Rep. Dale Wright

Maddy summaryHB 1591 increases the cigarette tax from $0.17 to $0.37 per pack (or the lowest tax rate among other states, whichever is lower), effective only if approved by voters in a November 2026 election. The bill requires cigarette tax stamps to be affixed to each package, with revenue from the tax split between school funding (via the "Fair Share Fund") and health initiatives (via the "Health Initiatives Fund"). It also mandates annual updates to the tax rate based on other states' rates, effective January 1st each year. This change directly affects cigarette consumers, retailers, and state revenue streams, with the tax rate adjustment tied to voter approval.

Maddy summaryHB 474 protects patients' ability to choose any pharmacy for prescription drugs by banning pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) from restricting this choice or penalizing patients for using a preferred pharmacy. The bill requires PBMs to limit patient out-of-pocket costs to the lower of their health plan copayment, the cash price, or the actual drug cost minus rebates. It also mandates PBMs to disclose conflicts of interest and prohibits them from charging pharmacies fees for claim processing or reducing payments after claims are adjudicated. This law directly affects patients, pharmacists, PBMs, and health benefit plans by clarifying cost-sharing rules and enhancing transparency in prescription drug coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows counties with populations between 700 and 17,600 residents to propose a 1% sales tax on retail purchases (separate from other taxes) to fund local hospital operations. County leaders must first seek voter approval via ballot measure before implementing the tax. Proceeds would be deposited into a dedicated "County Hospital Operations Sales Tax Fund" exclusively for hospital support, with strict rules preventing commingling with state funds. Voters can later repeal the tax through another ballot measure, requiring majority approval for any changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1629 modifies the Missouri Ethics Commission by removing the existing term limit for its director, allowing the position to be held indefinitely. The bill outlines the commission's structure, including how members are appointed from party lists, their four-year terms, and strict rules regarding political contributions and post-service employment. It also establishes procedures for filling vacancies and defines the governor's and legislature's roles in removing members for cause. This legislation focuses on adjusting the tenure of the commission's leadership while maintaining detailed regulations on member conduct and independence.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants cities the authority to issue search warrants for ordinance violations, nuisance abatement, and evidence collection, affecting local peace officers, code enforcement officers, and prosecutors. Under the new rules, these officials must submit a written application verified by oath that details the specific property or person to be searched and provides facts establishing probable cause, while oral testimony is not permitted. A municipal judge reviews the application and supporting affidavit to decide whether to issue the warrant, which must then be executed within ten days by authorized city officers. The legislation also allows for the use of electronic signatures and electronic submission of documents to facilitate the warrant process.