Rep. Michael Burton

Maddy summaryHB 2251 establishes Missouri's "Free School Meals Program," requiring participating public, charter, and private schools to provide all students with free breakfast and lunch daily. Schools must qualify by participating in the USDA National School Lunch Program and meeting specific student eligibility thresholds. The state reimburses schools for the difference between federal meal reimbursement rates and the actual federal funds received per meal, covering up to one free breakfast and one free lunch per student each day. This program applies only to schools already enrolled in USDA meal programs with identified student poverty rates meeting federal criteria. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education administers the state aid payments and sets implementation rules.

Maddy summaryHB 2348 changes the trial process for first-degree murder cases where the death penalty is not waived. It requires a two-stage trial: first, a jury or judge decides guilt (without considering punishment), and second, if convicted, they determine punishment based on specific legal standards. The bill mandates life imprisonment without parole if the jury finds the defendant intellectually disabled, lacks sufficient aggravating factors, or determines mitigating evidence outweighs aggravating factors. It also clarifies jury instructions for cases where punishment is disputed, including procedures if the jury cannot agree on a sentence. This applies only to offenses committed on or after August 28, 2001.

Maddy summaryHB 2520 requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents operating in Missouri to reveal their identity during enforcement actions, prohibiting masks or face coverings that obscure their face. Exceptions include transparent face shields, medical masks for health protection, safety gear like helmets or respirators, and motorcycle helmets during vehicle operation. The law applies to all ICE agents in Missouri during routine operations, with violations punishable as a class A misdemeanor, though it excludes undercover agents and Special Response Team members during active duties.

Maddy summaryHB 1921, the "Missouri Worker Dues Tax Fairness Act," allows Missouri taxpayers to subtract union dues from their state income tax. It applies to individuals who pay union dues (including initiation fees but excluding political contributions) and are subject to Missouri income tax, with a maximum annual subtraction of $2,000 per person or $4,000 for joint returns. The deduction becomes effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2027, and requires taxpayers to provide documentation like pay stubs or union statements to claim the benefit. This policy directly affects union members by reducing their taxable income for state tax purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 1899 designates the first full week in May each year as "Missouri Compost Awareness Week." The bill encourages Missouri citizens to participate in events promoting composting food scraps and yard waste to improve soil health. It does not create new regulations or funding but formally recognizes this annual observance through state law. The designation applies statewide and aims to raise public awareness about composting benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 1901 replaces Missouri's outdated indoor air quality laws with a new "Missouri Clean Indoor Air Act" (sections 191.2710-191.2750). The bill prohibits smoking and vaping in most enclosed public areas - including bars, restaurants, and workplaces - while defining specific terms like "bar," "cigar-tobacco bar," and "electronic smoking device" (ESD) to clarify enforcement. It directly affects businesses (employers), employees, and public venues by requiring smoke-free environments, with strict rules for cigar-tobacco bars (e.g., freestanding locations and revenue limits). The law includes penalty provisions for violations and explicitly exempts entryways and certain medical devices.

Maddy summaryHB 1624 requires seed permit applicants and nursery dealers in Missouri to include an affidavit stating they will not knowingly sell certain nonnative invasive plants as part of their permit or registration application. The affidavit specifically prohibits the sale of climbing euonymus, Japanese honeysuckle, Sericea lespedeza, and Perilla mint after January 1, 2027, and burning bush or Callery pear after January 1, 2029. This requirement is mandatory for obtaining or renewing a seed permit or nursery dealer registration, directly affecting nurseries and seed sellers who must comply to operate legally. The bill does not impose direct penalties but ties permit approval to adherence with these plant sale restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 3366 designates April 22 each year as "Missouri Black Bear Awareness Day" to encourage citizens to participate in educational events about conserving Missouri's black bear population. The bill does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes an annual day for public awareness. It directly affects Missourians by promoting community engagement in bear conservation efforts. This is a ceremonial designation, not a policy change with regulatory or financial impact.

Maddy summaryHB 2751 replaces two Missouri laws related to public safety. It creates a new exemption from disqualification for the food stamp program for individuals convicted of a drug felony who actively participate in or complete substance abuse treatment, comply with court and treatment requirements, avoid new drug offenses for one year, and pass sobriety tests. The bill also modifies how inmates earn time off their sentences by requiring specific conditions for good time credit, which applies only to the current sentence and can be revoked by correctional authorities. These changes directly affect people seeking food assistance and inmates in Missouri's correctional system.

Maddy summaryHB 2975 changes Missouri's personal income tax structure by creating new progressive tax brackets and eliminating tax breaks for certain capital gains. It establishes a temporary top rate of 4.95% for 2023-2026 (down from 5.9%), with potential further reductions if state revenue exceeds specific thresholds. Starting in 2027, new brackets take effect with a 0% rate for income under $2,000, followed by 2.9% to 5.9% rates for higher income levels, adjusted annually for inflation. This bill directly affects all Missouri residents filing state income taxes, altering how their taxable income is calculated under the new rates and brackets.