Sen. Adam Schnelting

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to how Missouri constitutional amendments are ratified and who can vote on them. It would require that any amendment be approved by a majority of voters statewide and also by a majority in more than half of the state's congressional districts. Additionally, the bill would restrict the right to vote on constitutional changes to legal residents of Missouri who are citizens of the United States. These rules would apply to amendments submitted by voters or by a constitutional convention.

Maddy summaryHB 2306 requires professional licensing boards in Missouri to immediately stop investigating and dismiss any complaints based on a licensee's exercise of free speech or free exercise of religion rights. The law explicitly states that engaging in these protected activities cannot be considered unprofessional conduct, shielding professionals from discipline for such actions. However, the bill does allow oversight bodies to take action against individuals who help others retaliate against licensees for their protected speech or conduct outside of their professional duties. This legislation directly affects licensed professionals and the administrative agencies that regulate them by establishing specific procedures for handling complaints related to constitutional rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to eliminate the state sales and use tax on food beginning January 1, 2025, while maintaining a one percent tax rate on food sales through the end of 2024. The tax exemption applies only to items that can be purchased with government nutrition assistance benefits, such as those sold at grocery stores and vending machines. It explicitly excludes prepared foods sold by restaurants, fast food establishments, and cafes where such sales make up more than eighty percent of the business's revenue. Local sales taxes imposed by cities or counties would remain unaffected by this change.

Maddy summaryHB 1711 modifies state laws to allow the sale of raw milk and raw milk products like cream, butter, and cheese under specific conditions. The bill permits these unpasteurized items to be sold at grocery stores and farmers markets if they are clearly labeled with a health warning about potential bacterial risks to vulnerable groups. It also allows individuals to purchase raw milk directly from farms for their own use and requires bottlers to have their products inspected by the state milk board at least every three months. Additionally, dairy farms selling these products must maintain herds certified as free from tuberculosis and brucellosis by the USDA.

Maddy summaryHB 1651 defines "red flag laws" as any state or federal order that temporarily or permanently seizes firearms, accessories, or ammunition from individuals without a prior court conviction for a violent felony. The bill prohibits Missouri state agencies and local law enforcement from enforcing these orders and bars them from accepting federal funds used to enforce such measures. It also establishes civil penalties of up to $50,000 for officers who knowingly violate the law and provides a legal pathway for citizens to sue for damages or injunctive relief if their firearms are seized under these prohibited orders.

Maddy summaryHB 2175 modifies Missouri's health care laws to restrict the use of public funds, facilities, and employees for abortions, while also prohibiting state officials from being forced to enforce federal abortion regulations. The bill allows taxpayers and the state attorney general to sue for relief if these restrictions are violated, aiming to protect religious beliefs and state sovereignty. Additionally, it updates coverage rules for the MO HealthNet program, which provides health benefits to low-income residents, by specifying which services are covered and explicitly barring payments to abortion facilities or their affiliates.

Maddy summaryHB 2350 amends Missouri law to exempt specific types of organizations from local earnings taxes. The bill directly affects groups such as mutual savings banks, religious and charitable corporations, nonprofit clubs, and employee pension trusts. By repealing an existing section and replacing it with a new list of exempt entities, the legislation removes the requirement for these organizations to pay local taxes on their income. This change applies only to the listed categories and does not alter tax rules for other businesses or individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for when individuals are legally allowed to use physical force in self-defense. It clarifies that a person can use force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to protect themselves or others from unlawful harm, with specific exceptions for initial aggressors and those committing felonies. The law also establishes a "no duty to retreat" rule in homes, vehicles, and private property, meaning people do not have to flee before using force. Additionally, it creates a legal presumption that a person's belief in the need for defense was reasonable and sets a higher burden of proof for prosecutors to overcome self-defense claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires long-term care facilities to carry at least $2 million in liability insurance to cover losses from abuse, neglect, or wrongful death caused by the facility's negligent or criminal acts. Operators can avoid this insurance requirement if they instead maintain a separate reserve account of at least $2 million specifically set aside for these potential losses. The legislation also outlines specific grounds for revoking a facility's license, such as failing to meet safety standards, refusing inspections, or having operators with relevant felony convictions. Additionally, the bill mandates that license revocations be communicated in writing with at least ten days' notice before they take effect. These measures directly impact the financial and operational compliance standards for entities providing long-term care services.

Maddy summaryHB 1955 updates Missouri state laws regarding how the state manages its financial assets and how residents calculate their state income taxes. The bill requires the state treasurer to keep at least one percent of state funds in local banks as cash or interest-bearing deposits, provided these funds are not needed for current expenses. It also modifies the state income tax code by adding specific federal tax refunds and interest amounts to a taxpayer's income while allowing certain deductions to be subtracted. These tax adjustments are designed to align Missouri's tax calculations with changes in federal tax laws, such as rules on business interest and property tax deductions.