Rep. Michael Burton

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that anyone selling or transferring a firearm who is not a licensed dealer must conduct a background check on the buyer and obtain approval from a central repository before the transfer occurs. The law requires unlicensed sellers to arrange for a licensed dealer or a law enforcement agency to perform the check and allows these agencies to charge a fee of up to twenty-five dollars. Several exceptions exist for transfers involving immediate family members, antique firearms, gunsmiths performing repairs, and temporary possession during activities like hunting or at shooting ranges. Violations of the bill's requirements are classified as class B misdemeanors, and licensed dealers who fail to comply must report the violation to state and federal authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that an unborn child cannot be classified as an employee for the purpose of civil lawsuits in Missouri. It specifically prevents wrongful death claims or other legal actions from being filed on behalf of a fetus against businesses or state agencies. The law defines "unborn child" using existing state definitions to ensure consistency in how the term is understood. By establishing this distinction, the legislation limits the types of legal recourse available in cases involving prenatal loss.

Maddy summaryHB 2485 modifies the definitions used in the state's campaign finance laws to clarify who and what counts as a candidate, committee, and other related terms. The bill expands the definition of "candidate" to include individuals who receive contributions or make expenditures with the intent to run for office, even before they officially announce their candidacy, unless they quickly disavow the campaign. It also provides a more detailed breakdown of what constitutes a "committee," specifying which groups are included and excluded from reporting requirements based on their spending and fundraising levels. These changes aim to ensure that financial activities related to political campaigns are accurately tracked and reported under existing regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes an amendment to the Missouri Constitution to redefine marriage as a union between two people of any gender, rather than strictly between a man and a woman. The change would apply to marriages entered into after the amendment is approved by voters in a special election scheduled for November 2024. By altering the state's constitutional definition, the legislation aims to expand legal recognition of same-sex marriages without changing the fundamental requirement that marriage involves two individuals. The measure is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet been voted on by the state legislature or the public.

Maddy summaryHB 2488 expands the powers of Missouri courts to issue orders of protection for victims of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault. The bill allows judges to award custody, child support, and maintenance to the victim, while also prohibiting the accused from possessing firearms and transferring shared property during the order's duration. Additionally, the legislation mandates that courts consider the safety of pets and can order the abuser to pay for veterinary care, shelter services, and medical treatment related to injuries. It further requires that the state highway patrol update the National Instant Criminal Background Check System to reflect these firearm restrictions and includes provisions to help victims retain their wireless phone numbers.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to Missouri that would explicitly protect the right of citizens to keep and bear arms for self-defense and other lawful purposes. The amendment requires that any state restrictions on these rights be subject to strict scrutiny and prohibits the government from refusing to protect these rights against infringement. While the state constitution would guarantee these rights, the bill allows counties and major cities like St. Louis and Kansas City to pass their own local ordinances regulating firearm possession, carrying, and transfers. These local regulations could include permit systems with fees limited to administrative costs, background checks, and specific exemptions for law enforcement, judges, and licensed security guards. Violations of any such local ordinances would be punishable by fines up to $1,000 or imprisonment for more than one year.