Rep. Ben Keathley

Maddy summaryHB 2558 sets strict time limits and procedures for detaining juveniles under 18. It requires juvenile courts to review detention reasons immediately, release juveniles within 24 hours unless a hearing is scheduled, and hold that hearing within three business days. The bill mandates that detention is only allowed if the court finds probable cause the juvenile committed an offense and specific conditions exist - such as protecting the juvenile, others, or property, preventing flight, or ensuring supervision. It directly affects juveniles in custody, judges handling their cases, and juvenile officers by standardizing detention review processes. The law does not change what offenses are punishable but ensures timely judicial oversight of juvenile detention.

Maddy summaryHB 2082 increases Missouri's minimum motor vehicle liability insurance coverage requirements. The bill raises the minimum coverage for bodily injury to $50,000 per person (from $25,000) and $100,000 for two or more people in an accident, while increasing property damage coverage to $50,000 (from $25,000). This change directly affects all vehicle owners and operators in Missouri who must maintain liability insurance to comply with state law. The new law also updates key definitions related to insurance policies and financial responsibility to align with these increased coverage amounts.

Maddy summaryHB 2406 requires state agencies to notify Missouri's Joint Committee on Administrative Rules before finalizing any new rule that would cost over $250,000 annually for state agencies or significantly impact businesses or individuals financially. The bill mandates a 30-day waiting period after committee notification and requires the legislature to approve such rules via a concurrent resolution before they can take effect. This applies to most administrative rules, making them unenforceable without following these steps, though exceptions exist for rules needed for federal compliance or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 2083 creates legal immunity from criminal liability for health care providers in Missouri when delivering services, directly affecting doctors, nurses, and other licensed professionals working in health facilities. The bill states providers cannot be criminally charged for harm arising from their care, except in cases of gross negligence, intentional misconduct, or willful harm. It clarifies this immunity does not override existing civil liability rules or other legal protections. The law specifically applies to services covered under Missouri’s health care licensing statutes (sections 324.050-324.089, 190, 198, 330-338, and 376.1350 definitions).

Maddy summaryHB 2412 requires money transfer businesses in Missouri to verify that senders of international money transfers are not "unauthorized aliens" (individuals without legal U.S. work authorization). Businesses must confirm this verification with the state division of finance quarterly and face a 25% penalty on the transfer amount for violations. The bill directly affects licensed money transfer companies, mandating new verification procedures before sending funds abroad. Penalties collected fund the Missouri disaster relief fund, and the division may audit businesses to enforce compliance starting in 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 2085 preempts local governments from regulating tobacco, e-cigarette, and nicotine product sales, overriding local ordinances on ingredients, product bans, licensing, and minimum age restrictions (except age requirements below 21). The bill establishes state law as the sole authority for these regulations, superseding county or municipal rules that conflict with sections 407.924-407.934. Local governments may still enforce age requirements for sales under 21 years old, but cannot set higher minimum ages (e.g., 22+). This directly affects counties, cities, and towns seeking to implement stricter local tobacco policies.

Maddy summaryHJR 153 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how judges are selected in Missouri courts. It would replace current election-based selection with a system where the governor appoints judges (with Senate approval) from a list of nominees recommended by a nonpartisan judicial commission. The amendment also establishes a new seven-year term for all judges, including circuit and associate circuit judges, instead of varying terms under current law. Voters in certain counties could later choose through a ballot measure whether to maintain this appointment system or revert to elections. This change would affect all judges serving in Missouri's circuit courts, associate circuit courts, and higher courts, with the proposal requiring voter approval in the 2026 election.

Maddy summaryHB 2426 establishes that parents have fundamental rights to direct their child's education, healthcare, and upbringing without government interference. It grants specific rights including choosing schools (public, private, homeschool, or faith-based), accessing educational and medical records, consenting to medical treatments (except abortions, which require parental consent), and opting children out of school data collection. The bill prohibits government restrictions unless necessary to serve a compelling interest, with explicit exceptions for life-threatening medical care and child safety. It applies to all state and local laws and allows parents to seek legal remedies if their rights are violated.

Maddy summaryHB 2668 replaces 43 existing Missouri property tax statutes with new provisions primarily governing how cities and counties can establish neighborhood improvement districts. These districts allow local governments to finance public improvements (like parks or roads) through voter-approved bonds and property assessments, requiring at least 50%+1 voter approval for creation. The bill sets limits: total project costs assessed on property cannot exceed initial estimates by more than 25%, and annual maintenance assessments must stay within 25% of projected costs. This directly affects property owners in districts where such improvements are approved and local governments creating these districts.

Maddy summaryHB 2563 modifies Missouri's administrative rules process by updating the secretary of state's duties. It allows the secretary to make non-substantive changes to regulations (like updating agency names, contact information, or website addresses) after state agencies request it and the changes are published in the Missouri Register. The bill also requires the secretary to provide public access to the Missouri Register and state regulations at reasonable cost (not exceeding actual publishing/delivery expenses), with all fees deposited into general revenue. These changes affect state agencies submitting requests and the public accessing regulatory materials, streamlining routine updates without altering policy substance.