Rep. Dean VanSchoiack

Maddy summaryHB 1124 requires wind energy facilities (defined as five or more turbines over 50 feet tall) to apply to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for light-reduction technology before beginning operations. Developers must obtain FAA approval for this technology - designed to reduce aircraft collision risks while maintaining visibility - before commercial operations start after August 28, 2025. Existing wind farms without this technology must apply when signing new power contracts after January 1, 2027, and install the system within 24 months of FAA approval. All costs for installation, operation, and maintenance fall to the wind farm developer, owner, or operator, with progress reports required for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Maddy summaryHB 210, the "Unmanned Aerial Systems Security Act of 2025," regulates drone use by Missouri government agencies to protect critical infrastructure. It prohibits agencies from purchasing or using drones manufactured in "countries of concern" (including China, Russia, Iran, and others) or by entities controlled by those nations. The bill establishes a tiered system: Tier 1 drones (no data collection) are permitted, Tier 2 drones (limited flight data only) require security checks, and Tier 3 drones (full data collection) face strict restrictions. It also mandates geofencing of sensitive locations like power plants and military sites to prevent unauthorized drone access.

Maddy summaryHB 209, titled the "Preserving Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act," requires state law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before using drones to gather evidence about criminal activity, except during emergencies like fires, hostage situations, or search and rescue. It prohibits drones from surveilling private property, farms, or agricultural facilities without the owner's consent or a warrant, and makes illegally collected drone evidence inadmissible in court. The law allows exceptions for emergency response, utility inspections, educational research, and certain activities like fire department operations or real estate marketing. It also restricts drone use near large open-air venues (e.g., stadiums) and waives state immunity for civil lawsuits over violations.

Maddy summaryHB 1101 makes it a class A misdemeanor to operate a drone (unmanned aircraft) within 400 feet vertically or 500 feet horizontally of a crime scene, critical incident, law enforcement tactical operation, or hazardous material site, or to allow a drone to touch such a location. The law directly affects drone operators near these sensitive areas, including bystanders or unauthorized users, while exempting law enforcement, emergency responders, utility workers with proper notice, and those with FAA waivers. Key provisions define "critical incident" (e.g., natural disasters, civil unrest) and "hazardous material site" (locations with dangerous substances), and specify prohibited actions without requiring proof of intent beyond purposeful operation. The bill does not apply to authorized personnel or activities like utility inspections under specific conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 211 requires plant-based, fungus-based, and lab-grown meat alternatives to be clearly labeled as such on packaging and advertising. Traditional meat products made directly from livestock or poultry would not need this specific labeling. The bill aims to prevent consumer confusion by mandating conspicuous labeling for non-traditional meat alternatives, ensuring advertising remains truthful and not misleading about product type. This directly affects food producers of alternative meat products and retailers selling them within the state. The bill is currently in the Agriculture committee for review after initial readings.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the rules for issuing certificates of need, which are required before health care facilities in Missouri can build new services or expand their capacity. It establishes specific financial thresholds, known as expenditure minimums, that determine whether a project requires approval from the state's certificate of need committee. For example, facilities must obtain a certificate before making capital expenditures exceeding one million dollars or adding more than ten beds to their capacity. The legislation also clarifies definitions for terms like "new institutional health service" and outlines conditions under which a certificate can be forfeited if a project is not completed on time. Ultimately, the bill ensures that significant health care developments undergo a review process to confirm they are necessary before receiving state approval or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require law enforcement officers and state employees to have reasonable suspicion of a crime before using surveillance equipment on private property. It also mandates that they obtain a valid search warrant or permission from the landowner before entering private land. However, these rules would not apply in cases involving national security, missing persons, or felony investigations.

Maddy summaryHB 1614 establishes specific rules for securing children under the age of sixteen in motor vehicles, replacing a previous blanket seat belt requirement with a system based on age, weight, and height. Drivers must use appropriate child restraint systems or booster seats for younger or lighter children, while older or heavier children may use standard safety belts or booster seats depending on their size and the vehicle's seat configuration. The bill sets low fines for violations but allows for charge dismissal if the driver can prove they have acquired the necessary safety equipment. It also clarifies that these child safety rules do not apply to public carriers for hire or students riding on large school buses.

Maddy summaryHB 1611 modifies the rules for obtaining concealed carry permits in Missouri by updating the specific qualifications and background check requirements that applicants must meet. The bill directly affects individuals seeking to carry a concealed firearm by establishing clear criteria, such as setting the minimum age at nineteen and excluding those with certain criminal convictions or mental health adjudications. Key provisions include mandating safety training, limiting the permit validity to five years, and simplifying the application form to require only essential personal and legal history information. Local sheriffs retain the authority to issue these permits based on the applicant's compliance with the outlined safety and eligibility standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1613 repeals the existing Vehicle Equipment Safety Compact and its related state statutes, effectively ending the legal framework that allowed Missouri to participate in this interstate agreement. The bill removes the provisions that established the Vehicle Equipment Safety Commission, an agency designed to coordinate vehicle safety standards and research among multiple states. By eliminating these sections, the legislation stops the state from enforcing the compact's requirements for uniform vehicle equipment and its associated administrative procedures. This change directly affects the state's ability to engage in the collaborative safety initiatives previously mandated by the compact.