Rep. David Dolan

Maddy summaryHB 1840 creates Missouri's "Purple Alert System" to help locate missing persons with developmental disabilities who face immediate danger. It directly affects individuals with intellectual disabilities, brain injuries, or other non-Alzheimer's cognitive conditions who go missing. The bill requires law enforcement to immediately notify officers, contact local media, and share details with neighboring agencies when such a case is reported. It also mandates training for officers on crisis intervention and policies to enhance emergency response and public awareness about developmental disability-related elopement risks. The system must be implemented by July 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1740 updates the state's point system for driving violations, affecting drivers who accumulate points on their license record. It sets specific thresholds for license suspension (e.g., 8 points in 18 months) and revocation (12 points in 12 months), while allowing drivers to avoid full suspension by installing an alcohol interlock device in their vehicle. License reinstatement requires proof of financial responsibility (like insurance) and takes 30-90 days depending on prior suspensions, with shorter timelines for first-time offenses. The bill also clarifies that points cannot be reduced during suspension periods and mandates reinstatement fees for suspended drivers.

Maddy summaryHB 2637 revises Missouri's criminal justice system by requiring detailed documentation for offender transfers to correctional facilities, including sentencing specifics, health records, and victim information. It establishes a new 12-24 month treatment program for nonviolent offenders with substance abuse issues (excluding those convicted of dangerous felonies), allowing courts to suspend incarceration pending program completion. The bill also mandates parole board guidelines prioritizing serious offenders, using risk assessments, and publishing transparency data on release and recidivism rates. These changes directly affect nonviolent offenders, correctional departments, courts, and parole boards by altering transfer procedures, treatment eligibility, and parole decision-making processes.

Maddy summaryHB 3413 modifies Missouri's juvenile justice system by establishing clear criteria for when a child aged 12-18 may be transferred to adult court for serious offenses. It requires courts to hold a hearing and consider specific factors - such as the offense's severity (including murder, drug manufacturing, or violent crimes), prior offenses, and community safety - before transferring a case. The bill directly affects juveniles charged with certain felonies (like first-degree murder or drug distribution) or repeat offenses, and juvenile courts handling these cases. Key provisions include mandatory hearings for specified offenses, allowing evidence obtained during age misrepresentation to be used, and requiring written reports detailing rehabilitation prospects before transfer decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 2779 changes who reimburses counties for housing inmates with mental health issues. It shifts responsibility from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Mental Health (DMH) for cases where a person lacks mental fitness to stand trial (per Section 552.020). Counties will now receive $150 per day (up from $40) for each day an inmate remains in custody due to mental fitness concerns, subject to DMH approval. The bill requires sheriffs to certify days spent in custody and submit claims within two years for DMH to process.

Maddy summaryHB 2165 amends Missouri law to expand the definition of "special victim" in criminal assault cases. It specifically adds sports officials - such as referees, umpires, or linesmen - who are assaulted while performing their duties at any level of sporting event. To qualify, the official must be trained, certified, or registered by a recognized sports organization. This change means assault against these officials will now be treated as a "special victim" offense under existing sentencing laws, potentially leading to enhanced penalties. The bill does not alter sentencing ranges but broadens who qualifies for this legal classification.

Maddy summaryHB 2166 changes how prosecuting attorneys in Missouri counties of the third classification are paid. It sets their salary based on county property value (e.g., $37,000 for counties with $18-40.9 million valuation) and links additional payments to specific requirements. Prosecutors must complete 20+ hours of approved training annually to earn $2,000, collect mandated data to earn $5,000, and provide proper discovery to earn $3,000. The state will reimburse 30% of these salaries for third-class counties through appropriations.

Maddy summaryHB 2459 would require anyone filing a civil case in Scott County courts to pay a $45 surcharge at the time of filing, in addition to existing court costs. The funds collected would go directly to a Scott County courthouse construction fund, which can be used for planning and building a new courthouse and may secure bonds to finance the project. This fee does not apply to cases where costs are waived or paid by the state, county, or municipality. The surcharge is set to expire on August 28, 2046.

Maddy summaryHB 2505 modifies Missouri custody law to establish that grandparents must be given priority over other third parties when a court considers placing a child in third-party custody. The bill specifically states that if a court finds parents unfit or unable to care for a child, custody should first be offered to the child's grandparent(s) before considering other third parties like relatives or non-relatives. This applies only in cases where the court determines third-party custody is necessary and in the child's best interest, not automatically. The law requires courts to make this priority explicit in their custody decisions under the "best interest of the child" standard. It does not change existing custody rules for parents but adds grandparents as the first option for third-party custody placements.

Maddy summaryHB 2509 allows Missouri driver's license applicants to voluntarily identify their race, ethnicity, or national origin on their application form. This information will not appear on the physical license and will only be used by state agencies for research and statistical reporting after being aggregated or anonymized. The bill does not alter the license itself or affect eligibility but adds this optional field to the application process for all Missouri driver's license applicants. It directly impacts individuals applying for or renewing a driver's license in Missouri.