Rep. Michael Burton

Maddy summaryHB 1606 creates a "regulatory sandbox" program allowing businesses to temporarily test innovative products or services with reduced regulatory requirements. It directly affects companies developing new commercial offerings (excluding AI, cryptocurrency, or utility services) that fall under state regulatory agencies. The program, administered by the Department of Economic Development, lets approved participants demonstrate innovations under temporary waivers of specific state rules while protecting consumers. Key provisions define terms like "innovative offering" (new technology or methods for products/services) and specify which agencies oversee the program.

Maddy summaryHB 1548 designates June 20th each year as "John Goodman Day" in Missouri to honor the acclaimed actor born in Affton, Missouri. This symbolic resolution encourages citizens to participate in events celebrating his accomplishments but does not create new laws or affect any specific group. The bill has no policy provisions or funding mechanisms, as it is purely commemorative. It was introduced in the Missouri House in February 2025 and referred to a committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1547 creates a state program covering full vasectomy costs for uninsured male residents who lack employer or public health insurance, regardless of income. It requires all health insurers in the state (effective 2026) to cover vasectomies without medical necessity requirements, deductibles, or co-pays. The program is funded through a dedicated "Vasectomy Fund" with annual state appropriations, and the state department of social services will administer eligibility and payments. Private health plans must provide this coverage starting January 1, 2026, but exclusions apply to certain supplemental insurance policies.

Maddy summaryHJR 70 proposes amending Missouri's state constitution to redefine marriage as "two persons regardless of their genders," replacing the current definition of marriage between "a man and a woman." This constitutional amendment would require voter approval in a statewide election, likely held after November 2026. If adopted, it would directly affect all Missouri residents by changing the legal definition of marriage under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 1019 amends campaign finance laws to clarify definitions and registration requirements for candidates and committees. The bill defines when an individual becomes a candidate (e.g., when receiving contributions or making campaign spending) and sets a $500 annual spending threshold for organizations to qualify as a committee, exempting small groups, individuals using personal funds, and certain non-profits. It also specifies exemptions for entities like labor organizations using dues for normal activities and clarifies committee types like candidate committees. This bill directly affects candidates, campaign committees, and election-related organizations by establishing clearer rules for reporting and registration.

Maddy summaryHB 1543 modifies Missouri's workers' compensation law to expand death benefit payments when an employee dies. It allows payments to certain family members - such as adult children (who didn't qualify as dependents due to age), parents, grandparents, siblings, or adult next of kin - when no dependents exist. The bill explicitly rejects the 2007 *Schoemehl v. Treasurer* court ruling that previously limited these payments. This change directly affects families of deceased workers who would otherwise receive no compensation under current rules. The bill is currently referred to the Emerging Issues committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1020 prohibits the use of glyphosate (a common weedkiller) and neonicotinoid insecticides (a specific class of pesticides) for any application using equipment starting January 1, 2026. It directly affects farmers, landscapers, and others who apply these pesticides commercially. The bill allows existing stock purchased before 2026 to be used, imposes civil penalties up to $25,000 for violations (with fines directed to the local school district), and permits the Department of Agriculture to suspend licenses for repeated offenses. Violations after 2025 will be enforced through departmental penalties and court action.

Maddy summaryHB 1549 designates April 22nd each year as "Missouri Black Bear Awareness Day" to promote public education about conserving Missouri's black bear population. The bill encourages citizens to participate in events and activities focused on bear conservation efforts. It is a symbolic designation with no new regulations, funding, or direct obligations for government or specific groups. As a procedural resolution, it does not create enforceable policy changes. This bill is currently in committee referral (Emerging Issues) and has not advanced further.

Maddy summaryHCR 4 designates the last full week in April each year as "Infertility Awareness Week" in Missouri. This symbolic resolution aims to raise public understanding of infertility, reduce stigma, and highlight the emotional, financial, and medical challenges faced by individuals and couples affected by infertility - impacting millions of Missourians. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change healthcare access; instead, it formally recognizes the week to support awareness efforts led by local and national organizations. The resolution was introduced by Representative Murray and sent to the governor for approval.

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.