Rep. Ray Reed

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 814, titled the "Missouri Business Tax Adjustment Act," creates a new tiered income tax system for Missouri business entities based on annual net revenue. It directly affects corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other business taxpayers operating in Missouri, replacing previous tax rates with the following tiers: 7% for businesses with $10M+ net revenue, 5% for $1M-$10M, 3.5% for $500k-$1M, and existing rates for small businesses under $500k. The bill establishes a dedicated "Missouri Business Tax Fund" to hold revenue collected under this new system. This change takes effect for tax years beginning after the bill's passage and adoption.

Maddy summaryHB 215 creates tax credits for individuals and businesses that donate to child care providers or qualifying nonprofits supporting child care services. It allows a 75% credit (up to $200,000 annually) against state tax liability for verified donations used to improve child care access for children 12 and younger, particularly in "child care deserts" (areas with high poverty, low income, or limited provider access). Donors must receive verification from providers or nonprofits, who must use funds solely for child care purposes and report to the state. The credit applies to contributions for facility improvements, staff training, or services, but not for direct care purchases or ineligible purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 813 establishes a Missouri Child Tax Credit for eligible low- and middle-income families with dependent children. It provides $7,200 annually (or $600 monthly) for each child under age 7 and $3,600 annually (or $300 monthly) for each child aged 7 to 17, with a maximum of six children per taxpayer. To qualify, taxpayers must be Missouri residents with a Missouri adjusted gross income under $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (married filing jointly), claim the child as a federal dependent, and have the child living with them in Missouri for over half the year. Taxpayers can choose to receive the credit as monthly advance payments starting in 2026 or claim it as a lump sum when filing their state tax return.

Maddy summaryHB 1518 prohibits public schools and public colleges from using mascots, logos, or names that mock or stereotype people with disabilities, as defined by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. It requires schools to stop using such "discriminatory disability mascots" immediately, except for existing materials (like uniforms or yearbooks) purchased before the law's effective date, which can be used for up to three years if schools adopt new non-discriminatory names and stop selling or distributing materials displaying the old mascot. Schools must remove the mascot from facilities during normal maintenance or remodeling within that three-year window. The bill directly affects all public school districts and public institutions of higher education in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 690 is a definitional bill that updates Missouri's firearm law by creating clear, standardized definitions for various weapons and related terms. It defines terms like "antique firearm," "concealable firearm," "military-style semi-automatic firearm," "knife," and "projectile weapon" to clarify what constitutes specific categories under state law. The bill does not create new restrictions but establishes consistent terminology for enforcement and legal interpretation. These definitions will directly affect law enforcement, courts, and anyone subject to Missouri's firearm regulations. The bill is currently in committee referral for review during the 2025 legislative session.

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 1334 modifies Missouri law to govern state cooperation with federal immigration authorities. It prohibits local governments and officials from restricting communication with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about an individual's immigration status - except when a clear public safety concern exists - and requires annual law enforcement training on racial profiling and constitutional rights. The bill also blocks state funding for entities violating these rules and explicitly bans cooperation with immigration practices based on racial profiling or constitutional violations. It exempts agencies administering federal benefit programs from these provisions. The law directly affects Missouri law enforcement agencies, local governments, and state-funded entities interacting with federal immigration enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 702 creates automatic voter registration for eligible individuals when they interact with specific state services, such as applying for a driver's license, social services, university enrollment, or unemployment benefits. The bill requires state agencies to share eligible individuals' information with the secretary of state, who then sends nonbinding registration recommendations to local election offices. Voters can opt out by returning a postage-paid postcard within one month; otherwise, their name is added to the voter list. This system works alongside existing registration methods and does not replace current processes. The bill mandates verification procedures to ensure only eligible voters are registered.

Maddy summaryHB 1517 requires the state to give preference to bidders whose employees are union members when awarding contracts in construction, infrastructure, energy, healthcare, education, public safety, or utilities. This applies only when competing bids offer equal or better performance quality and the same or lower price, or when bids are entirely comparable. The bill defines "labor organization" as groups focused on collective bargaining, grievance handling, or mutual employment protection. It directly affects state contractors in these sectors by making union labor a factor in contract decisions under specific cost and quality conditions.