Rep. Renee Reuter

Maddy summaryHB 1839 requires commercial websites distributing more than one-third "sexual material harmful to minors" (defined as content appealing to minors' sexual interests without serious artistic value) to implement age verification for users under 18. It mandates that businesses use reasonable age-verification methods (like government ID checks) and prohibits retaining personal user data during verification. Websites must display specific health warnings about pornography's effects and a national helpline notice in 14-point font. The law excludes bona fide news organizations and internet service providers from compliance, and the Missouri Attorney General can enforce it through lawsuits seeking damages or injunctions.

Maddy summaryHB 3209 reduces the word limit for official ballot summaries from 100 to 50 words (and keeps the fiscal note summary at 50 words) for statewide voter measures. It requires these summaries to be neutral, factual descriptions of proposed measures without bias. If the legislature doesn't provide a summary, the secretary of state prepares one within 20 days, seeking input from the bill's sponsor and chamber leaders, then submits it to the attorney general for approval within 10 days. This directly affects voters receiving ballot information and election officials managing statewide measures.

Maddy summaryHB 3540 creates a voluntary mental wellness program called "Journaling for Joy" for school districts and charter schools. Starting in the 2027-28 school year, it allows schools to implement the program for students in third, sixth, and twelfth grades using approved curriculum that includes journaling workbooks, instructor guides, and structured prompts focused on emotional regulation and conflict resolution - without providing therapy or collecting identifiable mental health data. Schools must train teachers using department-approved materials, and the education department will track participation and non-identifiable outcomes like school climate through annual reports. The program expires on August 28, 2033, and requires annual state funding approval for implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 2893 changes where school board candidates file their paperwork, requiring them to submit with the county election authority instead of the school board for districts entirely within one county. It also allows elections to be skipped if the number of candidates equals the number of open seats, with candidates automatically assuming office without a vote. This applies to school districts in single counties, with specific filing rules for larger urban districts (e.g., those in cities over 130,000 inhabitants). The bill aims to streamline candidate filings and reduce election costs for qualifying districts.

Maddy summaryHB 2882 creates a state tax credit allowing Missouri taxpayers to reduce their income tax liability by 70% of donations (up to $50,000 annually) to nonprofit organizations providing mental health services to veterans. The credit applies to contributions made to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations meeting specific criteria, including offering comprehensive mental health care through licensed professionals. Taxpayers can carry forward unused credits to the next tax year but cannot claim credits for donations under $100. The program expires after six years unless reauthorized by the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 3007 updates Missouri's licensing requirements for psychologists. It requires doctoral degree holders from accredited programs (or programs meeting specific criteria like core curriculum and supervision standards) to complete three semester hours of domestic violence training. Applicants must also accumulate at least 1,500 hours of supervised internship experience and 2,000 total professional experience hours. The bill applies to new license applicants and provides a transition option for those who began their education before August 28, 1990, allowing them to choose between old and new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 3034 requires that autonomous vehicles operating on public roads in this state must have a licensed, trained driver physically present in the vehicle at all times who can immediately take control. The bill mandates that operators follow standard traffic safety rules, drive carefully at safe speeds, and avoid stunt driving. It directly affects autonomous vehicle operators, manufacturers, and drivers testing or using such vehicles on state roads. Violations would be punishable as misdemeanors, with higher penalties if an accident occurs. The bill establishes baseline safety requirements for autonomous vehicle operation without eliminating the need for a human driver.

Maddy summaryHB 3119 requires motorcycle operators and passengers under age 26 to wear protective headgear while the vehicle is in motion on state highways. It provides an exception for riders age 26 or older who maintain qualifying health insurance covering motorcycle accident injuries, requiring them to show proof of coverage upon request. The bill makes failure to wear headgear an infraction with a maximum $25 fine, prohibits stops solely to check compliance, and prohibits court costs or license points for this violation. It does not apply to motorcycle operators or passengers age 26+ who meet the insurance requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 2106) prohibits Missouri courts and contracts from enforcing Shari'a law or other foreign legal systems that would violate constitutional rights. It specifically voids court decisions, arbitration rulings, or contract clauses relying on such laws, while exempting religious organizations' internal matters (like clergy selection) and agreements covered by federal treaties. The bill does not restrict property purchases by religious groups, as the title incorrectly suggests; its focus is on legal applications in courts and contracts. It applies to state courts and contracts within Missouri, with limited exceptions for religious governance and federal obligations. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (prefiled and read first time in 2025-2026).

Maddy summaryHB 2231 requires facilities advertising dual diagnosis treatment (addressing both substance use disorders and mental health conditions) to meet specific operational standards. It mandates medication management systems for tracking prescriptions, regular patient reviews, and education; requires integrated, evidence-based treatment plans tailored to individual patients; and prohibits misleading advertising claims about services or licensure. Facilities must clearly disclose their credentials in all marketing materials. The Department of Mental Health enforces these rules, with violations subject to penalties under existing licensing laws. This bill directly affects all treatment centers in the state that market themselves as providing dual diagnosis care.