Rep. George Hruza

Maddy summaryHB 2819 allows retailers to round the final total of cash transactions to the nearest five cents (e.g., $0.01-$0.02 rounds down to $0.00, $0.03-$0.04 rounds up to $0.05). This rounding applies only to cash payments, not credit or debit transactions, and must be applied to the total after all items, discounts, and taxes are calculated. Retailers must use consistent rounding rules and cannot charge more tax than legally required. The bill does not change tax rates, reporting requirements, or apply to non-cash payments.

Maddy summaryHB 2596 modifies rules for multi-employer self-insured health plans, which are arrangements offering health benefits to employees of two or more employers (or self-employed individuals) without full insurance backing. The bill requires these plans to maintain a minimum financial safety net - either three times their average monthly premium, $600,000, or two times their risk-based capital amount - depending on their experience. This directly affects staff leasing companies and multi-employer health plans that operate without a fully insured insurer. The changes aim to ensure these plans have sufficient funds to cover future claims.

Maddy summaryHB 2292 expands mandatory abuse and neglect reporting requirements to include suspected companion animal abuse. It directly affects professionals who already report adult or child abuse, such as healthcare workers, social workers, animal control officers, and long-term care staff. The bill requires these individuals to complete 1.5 hours of training within 60 days of hire, covering how to identify animal abuse, report it, and understand its connection to adult abuse cases. This training must be provided during work hours and includes specific guidance on reporting under sections 273.410 and 273.415.

Maddy summaryHB 3382 reestablishes a state health assistance program for employed individuals with disabilities who meet specific income and asset criteria, directly affecting working people with disabilities who previously lost Medicaid coverage due to earnings. The bill allows medical assistance for those earning up to 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL), with premiums based on income brackets (4-6% of income), while excluding certain assets like medical savings accounts and retirement funds from eligibility calculations. Key provisions include requiring proof of Medicare/Social Security tax withholding for earned income, prioritizing employer-sponsored insurance when cost-effective, and mandating annual reports to the legislature on program participation. The program expires on August 28, 2032, and aligns with federal Ticket to Work Act requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2653 permits public and charter school students to self-apply FDA-regulated sunscreen without requiring parental or physician authorization. If a student cannot apply sunscreen themselves, school staff may do so with written consent from a parent or guardian. The bill also protects school employees and their employers from liability for adverse reactions or stopping sunscreen application, as long as they follow the written consent process. This directly affects students and school staff by simplifying sunscreen access for sunburn prevention during school activities.

Maddy summaryHB 2704 requires school districts to establish state-approved gifted education programs if 3% or more of students are identified as gifted. It mandates universal screenings for all students before third grade using valid methods and multiple evidence areas (like creativity, problem-solving, and teacher referrals), while prohibiting identification based solely on advanced course enrollment. Districts with over 350 students must have teachers certified in gifted education, while smaller districts require annual professional development for those teachers. The bill also sets standards for program approval, requires parental notification about screening, and outlines appeal processes for denied referrals. These changes apply starting the 2024-25 school year for program requirements and 2026-27 for screenings.

Maddy summaryHB 2706 directs Missouri's Department of Social Services to request a USDA waiver enabling the state to modify its SNAP program. The waiver would prioritize purchases of healthy, whole foods like fresh produce, lean proteins, dairy, whole grains, and legumes while discouraging highly processed foods and those high in added sugar. It also requires exploring strategies to incentivize SNAP participants to buy Missouri-grown fruits, vegetables, and dairy through existing state programs. This bill affects Missouri SNAP recipients and aims to reshape food purchasing within the federal program, pending USDA approval.

Maddy summaryHB 2705 modifies Missouri's tax treatment of qualified tuition programs (like 529 college savings plans). It exempts money in these plans from state income tax and allows taxpayers to deduct up to $8,000 annually (or $16,000 for joint filers) from their Missouri adjusted gross income for contributions. Funds withdrawn for non-education purposes or not used within required timeframes must be added back to taxable income. This bill directly affects Missouri residents using 529 plans for education savings by providing state tax benefits for contributions and growth.

Maddy summaryHB 2943 establishes the "MO GIVES Program" to provide Missouri National Guard members (in Troop Program Unit or Individual Ready Reserve status) who choose to be living organ donors with paid leave during their donation process. The program guarantees up to 45 days of paid leave (extendable medically) for the full donation period, exempts members from using accrued leave, and covers housing and per diem based on rank. Benefits are funded through a new dedicated "MO GIVES Fund" in the state treasury, which can accept donations and won't revert unspent funds to general revenue. This directly affects National Guard members who lack employer donor leave or choose not to use it, ensuring they can donate without financial penalty.

Maddy summaryHB 2707 modifies Missouri's process for reviewing initiative petitions by requiring the Attorney General to examine petitions for proper form and compliance with state law. It directly affects individuals or groups circulating petitions, as they must now submit sample sheets with specific details (including funding sources) to the Secretary of State, who then forwards petitions to the Attorney General. Key provisions include the Attorney General having 10 days to review petitions for form and legal compliance, provide written feedback on issues, and approve or reject them, with the Secretary of State making the final decision within 15 days. The bill also mandates the Secretary of State to post petition texts online with disclaimers and remove them within three days if withdrawn or rejected. This bill is pending in the Missouri House, with no votes yet recorded.