Rep. David Casteel

Maddy summaryHB 203 would expand the legal definition of "special victim" to include staff members of the division of youth services. This means youth services employees who are assaulted while performing their job duties would be covered under this category, alongside existing groups like law enforcement, emergency personnel, and corrections officers. The bill adds this specific group to the existing list of professions protected under the "special victim" designation in assault-related laws. This change would directly affect youth services staff and impact how their assault cases are handled under the law.

Maddy summaryHJR 87 proposes amending Missouri's constitution to eliminate the state sales tax on all firearms and ammunition. If approved by voters, this would remove sales tax for anyone purchasing these items in Missouri. The amendment requires voter approval at a future election (either the November 2026 general election or a special election called by the governor). This change would directly affect gun sellers, ammunition retailers, and buyers within the state. The bill is currently pending in committee and has not yet been enacted.

Maddy summaryHJR 63 proposes a constitutional amendment in Missouri that would restrict abortion access except in cases of medical emergencies, rape, or incest (with abortions for rape/incest limited to 12 weeks and requiring police reports). It prohibits public funding for abortions and bans gender transition surgeries, cross-sex hormones, or puberty-blocking drugs for minors under 18 (except for medically necessary treatments). The amendment explicitly protects access to care for miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, and other medical emergencies. It also requires physicians to report abortions performed for rape/incest to law enforcement within 48 hours. The amendment would be submitted to voters in 2026 for adoption or rejection.

Maddy summaryHB 377 changes how public notices must be published in charter counties (counties with their own governing charters). It allows notices required by law to be published online via the Secretary of State’s website instead of, or in addition to, a newspaper. The bill also requires the Secretary of State to create a searchable, public website page to host all such notices. This directly affects charter counties and the Secretary of State’s office, shifting notice publication from solely print to a digital option with standardized online access. The key change is replacing mandatory newspaper publication with a flexible online alternative.

Maddy summaryHB 664 requires Missouri state agencies to obtain legislative approval before new administrative rules take effect. Specifically, agencies must submit proposed rules to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, which can hold hearings and suspend rules costing over $250,000 until the full General Assembly votes on them. Rules cannot become effective until the legislature approves them via a concurrent resolution, with a 30-day waiting period after committee review. This change ensures all significant agency rules undergo direct legislative scrutiny before implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 1524 creates a new legal framework for establishing entertainment districts in Missouri municipalities. It requires property owners within a proposed district to submit a petition with signatures representing over 50% of the assessed property value and over 50% of all property owners. The petition must include a detailed 5-year plan outlining services, improvements, funding sources, and district boundaries, along with specific details about governance and tax rates. The bill repeals previous provisions and sets a maximum 27-year lifespan for new districts (unless extended), directly affecting property owners who initiate or are located within these designated entertainment zones.

Maddy summaryHB 202 modifies Missouri's unemployment benefits program by requiring claimants who quit work without "good cause" to earn wages equal to ten times their weekly benefit amount before qualifying for benefits. The bill defines "good cause" to include specific situations like accepting a more remunerative job, returning to a regular employer after temporary work, pregnancy with medical documentation, or relocating due to a military spouse's assignment. It also mandates that claimants apply for suitable work when directed by the unemployment office, with written or email notifications considered valid proof of job offers. This change directly affects Missouri residents filing for unemployment after voluntarily leaving a job.

Maddy summaryHB 1348 creates a statewide registration system for roofing contractors (and mentions solar contractors in its title) in Missouri, directly affecting businesses that install, repair, or maintain roofs or solar systems. The bill requires contractors to register with the state, meet insurance and licensing standards, and pay fees to maintain their registration, replacing local business licenses or exams. Registered contractors can work across all Missouri jurisdictions without needing separate local permits, while political subdivisions must recognize the statewide registration or face potential loss of sales tax funds. The bill establishes a dedicated fund for administrative costs using registration fees, which cannot be diverted to general state revenue.

Maddy summaryHB 1264 requires local governments (like cities or counties) to approve or deny development permit requests - such as new construction or renovations - within 30 days of receiving a complete application. If no response is given within that timeframe, the request is automatically approved. If denied, local governments must provide specific written reasons, including either a detailed technical explanation for rejecting a design professional's work or a citation to the violated code. This bill directly affects developers seeking permits and aims to streamline approvals while increasing transparency in rejections.

Maddy summaryHB 327 expands prescribing authority for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Missouri. It allows APRNs (excluding nurse anesthetists) with special certification to prescribe Schedule III-V controlled substances and limited Schedule II drugs - specifically hydrocodone, hospice medications, and certain benzodiazepines/stimulants - under physician-supervised agreements. The bill restricts Schedule II prescriptions to a 120-hour supply without refills and prohibits APRNs from prescribing for themselves or family members. This directly affects APRNs and their collaborating physicians by broadening nurse-led care for common medications while maintaining safety limits. The changes replace outdated provisions to align with current nursing practice standards.