Rep. Jo Doll

Maddy summaryHB 468 modifies foster care placement rules to require courts and state-contracted child placement agencies to, whenever practicable, place children with caregivers sharing the same religious faith as the child's parents. If parents have different faiths, the child's faith is prioritized; if unascertainable, either parent's faith is used. This applies to all foster care placements managed by state-contracted agencies or the children's division, directly affecting children entering foster care and the agencies making placement decisions. The bill does not mandate placement but sets a preference for religious alignment in the placement process.

Maddy summaryHB 1134 changes how first-degree murder trials are conducted in cases where the death penalty is not waived. It requires a two-stage trial: first determining guilt, then deciding punishment. If the jury finds the defendant guilty of first-degree murder but doesn't select the death penalty (due to factors like intellectual disability, lack of aggravating circumstances, or mitigating evidence outweighing aggravation), the sentence defaults to life imprisonment without parole, probation, or parole eligibility except by governor's action. The bill also defines "intellectual disability" for legal purposes and applies to offenses committed on or after August 28, 2001.

Maddy summaryHB 1164 modifies Missouri's littering law to specifically address the intentional outdoor release or abandonment of balloons. It imposes tiered fines based on balloon quantity: $100-$500 for 10 or fewer balloons on a first offense, $500+ for 11+ balloons, with higher fines for repeat violations. The law excludes unintentional releases and certain scientific or hot air balloons used for observation. This directly affects individuals who intentionally release balloons outdoors, adding specific penalties to existing littering statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 470 requires health care professionals providing maternity care to screen all pregnant patients for mental disorders and mental illnesses using a validated, evidence-based tool at the first prenatal visit and throughout all trimesters. The bill mandates that providers either offer treatment or refer patients to treatment if screening identifies untreated mental health needs. The Department of Health and Senior Services must create and publish guidelines for treating these conditions during pregnancy. This directly affects pregnant individuals receiving maternity care and sets new screening protocols for providers, while maintaining confidentiality under existing state and federal laws.

Maddy summaryHJR 69 proposes a constitutional amendment in Missouri that would establish an individual's right to make their own medical decisions, including gender-affirming care, without government interference. It directly affects transgender adults aged 18+ and healthcare providers who assist with such care. The bill requires that any state action restricting these decisions must use the "least restrictive means" to advance health, while ensuring decisions are made freely, supported by a licensed physician, and follow evidence-based standards. It specifically protects gender-affirming care like hormone therapy and surgeries (e.g., chest, facial, genital procedures). The amendment would take effect if approved by voters in 2026, but it has only recently been introduced and referred to committee.

Maddy summaryHB 852, the "Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act," requires Missouri public and private K-12 schools to implement cardiac safety measures for student athletes. It mandates that schools provide annual materials to student athletes and parents detailing warning signs of cardiac issues, which must be signed before participation, and requires coaches to complete annual cardiac training through MSHSAA. The bill also establishes protocols for removing athletes showing symptoms during activities and mandates written medical clearance before they can return to play. These requirements apply only to school-sponsored athletic activities (including practices and competitions) and do not extend to recreational youth sports.

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 398 modifies Missouri health care laws to improve STI management, prenatal screening, and contraceptive coverage. It allows health care providers to prescribe treatment for chlamydia or gonorrhea partners without an in-person visit (expedited partner therapy), mandates blood tests for syphilis, hepatitis B/C, and HIV during prenatal care, and requires health insurance plans to cover annual self-administered hormonal contraceptives with no higher cost-sharing than other services. The bill directly affects health care providers, pregnant patients, and health insurers by changing treatment protocols, adding testing requirements, and expanding contraceptive coverage. It also ensures free STI testing regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.

Maddy summaryHB 1298 modifies mandatory abuse and neglect reporting laws to require certain professionals to report companion animal abuse. It directly affects healthcare workers (like nurses, physicians, and veterinarians), social workers, animal control officers, and other professionals who already report human abuse, adding specific requirements for animal-related cases. Key provisions mandate these professionals complete one hour of training within 60 days of employment, covering how to identify animal abuse, how to report it, and the connection between animal abuse and elder or adult abuse. The bill expands existing reporting obligations to include companion animals while maintaining penalties for failure to report under current statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 1200) creates a new "intermediate driver's license" for 16-17 year olds, directly affecting minors seeking to drive. Key provisions require applicants to: hold a temporary permit for 6+ months, complete 40+ hours of supervised driving (with parental/guardian or instructor consent), pass a written test, and pay a $5 fee. Restrictions include nighttime driving curfews (1 a.m.-5 a.m. without supervision), limits on teen passengers (max 1 non-family under 19 for first 6 months), and mandatory seatbelt use. The license transitions to full driving privileges at age 18 if the teen has no alcohol-related offenses or traffic violations in the prior year. The bill’s title referencing "age of marriage" appears inconsistent with its actual focus on driver licensing rules.