Maddy summaryHB 2421 modifies how Missouri higher education institutions determine residency for tuition purposes and regulates access to state public benefits for individuals with immigration concerns. The bill allows colleges receiving state funds to treat graduates of Missouri high schools as residents for tuition fees, even if they are not U.S. citizens, provided they agree to regularize their immigration status when eligible. Simultaneously, the law requires applicants for state and local public benefits to prove citizenship or lawful presence, offering a temporary affidavit option for those lacking immediate documentation. Educational institutions must also verify that students receiving financial aid are citizens, permanent residents, or lawfully present in the United States.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires that all private sales or transfers of firearms be processed through a licensed firearms dealer, effectively banning direct transactions between individuals. Under the new rules, if neither the buyer nor the seller is a licensed dealer, they must use a dealer to facilitate the transfer, which includes conducting a background check and collecting a fee of up to $35 for single firearms or $50 for multiple firearms. The law also mandates that dealers facilitate transfers involving trusts or estates, while explicitly exempting law enforcement, military personnel, gunsmiths performing repairs, common carriers, and transfers to first-degree relatives. Violations of these requirements are classified as class B misdemeanors, and licensed dealers who break the rules must report the incident to state and federal authorities.
Maddy summaryHB 1475 requires public school districts to hold educational programs and activities honoring the history of Black Americans during the month of February. The law mandates that these events include a period of time at least as long as one standard class period. School boards must work with individual school administrators to decide the specific content and format of these programs. This bill directly affects public school systems by establishing a new requirement for curriculum and events focused on Black American struggles and triumphs.
Maddy summaryThis bill removes a state law that currently prevents local governments from banning or taxing paper and plastic bags. By repealing these restrictions, the legislation allows cities and counties to decide on their own whether to regulate or limit the use of these bags for packaging goods. The change directly affects local officials who would previously be barred from implementing such rules and merchants who sell items in these bags. Essentially, the bill shifts the authority to control bag usage from the state level back to individual municipalities.
Maddy summaryHB 1876 establishes the "Firearm Violence Prevention Act," which creates a legal process for courts to issue orders temporarily removing firearms from individuals deemed to pose a significant risk of harming themselves or others. Under this bill, a petitioner, such as a family member or law enforcement officer, can request a temporary order without prior notice to the respondent if there is probable cause to believe the person is dangerous. If a judge agrees by a preponderance of the evidence, the respondent must immediately surrender their guns and concealed carry permits to law enforcement. The temporary order remains in effect for seven days while a full hearing is scheduled to determine if a longer, 182-day order should be issued. The legislation defines specific terms like "family or household member" and outlines the procedures for serving these orders and holding hearings.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to lower the sales tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products to match the rate charged on food. It directly affects parents purchasing baby supplies and individuals buying personal care items like tampons and pads. The legislation defines "diapers" as absorbent garments for infants, toddlers, or those with bladder or bowel control issues, and "feminine hygiene products" as tampons, pads, liners, and cups. By aligning the tax rate with that of food, the bill aims to reduce the cost of these essential items for consumers.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new criminal offense in Missouri for keeping dogs tethered or chained under unsafe conditions. It directly affects pet owners and anyone responsible for a dog by prohibiting practices such as leaving a dog unsupervised, denying it shelter or water, restricting it to unsafe areas, or chaining it for more than three hours in a day. The law also bans using chains that are too short or improperly fitted and allows animal control officers to arrest violators or seize dogs to protect their safety. Exceptions are made for dogs restrained in camping areas or temporarily during hunting. Violations of these rules are classified as class B misdemeanors.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the law regarding unlawful possession of firearms to specifically prohibit minors from having guns on public property. Under the new rules, anyone under eighteen found with a firearm in a public area would commit a crime, unless they are accompanied by an adult aged twenty-one or older or are participating in specific authorized activities like hunting or school-sanctioned events. The legislation classifies this offense as a class D felony, though it does not apply to antique firearms. This change directly affects young people and their guardians by expanding the circumstances under which firearm possession by a minor is considered illegal.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the law regarding endangering the welfare of a child to explicitly include failing to secure a firearm as a criminal offense. It requires parents or guardians to store guns in locked safes, cabinets, or cases, or use locking devices, when a child under seventeen is present or living in the home. If a child dies as a result of a suicide involving an unsecured firearm, the lack of a locked storage device cannot be used as a legal defense. The charge is generally a class D felony but becomes more serious, ranging up to a class A felony, if the act involves multiple offenders, results in physical injury, or leads to a child's death.
Maddy summaryHB 2420 modifies the rules for when public school districts in Texas can start the school year, specifically targeting districts that operate charter schools. The bill requires these districts to begin school no earlier than fourteen days before the first Monday in September, with a penalty of reduced state funding for any violations. While districts without charter schools must follow a specific public notice and voting process to start earlier, this requirement is waived for districts hosting charter schools. Additionally, the legislation adjusts the minimum attendance requirements, mandating specific hours of actual pupil attendance rather than a fixed number of school days for the 2019-20 school year and subsequent years.