Rep. Crystal Quade

Maddy summaryHB 2643 establishes a refundable tax credit in Missouri for parents of children under the age of seventeen, providing $1,800 annually for children under six and $1,500 for older children. The bill allows eligible taxpayers to receive these funds as monthly advance payments starting in 2025, with a total annual cap of $10,000 or six credits per family. To qualify, a child must be claimed as a dependent on a federal tax return, live with the taxpayer for more than half the year, and not provide more than half of their own support. The legislation also authorizes the state Department of Revenue to proactively identify eligible taxpayers and adjust advance payments based on updated income information.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that all public school districts and charter schools in the state provide free early childhood education programs for three- and four-year-old children. Starting in the 2025-26 school year, these programs must be available to every child residing in the state, with attendance counted toward the schools' enrollment figures. The legislation establishes specific standards for contracted programs, such as requiring appropriate teacher-to-child ratios, credentialed staff, and approved curricula, while also creating a dedicated state fund to help schools cover startup costs like equipment and space. Additionally, the bill includes a phased approach where limited funding is available for districts to begin their own programs in 2024-25, with rules changing slightly in 2027-28 regarding which types of programs qualify for state support.

Maddy summaryHB 2401 repeals existing tax statutes and replaces them with new provisions that update how property values are assessed and calculated across Missouri. The bill establishes specific rules for determining the taxable value of real and personal property, including adjustments for new construction and improvements to airport-related properties. It also sets a timeline for assessors to submit assessment plans and outlines a process for resolving disputes through mediation or administrative hearings. While the bill's title mentions eliminating sales tax on food and authorizing tax increases, the provided text focuses entirely on property tax assessment procedures rather than sales tax changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Missouri's regulations for long-term care facilities by replacing old statutes with new rules that require a "certificate of need" before any new health services are developed. The law mandates that these certificates be issued only when a committee determines the new services are necessary, and it prevents state agencies from licensing facilities or approving funding without this approval. Key provisions include specific requirements for project cost limits, mandatory reporting, and protections ensuring that a facility's request is not denied based on nearby competition or the applicant's refusal to provide abortion services. Additionally, the bill clarifies that transferring ownership of an existing facility does not require a new certificate, except for certain types of assisted living and nursing homes.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits foreign individuals and businesses from buying or acquiring any agricultural land in Missouri starting August 28, 2024. It also bans these entities from transferring land they currently own to another foreign person or business after that date. To enforce these rules, the state Department of Agriculture will review all future land transfers involving foreign parties to ensure compliance. The law does not affect foreign owners who already hold land before the deadline, nor does it invalidate existing loans or security interests tied to the property.

Maddy summaryHB 2540, known as the Missouri Energy Freedom Act, creates a legal framework allowing large business customers to purchase renewable electricity directly from facility owners or developers. To qualify for these contracts, customers must have an annual peak demand of at least one megawatt, though they can combine multiple locations to meet this threshold. The bill outlines specific rules for pricing, contract duration, and the transfer of renewable energy credits to the buyer, while also defining the limited role of existing utility companies in facilitating these transactions. Additionally, the legislation sets a threshold where a utility must stop allowing such direct renewable energy deliveries if the volume reaches five percent of its total retail sales.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits licensed mental health professionals from performing conversion therapy on minors, which is defined as any treatment attempting to change a young person's sexual orientation or gender identity. The law explicitly excludes supportive counseling that helps individuals cope with their identity or undergo gender transition, provided such sessions do not aim to alter sexual or romantic attractions. If a professional violates this rule, the licensing committee can file a complaint that may lead to disciplinary actions such as censure, probation, suspension, or revocation of their license. Parents, guardians, and close family members who paid for the treatment have the right to file complaints or present evidence regarding these violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the formulas Missouri uses to calculate state funding for public school districts. It directly affects school districts by changing how they determine their eligibility for financial aid based on student attendance and spending. The law redefines key terms like "adjusted operating levy" and "average daily attendance" to ensure funding calculations account for summer school students and specific resident pupil definitions. Additionally, it establishes new rules for calculating "current operating expenditures" and introduces a "dollar-value modifier" that adjusts funding based on regional wage differences to reflect changes in purchasing power.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to protect the right to own and carry firearms for self-defense and to assist civil authorities, while explicitly allowing local governments in counties and the cities of St. Louis and Kansas City to regulate firearm possession and carrying. The amendment mandates that any restrictions on these rights must meet a high legal standard known as strict scrutiny and prohibits the state from refusing to protect these rights, though it maintains existing bans on convicted felons and those deemed mentally dangerous. Local jurisdictions that choose to regulate firearms can issue permits with fees limited to covering administrative costs, require background checks, and set penalties for violations that include fines or jail time. The proposed law also recognizes permits issued by a person's home county as valid within the regulating city or county and exempts law enforcement, judges, and certain security personnel from local regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to Missouri that establishes a fundamental right to reproductive freedom, including access to abortion care and contraceptives. It requires the government to prove a compelling interest, such as protecting a person's health based on medical evidence, before it can restrict this right. The amendment also protects individuals from legal penalties for obtaining or assisting with reproductive care and prohibits discrimination against those involved in providing such services. If voters approve the measure, it would become part of the state constitution and override any conflicting laws.