Rep. Michael Burton

Maddy summaryHJR 115 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a property tax exemption for Missouri disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. It defines a "disabled veteran" as a Missouri resident honorably separated from military service with a 100% VA-certified service-connected disability, and a "homestead" as their primary residence (not exceeding 2.5 acres). The exemption would apply to real property used as a primary home, excluding portions rented for more than six months annually. This amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election and would replace the current property tax exemption provisions in Missouri's constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 1734 creates a revolving loan program to help Missouri homeowners' associations finance natural erosion control projects that protect waterways and drainage systems. The program, funded by state appropriations and loan repayments, covers projects like restoring natural waterways, stabilizing banks with vegetation, and adding flood capacity, but excludes projects using impermeable surfaces. Eligible associations must be nonprofit, secure homeowner approval through documented meetings, and provide property liens as collateral, with loans covering up to 80% of project costs and repayable over a maximum of ten years.

Maddy summaryHB 2199 establishes a three-year pilot program to provide professional development workshops for Missouri music educators. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, the program will fund five annual workshops at regional centers, covering topics like arts integration and curriculum development. It includes dedicated funding for substitute teachers, mileage reimbursement (up to $0.38/mile), and presenter honorariums (up to $500), with the program ending in 2029. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must evaluate the pilot and report results to the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 2832 creates a new "Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman" to independently monitor prison conditions and investigate inmate concerns. The office will track issues like sanitation, abuse, medical care access, and facility safety through annual facility inspections, data collection on incidents (e.g., suicides, assaults), and complaint investigations. It directly affects inmates by providing oversight of their living conditions and rights, and family members by improving access to visitation and communication. The ombudsman will issue public reports and recommendations to the corrections oversight committee, which includes formerly incarcerated individuals and family members. This bill establishes a concrete mechanism for accountability without altering prison funding or sentencing policies.

Maddy summaryHJR 96 proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt from property taxation real and personal property owned by Missouri veterans with a total service-connected disability, up to $200,000 in value (adjusted for inflation after 2026). This exemption specifically covers a veteran's primary residence and household goods, directly benefiting eligible veterans. To offset lost tax revenue, the bill requires counties to impose a replacement tax on a specific property class (subclass 3 of class 1) and distribute the funds to affected taxing authorities. The amendment must be approved by voters in 2026 or a special election, and if adopted, the tax exemption would take effect after the 2026 tax year.

Maddy summaryHB 1021 allows legally married minors (under 18) to file for divorce, legal separation, or annulment without needing consent from a parent or guardian. This directly affects minors who are already married and wish to end their marriage through court proceedings. The bill amends court procedures to explicitly permit minors to initiate these cases independently, removing a prior requirement for parental/guardian approval. The change applies specifically to cases under sections 452.300 to 452.415 of the state code.

Maddy summaryHB 1546 requires anyone wanting to export Missouri water outside the state to obtain a permit from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, with an exception for public water systems that withdraw and use water within 30 miles of the state border. The permit process mandates that applicants prove water availability, a genuine need for export, and that the export won’t harm existing or planned in-state uses like agriculture, industry, or recreation. Permits are valid for up to three years and require renewal with a similar review to ensure continued protection of Missouri’s water resources for local needs. This bill directly affects water exporters and aims to safeguard Missouri’s water supply for residents and businesses within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1545 requires background checks for all private firearm transfers between individuals who are not licensed dealers (such as private sales or gifts). It mandates that non-dealer sellers arrange for a licensed dealer or law enforcement to conduct the check before transferring a firearm. Key exceptions include transfers between immediate family members, antique firearms, temporary transfers at shooting ranges, and transfers due to death or inheritance. Violations would be punishable as a class B misdemeanor. The bill applies to all firearm transfers not covered by these exceptions, directly affecting private sellers and buyers outside of licensed retail transactions.

Maddy summaryHB 1377 establishes safety and licensing requirements for summer camps operating in Missouri from May to September for children aged five or older (excluding religious camps and childcare for under-fives). It mandates that camps obtain state licensing, maintain written emergency plans covering medical and aquatic incidents, ensure 50% of counselors are trained in CPR/AED, and conduct annual inspections of aquatic equipment. All camp counselors must undergo comprehensive background checks including state/federal fingerprinting, sex offender registry searches, and child abuse registry checks. The bill also requires camps to disclose licensing status to parents and imposes fines for noncompliance starting in 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1544, the "Missouri Homestead Preservation Act," creates a property tax credit to help eligible older and disabled homeowners offset increases in their property taxes. It directly affects individuals aged 65+ (or disabled) with combined household income under $70,000 (adjusted annually), or married couples meeting specific age/income thresholds. The credit is calculated based on property tax increases exceeding a "homestead exemption limit" from two years prior, applied to the current tax bill. Homeowners must apply annually between April 1 and October 15, verifying age, income, and property tax payment history. The bill does not change how tax rates are set and excludes those who previously claimed other property tax credits.