Rep. Connie Steinmetz

Maddy summaryHB 184 requires construction companies or excavators to notify the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) before starting digging projects. The DNR must then check if the site is contaminated with hazardous waste, undergoing cleanup, or listed on their hazardous waste registry. If contamination is suspected, the DNR either mandates responsible parties to test the soil and share results with excavators or conducts the test itself. This process aims to ensure excavator safety by identifying potential hazardous waste sites before work begins. The bill directly affects construction firms and the DNR, adding a mandatory pre-excavation safety check for environmental hazards.

Maddy summaryHCR 4 designates the last full week in April each year as "Infertility Awareness Week" in Missouri. This symbolic resolution aims to raise public understanding of infertility, reduce stigma, and highlight the emotional, financial, and medical challenges faced by individuals and couples affected by infertility - impacting millions of Missourians. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change healthcare access; instead, it formally recognizes the week to support awareness efforts led by local and national organizations. The resolution was introduced by Representative Murray and sent to the governor for approval.

Maddy summaryHJR 6 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand property tax exemptions in Missouri, primarily affecting disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The amendment would exempt the primary home (homestead) of disabled veterans - defined as those certified by the VA for 100% service-connected disability - and their surviving spouses (if they continue living in the home) from property taxes. It also maintains existing exemptions for business inventories (e.g., manufacturers' raw materials and retailers' stock) and properties used by religious, charitable, or educational organizations. The amendment requires voter approval in Missouri’s 2026 general election.

Maddy summaryHB 306 requires public school districts and charter schools to create written policies banning student use of phones or tablets during regular class time. The policies must include disciplinary steps for violations and allow exceptions for emergencies, teacher-directed instruction, or students needing devices under federal disability laws (IDEA, ADA, or Rehabilitation Act). Schools must post these policies online, and staff following the rules are protected from liability. This directly affects students' classroom behavior and school staff responsibilities.