Rep. Connie Steinmetz

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Missouri Department of Social Services to submit a state plan amendment or seek federal waivers to allow MO HealthNet, the state's Medicaid program, to cover fertility treatments for eligible participants. The legislation specifically targets individuals enrolled in MO HealthNet who may need assisted reproductive services, requiring the department to formally request approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to expand coverage. By mandating this administrative process, the bill ensures that any new fertility treatment benefits comply with federal Medicaid regulations while enabling the state to pursue coverage options for reproductive health services. The measure does not establish new coverage on its own but creates a pathway for the department to seek the necessary federal authorization to include these treatments in the program.

Maddy summaryHCR 28 designates the last full week in April each year as "Infertility Awareness Week" to increase public understanding of infertility. The resolution directly affects individuals and couples experiencing infertility, which impacts roughly 1 in 6 U.S. couples, by reducing stigma and promoting awareness. It does not create new programs or change funding but formally recognizes this week annually to encourage support and highlight access to care.

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 2370 requires health insurance plans in the state to cover self-administered hormonal contraceptives (like birth control pills or patches) for up to 90 days (or 180 days for generic versions) starting January 1, 2026, and for up to one year starting January 1, 2027. The coverage must include both generic and brand-name options and cannot impose higher deductibles or co-payments than other standard health services. This bill specifically excludes emergency contraception and medications used to terminate pregnancy from its requirements. It directly affects health insurance plans and individuals using these contraceptive methods by expanding coverage duration and cost-sharing rules.

Maddy summaryHB 2628, the "Assistance for Rape Emergencies (CARE) Act," requires hospitals and health care facilities to provide specific medical care to sexual assault victims. It mandates that facilities orally inform victims about emergency contraception, immediately provide it if requested, and offer sexually transmitted infection screening and treatment. The bill also requires forensic examinations using telehealth support (via a statewide network) when needed, with limited waivers allowed for technological hardships or network outages. These provisions directly affect hospitals, health care facilities, and individuals who are sexual assault victims seeking emergency care.

Maddy summaryHB 2997 creates a public registry of persistent domestic violence offenders within Missouri's Department of Public Safety. It defines "persistent offenders" as individuals convicted of multiple domestic violence offenses against the same victim (including at least one prior conviction), requiring courts to mandate registration upon sentencing. The registry will include names, dates of birth, offense details, conviction dates, and photos - excluding sensitive data like addresses or Social Security numbers - and will be accessible online. Offenders must pay a $150 registration fee, with $100 directed to a domestic violence prevention fund, while the department maintains the system using data from courts, corrections, and law enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 3058 creates a public registry for individuals convicted of multiple domestic violence offenses against family or household members. It requires courts to order registration for offenders with at least one prior conviction for such an offense, collecting their name, photo, offense details, and conviction dates while excluding addresses and ID numbers. Offenders pay a $150 registration fee ($100 funds domestic violence prevention programs), and their names are removed from the registry after 5-20 years based on prior convictions. The registry, maintained by Missouri’s Highway Patrol, will be accessible online but expires six years after implementation unless renewed.

Maddy summaryHB 844 requires all public school campuses to install FDA-approved automated external defibrillators (AEDs) by the 2026-27 school year and mandates that school personnel receive initial and annual training in AED use and CPR. The bill directly affects public schools and their staff, specifying that AEDs must be placed in high-traffic areas like gyms and cafeterias, meet technical standards (including automatic data collection), and be maintained annually by qualified technicians. It also establishes protocols for emergency response, including immediate CPR and defibrillation within 3-5 minutes of cardiac arrest. The legislation aims to improve emergency response to cardiac incidents in school settings without altering existing curriculum or student activities.

Maddy summaryHB 917 requires most health insurance plans in the state to cover one annual whole-body skin exam for suspicious lesions without any cost-sharing (like co-pays or deductibles). This applies to plans issued or renewed after January 1, 2026, directly affecting insured individuals needing preventive skin cancer screenings. The law mandates coverage for the exam using standard medical codes, excluding certain supplemental policies like Medicare supplements or short-term plans. It aims to remove financial barriers to early skin cancer detection, aligning with federal preventive care standards.

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.