Rep. Eric Woods

Maddy summaryHB 2738 restricts new mining operations near sensitive locations in Missouri. It prohibits issuing new mining permits within 1,000 feet of any accredited school operating for at least five years, and bans all mining, refining, or manufacturing of specific minerals (like cobalt, lithium, lead, and rare earths) within one mile of wildlife refuges, state parks, water bodies, residences, or schools. The bill exempts existing mines, refineries, or manufacturing facilities already operating as of August 28, 2026. This directly affects mining companies seeking new permits near schools or protected areas, while allowing continued operations at established sites.

Maddy summaryHB 2737 updates Missouri's mining regulations by requiring mining companies to obtain an indemnity bond and provide 30 days' public notice (via local newspaper or posted handbills) before operating in cities or towns with 1,000+ residents. It establishes a process for landowners to file court affidavits if they believe mining operations encroach on their property, triggering a court-ordered survey by county officials to verify boundaries. The bill also clarifies key terms like "mining," "metallic mineral waste," and "operator" to standardize enforcement and defines penalties for violations, including fines up to $1,000 or up to one year in jail. These changes primarily affect mining companies operating in populated areas and landowners involved in boundary disputes.

Maddy summaryHB 2734 is a proposed bill that would allow counties or cities to levy a property tax (up to 10 cents per $100 assessed value) for senior services, subject to voter approval via a ballot question. If approved, the tax revenue would fund a dedicated "Senior Citizens' Services Fund" managed by a locally appointed board of directors, which must use the money exclusively for programs improving health, nutrition, and quality of life for residents aged 60 and older. The bill requires the board to seek accreditation from a statewide nonprofit organization and pay an annual fee of 1% of fund revenue, while prohibiting fund use for political purposes. This proposal directly affects local governments, taxpayers, and seniors aged 60+ in communities adopting the tax.

Maddy summaryHB 2829 requires that arbitration agreements for certain disputes be included in a separate written document, distinct from other contract terms. This directly affects businesses and consumers entering contracts that include arbitration clauses, ensuring such agreements are clearly presented separately. The key provision mandates that arbitration cannot be enforced unless both parties specifically agree to it in a standalone written agreement. The bill does not change arbitration law itself but alters how such agreements must be structured in contracts. As a newly introduced bill (first reading January 7, 2026), it has not yet advanced in the legislative process.

Maddy summaryHJR 157 proposes a constitutional amendment in Missouri that would prevent the state legislature from amending or repealing laws approved by voters through statutory initiatives (like ballot measures), except under three specific conditions: after six years have passed, with a three-fourths supermajority vote in both legislative chambers, or if the proposed change is approved by voters in the next general election. This bill directly affects voter-approved initiatives by making them harder for the legislature to change without significant legislative consensus or further voter input. The key mechanism is creating these three exceptions to override the legislature's usual power to modify such laws. As a constitutional amendment proposal, it requires voter approval to take effect, and it is currently in early legislative stages (prefiled in January 2026).

Maddy summaryHB 2736 eliminates Missouri's pre-election voter registration deadline, allowing eligible residents to register and vote on Election Day itself. The bill directly affects Missouri voters who missed the traditional registration deadline (the fourth Wednesday before an election), enabling them to register at their polling place or designated registration locations up until the polls close. Key provisions require voters to provide acceptable ID (like a driver's license or birth certificate) at the time of registration and confirm residency. This change does not alter eligibility requirements (e.g., citizenship, age, residency) but removes the prior deadline for registration. The bill applies to all elections where voter registration is required, except as specified in federal law or other existing sections.

Maddy summaryHB 2733 (proposed legislation) requires content creators who feature minors in compensated online content to set aside earnings in trust accounts for the minor. It defines "minor" as under 18 and specifies when content featuring a minor qualifies for this rule (e.g., 30% of content includes the minor, meeting view thresholds, and $25,000+ annual compensation). The bill mandates creators to maintain records of minor involvement and compensation, with funds held in trust until the minor turns 18. It also gives minors aged 13+ the right to request deletion of their content from social media platforms, requiring platforms to facilitate these requests and enforce removal within 72 hours.

Maddy summaryHB 2444 exempts small, portable solar devices from Missouri's Public Service Commission regulations. The bill defines a portable solar device as a moveable unit with a maximum output of 1,200 watts that plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet, meets safety standards, and is intended for personal use to offset a homeowner's electricity consumption. These devices, such as small solar panels for residential use, are no longer subject to commission oversight. This change simplifies the process for individuals to use portable solar technology without requiring regulatory approval.

Maddy summaryHB 2485 establishes a state-run program to regulate livestock grazing used for clearing vegetation on land. It directly affects livestock contractors who want to use grazing for vegetation management, requiring them to obtain a permit and follow specific rules. Key provisions include limiting grazing to once yearly and 30 consecutive days per plot, mandating insurance/bonds, setting livestock care standards, and requiring neighbor notifications. The bill also creates a dedicated fund for program costs, collecting fees from contractors and investing earnings to cover administration. This program standardizes how grazing operations are conducted while ensuring environmental and community considerations are addressed.

Maddy summaryHB 2494 updates Missouri's unemployment benefits law to adjust the maximum duration of benefits based on the state's average unemployment rate. Under this bill, unemployed workers may receive benefits for up to 20 weeks if the rate is 9% or higher, decreasing to 13 weeks when the rate falls below 6%. The duration is calculated using the average unemployment rate from January-March and July-September each year, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This bill directly affects all Missouri residents claiming unemployment benefits by linking their benefit period length to current economic conditions.