Rep. George Hruza

Maddy summaryHB 3010 sets strict time limits for health insurance companies on prior authorization decisions for medical services. It requires insurers to make initial review decisions within 36 hours, provide phone notifications within 24 hours for both approvals and denials, and send written confirmation within 1-2 working days. The bill specifically extends approval validity to 12 months for chronic conditions (like cancer treatment) and prohibits billing patients for services with valid prior authorization, except for standard cost-sharing. These rules apply directly to health insurance companies, healthcare providers, and patients enrolled in health benefit plans.

Maddy summaryHB 2103 updates Missouri's rules for recording documents with county recorders, primarily targeting fraud prevention in real property and legal filings. It requires recorders to display a visible warning sign about felony penalties for filing false documents (under RSMO § 570.095), clarifies electronic recording standards (e.g., requiring original-sized scans), and imposes new rules for notary seal vendors (who must verify notaries' commissions via an online portal before selling seals). The bill directly affects county recorders, document filers (like homeowners or businesses), and notary seal vendors. Key provisions strengthen penalties for fraudulent filings - making it a felony with enhanced penalties when documents target public officials, law enforcement, or judicial personnel.

Maddy summaryHB 1869 creates a Missouri grant program to help families repair or reset grave markers for deceased veterans buried in state cemeteries when markers are damaged by natural causes (like weather or erosion). Eligible applicants must be family members of veterans who were honorably discharged or died while on active duty, and they must provide proof of relationship and burial location. The program is funded through a dedicated "Veterans' Grave Marker Trust Fund," which can receive state appropriations and private donations, with unspent funds not reverting to general revenue. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and applicants must agree to use funds solely for repairing the grave marker.

Maddy summaryHB 2069 establishes legal rules for fully autonomous vehicles (SAE Levels 4-5) operating without human drivers in the state. It requires these vehicles to achieve a "minimal risk condition" during system failures, submit a law enforcement plan to public safety, and carry proof of financial responsibility. The bill mandates special vehicle registration and titling identifying them as autonomous, while clarifying that automated systems are legally considered the "driver" for traffic law compliance. It also specifies crash reporting protocols and exempts these vehicles from certain driver-focused equipment laws when operating autonomously.

Maddy summaryHB 2375 revises Missouri's workers' compensation law by tightening eligibility requirements. It defines "accident" as requiring work to be the "prevailing factor" causing injury - meaning the injury must directly stem from workplace conditions, not just be triggered by work. The bill explicitly excludes ordinary diseases of life, cardiovascular issues (unless work was the primary cause), and most occupational diseases, listing only specific conditions like mesothelioma or asbestosis as compensable. This primarily affects workers seeking compensation for injuries or illnesses, making it harder to qualify by requiring a direct, primary workplace link to the injury. The law also rejects prior court interpretations that expanded coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 1868 creates a new class D misdemeanor offense for intentionally approaching within 25 feet of a first responder after being verbally warned not to, when the person intends to impede their duties, threaten them with physical harm, or harass them. It directly affects individuals who engage in such behavior toward police officers, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel (including hospital staff in emergency settings) while they are lawfully performing their duties. The bill defines "harass" as causing serious emotional distress with no legitimate purpose. Violators face misdemeanor penalties under Missouri law.

Maddy summaryHB 1752 allows fire protection districts to distribute or sell surplus supplies and property to volunteer fire associations, other fire departments, or organizations participating in the federal surplus property program. Districts may also transfer items to 501(c)(3) nonprofits or public service corporations providing emergency training (like search/rescue or watercraft operations). Surplus property can be sold to the public via auction or sealed bid, but the bill prohibits donating or selling emergency vehicles or supplies to board members, employees, or their relatives (except through approved online auctions). This law directly affects fire protection districts by clarifying how they can manage unused assets while preventing conflicts of interest.

Maddy summaryHB 3466 establishes Missouri's standardized "Missouri Building Codes Act," requiring local governments (counties, municipalities, fire districts) to adopt model building codes from national organizations like the International Code Council (ICC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) by August 2028. The bill mandates compliance for all new construction and building inspections, while creating a Missouri Building Codes Commission to oversee implementation and review local amendment requests based on safety, health, and affordability. Local authorities may propose limited amendments but must obtain commission approval, and all adopted codes must be publicly filed and posted online. This replaces inconsistent local codes with a unified system, directly affecting builders, inspectors, and local governments managing construction standards.

Maddy summaryHB 2303 requires Missouri public school districts to implement a personal finance course as a half-unit graduation requirement starting in the 2027-28 school year. The bill mandates the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to form a work group - including educators, banking representatives, and financial industry experts - to develop course standards. Students must complete this course after ninth grade to earn a high school diploma, with limited exemptions for transfer students or those with approved academic plans. The course content must cover money management, budgeting, and financial tools needed for adulthood. School districts will have until 2027 to adopt these standards, which must be reviewed every seven years.

Maddy summaryHB 2658 creates a state "no-call database" allowing Missouri residential phone subscribers to opt out of unsolicited telemarketing calls at no cost. It requires telemarketers to check both the FCC's reassigned number database and the state database before calling, and prohibits "call spoofing" (faking caller ID to defraud or harass). The law also mandates that telemarketers clearly identify themselves at the start of calls and blocks efforts to circumvent caller ID services. This directly affects residential subscribers (who can join the database) and telemarketers (who must comply with the rules and database checks).