Rep. Yolonda Fountain-Henderson

Maddy summaryHCR 36 designates June 3 as "Josephine Baker Day" in Missouri to honor the legacy of Josephine Baker, a St. Louis-born performer, human rights activist, and World War II resistance figure. The resolution celebrates her contributions to the arts, civil rights, and democracy, as noted in the legislative text. This is a commemorative resolution, not a policy bill, and would require Governor approval under Missouri law. It directly affects Missouri residents through official recognition of Baker's historical significance.

Maddy summaryHB 3264 designates Kansas City as Missouri's "Barbecue Capital" through a symbolic legislative designation. The bill does not create new regulations, funding, or programs; it solely assigns this title to promote the city's barbecue culture for tourism purposes. This is a ceremonial measure with no direct impact on residents, businesses, or state policy. The bill is currently pending referral to the Special Committee on Tourism after a public hearing.

Maddy summaryHB 3074 designates April 30th each year as William Lacy Clay, Sr. Day in Missouri. The bill honors William Lacy Clay Sr., who served Missouri's first congressional district from 1969 to 2001 and co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus. It encourages Missouri citizens to observe the day through events celebrating his life and legacy. As a commemorative resolution, the bill has no binding policy provisions or direct regulatory impact.

Maddy summaryThis resolution grants the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus permission to use the House Chamber for its 2026 Emerging Leaders Youth Conference on June 22, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It directly affects youth participants in the conference and the sponsoring caucus by providing access to a state legislative space for an educational event about government and civic engagement. The resolution includes specific conduct rules, requiring respectful behavior, appropriate attire, and prohibiting food, smoking, photography, or banners in the chamber during the event. As a procedural resolution granting venue access, it does not create new laws or alter policies.

Maddy summaryHB 604 designates November 13th each year as "Believe in Gianna Day" in Missouri. The bill encourages Missouri citizens to participate in events raising awareness about Sanfilippo syndrome - a condition causing Alzheimer's-like symptoms in children - and to celebrate Gianna Wacker, a Missourian who has exceeded life expectancy with the syndrome. It is a commemorative resolution with no binding policy changes, directly affecting the public through annual observance. The bill passed the House committee unanimously (8-0) but was recently postponed in legislative proceedings.

Maddy summaryHJR 51 proposes a constitutional amendment to replace Missouri's current firearm rights clause (Section 23, Article I) with new language affirming the right to keep and bear arms as unalienable. The amendment would require strict scrutiny for any restrictions on this right and explicitly permit local governments (cities/counties) to adopt ordinances regulating firearm possession, carrying, or transfer within their jurisdictions. These local rules would be limited to cost-based permit fees, 5-year validity, and penalties not exceeding $1,000 fines or 1 year in jail, while exempting active law enforcement, judges, and certain security personnel. The amendment also preserves existing exceptions for convicted violent felons and individuals deemed a danger due to mental health conditions. This proposal requires voter approval in the November 2026 election.

Maddy summaryHB 823 protects Missouri veterans from eviction by landlords unless illegal activity occurs on the rental property. It defines "veteran" as a Missouri resident who served honorably in the Armed Forces for at least six months (or met specific reserve/Guard service criteria). The law prohibits landlords from evicting such tenants solely due to their veteran status, with exceptions only if the premises is used for illegal conduct as specified in Missouri law (Section 441.020). This directly affects veterans renting housing in Missouri by adding a new layer of eviction protection to state housing law. The bill amends Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 441 by adding Section 441.927.

Maddy summaryHB 1403 designates June 17th each year as "Neighborhood Gun Violence Prevention Day" in Missouri to honor Preston Ja'mon "Tink" Jones, Sr. The bill encourages Missouri residents to participate in community events and activities focused on reducing gun violence. It is a symbolic designation with no new funding or regulatory requirements, solely aiming to raise awareness and promote prevention efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 1432 requires Missouri teacher education programs to include at least three credit hours of social and emotional learning (SEL) and three credit hours of social work in education coursework in their curriculum. It also mandates that all licensed public school teachers, principals, and educators complete at least three hours annually of SEL and social work training through in-person or self-directed professional development. Substitute teachers must complete a similar 20-hour online training program containing the same SEL and social work components. The bill directly affects teacher training institutions, current educators, and substitute teachers across Missouri public schools.

Maddy summaryHB 1028 defines "failing to supervise a child" as a violation when a parent, guardian, or person responsible for a child under 15 allows the child to: commit an act bringing them under juvenile court jurisdiction, violate curfew, or skip school. It creates a penalty of up to 250 hours of community service for first offenses, handled as an infraction by juvenile court. Defenses include being a victim of the child's act or having reported it to authorities. The law does not apply to foster parents or child-placing agencies.