceration, and aligns with broader efforts to expand voting access for people with past criminal convictions.

Maddy summaryHJR 115 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a property tax exemption for Missouri disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. It defines a "disabled veteran" as a Missouri resident honorably separated from military service with a 100% VA-certified service-connected disability, and a "homestead" as their primary residence (not exceeding 2.5 acres). The exemption would apply to real property used as a primary home, excluding portions rented for more than six months annually. This amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election and would replace the current property tax exemption provisions in Missouri's constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 1908 ensures Missouri courts can grant a divorce (dissolution of marriage) or legal separation even if one party is pregnant. The bill explicitly states that pregnancy status does not prevent a court from entering such a judgment, removing any prior barrier. Courts must still meet standard requirements, including residency, the marriage being irretrievably broken (for divorce) or not (for legal separation), and arrangements for children and property. This change directly affects individuals in Missouri family court cases involving pregnancy who seek divorce or legal separation.

Maddy summaryHB 2089 creates a property tax exemption for Missouri veterans with service-connected disabilities, directly affecting qualifying veterans and their surviving spouses. The bill grants annual exemptions of $2,500 for veterans with 30-49% disability (certified by the VA) and $5,000 for those with 50-69% disability, applied to their primary residence valued under $250,000. Surviving spouses may qualify if the veteran died in service, was eligible but died before applying, or if the spouse receives VA dependency compensation. The exemption applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2027, and requires the veteran to own and reside in the property as their principal home.

Maddy summaryHCR 17 is a non-binding resolution urging Missouri's legislature to prioritize environmental and economic policies. It calls for advancing renewable energy (including 100% clean electricity by 2040), supporting farmers with climate-resilient practices, and improving infrastructure for climate resilience. The resolution does not create new laws but encourages the General Assembly to develop and support such policies through future legislation. It specifically emphasizes benefits for rural communities, farmers, and underserved populations affected by environmental challenges.

Maddy summaryHB 487 requires health insurance plans covering 25+ employees to include infertility diagnosis and treatment (like IVF, embryo transfer, artificial insemination, and egg freezing before cancer treatment) starting August 2025. It mandates coverage only after less expensive infertility treatments fail, limits IVF to four oocyte retrievals (with exceptions for live births), and excludes religious institutions that oppose the procedures based on faith. The bill directly affects employers offering group health plans and employees seeking fertility care, ensuring broader access while respecting religious exemptions. Coverage is not required for plans sponsored by religious organizations that object to the treatments.