Rep. Kemp Strickler

Maddy summaryHB 3271 modifies how Missouri counties and local governments adjust property tax rates after reassessments. It requires political subdivisions (like cities, school districts, and counties) to revise tax rates for specific property classes to maintain the same total tax revenue as the previous year, excluding new construction and certain property types. The bill sets limits on these adjustments, ensuring rates do not exceed the highest voter-approved rate for that property class or the rate adjusted for inflation (capped at 5% or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower). This primarily affects local governments managing property taxes, ensuring revenue stability while respecting voter-approved tax ceilings.

Maddy summaryHB 3376 repeals Missouri's income tax subtractions for certain capital gains, directly affecting individual taxpayers who previously reduced their Missouri taxable income using these deductions. The bill modifies how Missouri calculates income tax by removing specific subtractions, requiring taxpayers to include amounts previously excluded - such as gains from property with higher Missouri basis than federal basis - into their taxable income. This change aligns Missouri's tax calculation more closely with federal rules for these specific capital gains scenarios, eliminating a prior tax benefit. The bill does not alter tax rates but adjusts the income base for affected taxpayers.

Maddy summaryHB 3517 modifies how the state board of mediation is structured and appointed. It requires the governor to appoint five members: two representing employers (or employer associations), two representing employees (from legitimate labor unions), and one neutral chair who is neither an employee nor employer. The bill also specifies staggered appointment terms (one, two, and three years) and mandates that vacancies be filled by a qualified replacement within 30 days. This is a procedural bill focused solely on board composition, not substantive policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 3178 requires all rules and regulations governing library programs receiving state funding to comply with the First Amendment, Missouri’s free speech protections, and anti-discrimination laws. This applies directly to every public library in Missouri that receives state financial support. Existing rules must be reviewed for compliance by August 2028, and new rules must meet these standards from the start. The law ensures library policies align with constitutional free speech and civil rights requirements without altering existing funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 2111 modifies Missouri's income tax calculation by adding certain items back to federal adjusted gross income that were previously subtracted, effectively repealing specific capital gains subtractions. It directly affects Missouri taxpayers who claimed federal deductions or refunds that previously reduced their state taxable income, such as pandemic-related federal tax refunds or certain capital gains. Key provisions include adding back federal tax refunds benefiting Missouri (excluding pandemic credits), interest on specific government bonds, and excess deductions for property purchases (2002-2003) or net operating losses. The bill eliminates prior subtractions for certain capital gains, increasing taxable income for affected taxpayers under Missouri law.

Maddy summaryHB 1739 modifies Missouri's Working Family Tax Credit Act to make the state tax credit refundable for eligible low-to-moderate income residents starting in 2027. It allows qualifying taxpayers (those claiming the federal Earned Income Tax Credit) to receive a credit equal to 10% (potentially increasing to 20%) of their federal credit amount, with the refundability change applying only to tax years beginning January 1, 2027, and later. The credit percentage increase to 20% is tied to Missouri's state revenue growth exceeding prior years by $150 million. The bill also requires the state to proactively notify eligible taxpayers who didn't claim the credit and report annual usage statistics.

Maddy summaryHB 1737 makes it illegal to secretly install or place an electronic tracking device on a motor vehicle without the consent of all vehicle owners, specifically to monitor or follow occupants. This directly affects individuals who might secretly track vehicles (e.g., in stalking, unauthorized monitoring, or without owner permission), with penalties including a class A misdemeanor for a first offense or a class E felony for repeat violations. Key exceptions include law enforcement using trackers during investigations, parents monitoring minor children in their vehicle, tracking stolen vehicles or goods, and certain rental companies or insurance programs. The law explicitly excludes vehicle manufacturers and covers specific scenarios like vulnerable adult care or lienholder repossession.

Maddy summaryHB 1738 would allow registered voters to request an absentee ballot without providing a specific reason (such as illness, travel, or religious observance) for a three-week period before an election. This change removes the current requirement that voters list a qualifying justification to access absentee voting. The bill applies to absentee ballots requested by mail or other non-in-person methods, while maintaining standard requirements like photo ID verification. It aims to simplify the absentee voting process by expanding access during a fixed pre-election window.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes insurance coverage provisions for orthotic, prosthetic, and assistive devices for individuals enrolled in Missouri's MO HealthNet program, which provides health care to low-income residents. The legislation outlines specific payment rules and coverage limits for various health services, including hospital care, physician services, prescription drugs, and home health care, while explicitly excluding certain providers like abortion facilities from receiving funds. Key provisions include setting payment amounts at no more than 80% of reasonable costs for outpatient services, limiting chiropractic visits to 20 per year, and restricting nursing home coverage for those with significant home equity. The bill also defines eligibility criteria and payment methodologies for different types of care, ensuring services are medically necessary and aligned with federal regulations.

Maddy summaryHJR 115 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a property tax exemption for Missouri disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. It defines a "disabled veteran" as a Missouri resident honorably separated from military service with a 100% VA-certified service-connected disability, and a "homestead" as their primary residence (not exceeding 2.5 acres). The exemption would apply to real property used as a primary home, excluding portions rented for more than six months annually. This amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election and would replace the current property tax exemption provisions in Missouri's constitution.