Rep. Mike Costlow

Maddy summaryHB 3315 regulates flag displays on Missouri public buildings operated by state or local governments, such as courthouses, city halls, and schools. It permits only 12 specific flags, including the U.S. flag, Missouri state flag, military branch flags, federally recognized tribal flags, and school flags, while prohibiting all other flags. The state auditor investigates violations, gives government entities three days to correct issues, and can seek a court injunction for removal if unresolved, with courts required to act within seven days. The law does not restrict flags displayed by individuals lawfully present on public property.

Maddy summaryHB 3214 creates "Manufacturing Opportunity Zones" in Missouri for large manufacturing developments requiring access to transportation and essential utilities like electricity, gas, and water. It exempts qualifying manufacturing companies (with NAICS codes 31-33 that own property in Missouri) from state corporate income tax starting in 2027, establishes a fast-track permitting process for projects in these zones, and creates a dedicated utility fund financed by a 1% user fee on utilities to improve infrastructure. The bill also introduces a small business loan guarantee program (up to 90% total guarantee) to support manufacturing and technology companies investing in these zones.

Maddy summaryHB 3481 modifies Missouri's Supreme Court Rule 33.01 to clarify conditions for releasing defendants before trial in criminal cases. It requires courts to prioritize non-monetary conditions (like reporting or electronic monitoring) over monetary bail whenever possible, and prohibits setting bail amounts higher than necessary to ensure court appearances or community safety. The bill also mandates courts to consider a defendant's ability to pay when imposing monetary conditions and to waive costs for indigent defendants. This directly affects people charged with bailable offenses who may face pretrial detention or restrictive release terms. The law aims to reduce unnecessary pretrial incarceration while maintaining public safety.

Maddy summaryHB 2857 requires all public schools in the state (funded partially or fully by public money) to display the U.S. flag prominently during school hours and to display the original Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence in framed, unaltered form in accessible locations. It mandates that students recite the Pledge of Allegiance at least once daily in a scheduled class, but explicitly prohibits requiring any student to participate. The bill directly affects every public school and its students by establishing these specific display and recitation requirements. Key provisions include mandatory flag display locations, optional pledge recitation with no coercion, and the precise formatting of founding documents as printed originals.

Maddy summaryHB 2659 establishes a statewide mechanical contractor licensing system in Missouri, replacing local licenses with a single state-issued license valid across all jurisdictions. It requires contractors to pass a nationally recognized exam (ICC, Prometric, or IAPMO), carry $1 million liability insurance, and complete 7,500 hours of verifiable field experience (or hold an engineering degree with 3 years of supervision). The law defines mechanical contracting to include HVAC systems, plumbing, fire suppression, refrigeration, and related work, but explicitly excludes wood stoves, fireplaces, and similar appliances. The Division of Professional Registration will administer the program, set fees to cover administrative costs, and enforce licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2858 prevents local governments and homeowners' associations (HOAs) from banning the ownership or pasturing of small-scale, non-nuisance animals (like chickens, rabbits, or quail) for personal food consumption on properties of one-third acre or larger. It specifically prohibits restrictions on a single enclosure housing up to eight animals, while allowing reasonable rules about roosters or animal safety. The bill directly affects homeowners with qualifying lots and HOAs that previously enforced animal-keeping bans. It defines "non-nuisance" animals as those not causing unreasonable odor, noise, or safety hazards to neighbors. This replaces existing restrictions with a clear statewide standard for backyard food production.

Maddy summaryHB 2657 establishes foundational definitions to advance renewable energy use in Missouri state buildings. It defines key terms like "renewable energy source" (including solar, wind, and geothermal), "state building," and "substantial renovation" to create clear standards for energy efficiency. These definitions directly affect state agencies, public buildings, and contractors working on state construction or renovation projects by setting requirements for renewable energy integration and energy efficiency reporting. The bill creates the framework for future implementation of energy-saving measures but does not yet mandate specific actions or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 2661 establishes the Missouri Energy Infrastructure Bank and a dedicated fund to provide financial assistance for energy infrastructure projects. The program offers loans, bonds, and other support to electric providers (including utilities and rural cooperatives) for eligible projects like generation and transmission infrastructure, with priority given to projects in rural areas (counties with under 150,000 residents) that spur economic development. It explicitly excludes routine maintenance or repairs, focusing instead on new construction or upgrades requiring long-term planning. The bank will manage funds from the Energy Fund and Strategic Development Fund to finance these projects through mechanisms like interest rate subsidies and credit enhancements.

Maddy summaryHB 2660, titled the "Second Amendment Preservation Act," aims to protect Missouri residents' gun rights by prohibiting state officials from enforcing certain federal firearm laws it deems unconstitutional. It requires investigations into law enforcement officers who knowingly violate Second Amendment rights and creates legal avenues for citizens to seek court relief against such violations. The bill declares Missouri's opposition to federal gun regulations that restrict firearm ownership, possession, or use within the state, arguing these exceed federal constitutional authority. It directly affects state officials, law enforcement, and gun owners by establishing a framework for state-level resistance to federal gun policies.

Maddy summaryHB 3096 establishes a rebuttable presumption that certain cancers and occupational diseases (including heart, respiratory, and specific cancers like lung or prostate cancer) contracted by firefighters and fire investigators are work-related, shifting the burden of proof to employers to disprove the connection. It also adds PTSD as a compensable occupational disease for first responders when diagnosed after experiencing specific qualifying traumatic events, such as witnessing severe injuries or deaths. The bill updates Missouri's workers' compensation framework to cover these conditions without requiring proof of direct causation, provided clear evidence links the condition to job-related exposures or events. This directly affects paid firefighters and fire investigators certified under state law who develop covered illnesses during their duties.