Rep. Brian Seitz

Maddy summaryHB 1719 requires that all peace officers' basic law enforcement training include at least four hours of instruction on officer-canine encounters and canine behaviors. This training must cover specific topics such as understanding canine behavior, handling unplanned encounters, using humane methods, relevant state canine laws, and nonlethal defense techniques. The bill applies to every peace officer's basic training requirement, meaning it will be mandated for new officers as part of their initial certification process. The bill is currently pending in the legislature after being prefaced and read in the House.

Maddy summaryHJR 108 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Missouri voters to approve any new state tax or tax rate increase before it takes effect. This would apply to taxes created or raised through state law (like income or sales tax changes), but excludes adjustments to tax credits, deductions, or exemptions. The amendment would mandate a statewide general election vote (such as the November 2026 election) for such tax changes to become effective. It does not affect existing taxes or the legislative process for appropriating state funds.

Maddy summaryHB 1612 requires all public school districts and charter schools to display the full text of the Ten Commandments in every classroom and school building starting January 1, 2027. School boards must ensure the display is at least 11x14 inches, with the text as the central focus in a large, readable font, though they may use existing funds or accept donations without mandatory spending. The bill applies directly to school district governing boards and charter school boards, mandating the physical placement of the religious text in educational spaces. It does not specify exemptions for secular content or address religious diversity within schools. The state board of education will develop implementing rules, but the bill itself focuses solely on the display requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 1665 prohibits homeowners' associations (HOAs) and similar entities from restricting concealed carry permit holders' rights to carry firearms in their vehicles or on their person within the association's property. The bill specifically allows permit holders to carry concealed firearms in most areas (like private property or vehicles on premises), while maintaining existing restrictions on sensitive locations such as police stations (with consent), polling places, courthouses, schools (with permission), and liquor establishments. It clarifies that associations cannot override state law, but does not create new carry rights - permit holders retain existing state-authorized rights. The law also requires clear signage for restricted areas and exempts certain locations like public housing, schools (for designated staff), and private dwellings.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Missouri public schools receiving public funds to display the U.S. flag prominently during school hours, either outside the building or on a yard pole. It mandates that schools ensure the Pledge of Allegiance is recited at least once daily in at least one class per student, though no student may be compelled to participate. The bill permits classrooms to display only four specific flags: the U.S. flag, Missouri state flag, POW/MIA flag, or the school's own flag, banning all other flags. These requirements apply directly to all public schools in Missouri supported by public funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1675 limits when health insurance companies (health carriers) can require doctors and hospitals (health care providers) to get prior authorization for medical services. Specifically, insurers cannot demand prior approval unless they approved less than 90% of similar requests from that provider in the previous six-month period (either January-June or July-December). The bill requires insurers to notify providers within 25 days after each period, provide appeal options, and maintain an online portal showing all authorization decisions. It applies to most health plans but excludes Medicaid managed care organizations and providers who haven’t participated in a plan for a full six-month period. The law does not change what services are covered or allow providers to exceed their licensed scope.

Maddy summaryHJR 169 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring voter approval before Missouri state or local districts can increase taxes, debt, or annual spending above certain thresholds. It directly affects state and local governments (excluding government-owned enterprises) by mandating public votes for new revenue measures and creating a refund process for illegally collected revenue. Key mechanisms include requiring districts to provide detailed spending data to voters before tax/debt votes, refunding illegally collected revenue with 10% annual interest, and suspending certain spending limits only during declared emergencies. The amendment takes effect January 1, 2027, and would override conflicting existing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 2710 requires all Missouri public schools and districts to publish standardized annual report cards showing student performance, finances, and staff data in an accessible format. It establishes a new A-F rating system based on student achievement (40% for elementary/middle schools, 25% for high schools), academic growth metrics (30% for elementary/middle, 25% for high schools), and high school "Success Ready Graduate" measures (15% for high schools). Top-performing schools in the top 5% for achievement or growth will receive $100 per student in performance-based funding starting in 2026-27, while those in the top 10% but not top 5% get $50 per student. The bill directly affects every public school, district, and charter school by linking their ratings and funding eligibility to specific student outcome metrics.

Maddy summaryHB 2872 requires Missouri teacher preparation programs to train future educators in evidence-based reading instruction methods, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, and vocabulary. It prohibits the use of the "three-cueing system" in coursework and mandates that programs align with specific literacy components. The bill establishes a new Missouri Advisory Board for Educator Preparation (MABEP) to advise on teacher training and creates an Office of Literacy within the state education department. It also funds school districts through a new "Evidence-based Reading Instruction Program Fund" for tutoring, teacher training, and evidence-based reading materials, with compliance reviews starting in 2027. This directly affects teacher training institutions, new educators, and public school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 2742 increases penalties for drivers who fail to stop for a school bus by adding 5 points to their license for this violation. It also allows school districts to install cameras on school buses to detect such failures, but only when the bus is actively loading or unloading students (stop arm extended and lights activated). School districts must approve camera use through a board vote, and footage can only be used as evidence for the violation - unrelated footage cannot be retained. The bill does not require districts to install cameras, only offers this option as a safety tool.