Rep. John Voss

Maddy summaryHB 2474 revises Missouri's design-build contract rules, primarily affecting local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) that build public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and public buildings. The bill defines key terms like "design-build contract" and "design criteria package" to standardize the process, requiring political subdivisions to create detailed project specifications before soliciting bids. It establishes a role for a licensed "design criteria consultant" to help develop these specifications without being allowed to bid on the project. These changes clarify how local governments select contractors for design-build projects while ensuring clear project requirements are set upfront.

Maddy summaryHB 2810 requires Missouri school districts to permit youth organizations (specifically those chartered by Congress and listed in federal law) to provide educational information, services, and activities to students during non-instructional time. School districts must allow these organizations to schedule at least one annual session on school grounds or in school buildings, making a good-faith effort to find mutually agreeable dates and locations. All youth organization representatives must undergo a background check, with districts able to bar individuals convicted of felonies. The bill directly affects school districts (requiring accommodation), students (receiving services), and qualifying youth organizations (gaining access).

Maddy summaryHB 3102 establishes the "A+ Schools Program" to support public secondary schools in Missouri. It requires participating schools to meet specific standards, including ensuring all students graduate with challenging coursework, earn college credits or secure postsecondary pathways, and implement measurable performance plans. Schools must develop community partnerships involving businesses and educators, and nonpublic schools meeting criteria can also qualify for student reimbursement of postsecondary education costs. The program provides grants for schools meeting these requirements, with annual reimbursement for eligible students attending public or approved private colleges/vocational schools after graduating from qualifying high schools.

Maddy summaryHB 1781 modifies the process for filling vacancies in the state legislature. It requires the governor to issue a special election writ within seven days and hold the election by the 18th Tuesday after the writ if a vacancy occurs 46 or more weeks before the term ends. If the vacancy happens less than 46 weeks before the term concludes, the governor may choose whether to hold an election. This bill directly affects governors, election officials, and the timing of special elections for legislative seats, streamlining vacancy procedures without altering eligibility for office. The bill is currently pending in committee after its first reading.

Maddy summaryHB 2527 creates a 50% tax credit against Missouri state income tax for qualifying newspaper printing plants, directly affecting businesses headquartered in Missouri that derive most revenue from printing publicly distributed newspapers. The credit equals half of eligible labor costs (reported on W-2s for pressroom/mailroom staff) incurred during the tax year, with a total annual cap of $7 million across all applicants. Taxpayers must apply to the Missouri Department of Revenue, and unused credits can be refunded or transferred. The program expires automatically six years after implementation (unless renewed by the legislature) and applies only to state tax liability under Chapters 143 or 148, excluding withholding tax.

Maddy summaryHB 2473 requires real estate brokers in Missouri to keep client funds in separate bank escrow accounts, directly affecting brokers who handle client money. The bill mandates that brokers cannot mix client funds with personal money, except for up to $1,000 to cover account fees or interest accrued on the funds (which must be removed within 30 days). Brokers must also notify the state commission about their escrow accounts, maintain detailed records for inspection, and report disputed funds to the state treasurer within 365 days if ownership is contested. This replaces existing rules with clearer requirements for account separation and transparency.

Maddy summaryHB 1786 creates a dedicated "Vehicle, Aircraft, and Watercraft Revolving Fund" for the highway patrol to manage money related to their vehicles, watercraft, motors, trailers, and aircraft. The fund collects revenue from sources like vehicle maintenance fees, official use reimbursements, and damage restitution, which must be used solely for purchasing or maintaining highway patrol equipment and operational costs. It requires specific legislative approval for purchases exceeding $500,000 and ensures unspent funds carry over to the next fiscal year instead of returning to general state revenue. This bill directly affects how the highway patrol finances and manages its fleet operations.

Maddy summaryHB 2877 creates the "Unemployment Administration Adjustment Fund" to cover state costs for administering unemployment programs. It requires most employers (excluding those with zero contribution rates) to pay an annual fee equal to 0.05% of their taxable payroll (ending June 30th) into this fund. The fund cannot replace federal unemployment grants or reduce federal funding, and employers are exempt from paying if the fund balance reaches $40 million or the unemployment trust fund balance falls below $450 million. All collected fees must be deposited into the fund, which can only be used for unemployment administration costs, with interest earned also credited to the fund.

Maddy summaryHB 2855 modifies Missouri's workers' compensation tax system by establishing a 2% tax on insurers' net premiums and a separate annual surcharge (up to 3%) for the Second Injury Fund. It requires all workers' compensation insurers, self-insuring employers (including state agencies and local governments), and policyholders to pay these taxes/surcharges on premiums or assessments. The surcharge is calculated annually to cover 110% of expected Second Injury Fund payments, based on prior year's premiums, and must be collected quarterly by insurers. All surcharge revenue funds the Second Injury Fund, which supports workers with pre-existing injuries aggravated by workplace accidents.

Maddy summaryHB 1782 permanently extends Missouri's tax credit for donations to food pantries, homeless shelters, and soup kitchens by removing the bill's prior expiration date (December 31, 2026). Taxpayers who donate cash or food to qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations serving low-income communities can claim a 50% credit on donation value, capped at $2,500 annually per taxpayer. The credit applies only to donations made to local organizations operating in the donor's area, with no changes to existing eligibility rules or credit limits. This update ensures the program continues indefinitely without requiring annual legislative renewal.