Sen. Doug Beck

Maddy summarySB 865 revises Missouri's workers' compensation law to narrow eligibility for benefits. It redefines "employee" to exclude certain business owners, religious organization volunteers, and minors working illegally, while requiring work to be a "substantial factor" in causing injury - excluding cases where work was merely a "triggering factor." The bill explicitly excludes most cardiovascular diseases, commute injuries, and non-specific occupational illnesses from coverage, listing only 9 toxic exposure diseases (like mesothelioma) as compensable. These changes aim to restrict claims by tightening definitions of work-related injuries and disabilities under the law.

Maddy summarySB 1598 updates medical malpractice laws to address errors involving artificial intelligence in healthcare. It adds a specific two-year time limit for patients to sue if negligence relates to AI use in diagnosis, treatment, or patient care - starting from when the patient discovers the error, not when it occurred. This applies directly to patients seeking compensation for harm caused by AI tools used by healthcare providers like doctors, hospitals, or clinics. The bill does not change liability but adjusts the legal timeframe for filing claims involving AI-related mistakes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Contract for Deed Act" but provides no specific details about its provisions, mechanisms, or affected parties in the available abstract or summary. The official title indicates it would create a legal framework governing contract for deed transactions (a real estate financing arrangement where the buyer pays the seller over time while the seller retains title), but the context lacks any description of the actual rules, requirements, or who would be directly impacted. Without further details on the bill's content, a substantive summary cannot be provided. The bill is currently in early committee review (referred to the S Emerging Issues Committee on February 5, 2026).

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (SJR 74) would allow Missouri counties to impose their own local income tax if the state's income tax rate falls below 4.5%, provided voters approve the tax at a general election. It directly affects counties and their residents, as counties could add a local tax up to a combined total of 4.5% with the state rate. Key provisions require county voter approval before implementation, mandate that collected funds (minus 1% for collection costs) go to a dedicated "County Income Tax Trust Fund" for the county, and prohibit state control or appropriation of these funds. The amendment must be approved by voters in November 2026 to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 1037 authorizes Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services to directly contract with a designated Missouri affiliate of the National Network of Public Health Institutes (or a similar entity) to help deliver public health services statewide and manage grant funds. This bill directly affects the Department of Health, the designated public health affiliate, and Missouri residents by establishing a formal partnership for health service delivery and grant administration. Key provisions require the affiliate to report annually to the legislature within 60 days after each fiscal year, detailing all funds received, spent, and including service improvement recommendations. The bill focuses on structuring collaboration between state health authorities and a public health institute to enhance service coordination and transparency.

Maddy summarySB 1106 prohibits foreign corporations (defined as investment vehicles with $50M+ assets, ≤150 investors, and foreign headquarters) and their affiliates from acquiring residential real estate in Missouri after August 28, 2026. Residential real estate is defined as properties with up to four dwelling units used for human occupancy. The Missouri Attorney General can sue violators, and courts must order the sale of illegally acquired property within 90 days. This bill directly affects foreign investment entities meeting the defined criteria but excludes Missouri-incorporated banks and financial institutions. The law is pending and would take effect in 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1038 requires all Missouri employers, including public employers and businesses receiving state contracts over $5,000, to enroll in and actively participate in a federal work authorization program. Employers must provide annual sworn affidavits confirming their enrollment and verifying they do not knowingly employ unauthorized workers. Violations result in fines of $2,000 per unauthorized worker and license suspensions (30 days for first offense, up to one year for third offense). The bill mandates employers to verify new hires' work eligibility through the federal program and provides an affirmative defense for compliant businesses. It suspends enrollment requirements for 15 days during declared emergencies like natural disasters.

Maddy summarySB 1036 modifies Missouri's Missouri Works program, which provides tax incentives to businesses creating jobs. It redefines key terms like "average wage" (calculated using payroll and hours worked) and "county average wage" (using state data, with adjustments for relocating employees from higher-wage counties requiring community endorsements). The bill also specifies that "full-time employees" must work 35+ hours weekly and receive health insurance, and clarifies that "new capital investment" includes costs after program approval. These changes aim to standardize eligibility criteria and wage calculations for businesses seeking program benefits. The bill is currently under review by the Senate Government Efficiency Committee.

Maddy summarySB 958 requires businesses with over $500,000 in annual sales to clearly display the total sales tax rate (including state and local taxes) and any tariffs on all sales receipts and invoices, whether paper or electronic. This applies to every transaction where a receipt or invoice is provided, as defined in Missouri law. The bill defines "sales receipt" and "sales invoice" to standardize these documents. It aims to increase transparency about tax and tariff costs for consumers at the point of sale.

Maddy summarySB 957 creates a statewide licensing system for mechanical contractors in Missouri, replacing local licenses with uniform requirements. It defines "mechanical work" broadly to include HVAC systems, boilers, fuel piping, and refrigeration (excluding wood stoves, fire sprinklers, and some residential replacements), and establishes statewide licenses for contractors, journeyworkers, and apprentices. The Division of Professional Registration will manage licensing, including education requirements, fees, and renewals, while exempting minor residential repairs in single-family homes or small apartments. This bill directly affects contractors, apprentices, and businesses performing mechanical work across all Missouri jurisdictions.