Rep. Mark Sharp

Maddy summaryHB 1061 modifies Missouri's property tax credit program, reenacting the "Missouri Homestead Preservation Tax Credit Program" to expand eligibility. It allows residents over 65, disabled individuals (with medical proof), veterans with 100% service-connected disability, and surviving spouses of eligible residents to claim the credit. Key changes include updating age requirements, requiring disability documentation, and clarifying residency rules for surviving spouses. The bill adjusts income calculations to exclude certain benefits like Social Security and pensions for qualifying claimants.

Maddy summaryHB 649 requires all public school districts to conduct educational programs and dedicate at least one class period during February to honor the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans throughout U.S. history. This mandate directly affects public school districts and their students, as it specifies that February is the required month for these activities. School boards, in collaboration with school administrators, must determine the specific educational programs and activities to meet this requirement. The bill does not specify particular content but ensures schools allocate dedicated instructional time for this observance.

Maddy summaryHB 646 requires medical providers treating patients with gunshot wounds or stabbing wounds at least one inch deep to immediately report specific details (like the patient's name/address or description, wound nature, and treatment circumstances) to law enforcement. It provides legal immunity to licensed medical professionals who make such reports in good faith, protecting them from civil liability. The bill also mandates emergency rooms to store forensic evidence securely and provides for state-developed evidence collection kits for these cases, distributed by health and public safety departments. These provisions directly affect hospitals, emergency medical staff, and law enforcement handling violent injury cases.

Maddy summaryHB 645 modifies license suspension rules for drivers convicted of certain traffic offenses involving intoxication. It allows drivers to avoid a 30-day license suspension if they install and maintain a functioning ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicle, instead requiring a 90-day restricted driving period. The bill mandates proof of IID installation to prevent suspension, with failure to maintain the device or file required documentation leading to extended restrictions or resuspension. This directly affects drivers with DUI-related convictions who would otherwise face license penalties under existing point systems.

Maddy summaryHJR 34 proposes a constitutional amendment to Missouri's Article III, adding "employees of school districts" to the list of exempt positions for state legislators. Currently, legislators cannot hold certain government jobs, but school district employees were not explicitly exempt (unlike school board members). This bill would allow legislators to work for school districts without losing their legislative seat. The amendment would take effect if approved by voters, changing the existing rule to include these employees in the exemption. It directly affects state representatives and senators who work for or seek employment with school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 823 protects Missouri veterans from eviction by landlords unless illegal activity occurs on the rental property. It defines "veteran" as a Missouri resident who served honorably in the Armed Forces for at least six months (or met specific reserve/Guard service criteria). The law prohibits landlords from evicting such tenants solely due to their veteran status, with exceptions only if the premises is used for illegal conduct as specified in Missouri law (Section 441.020). This directly affects veterans renting housing in Missouri by adding a new layer of eviction protection to state housing law. The bill amends Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 441 by adding Section 441.927.

Maddy summaryHB 255, the "Missouri Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act," requires hospitals and clinics providing pregnancy-related care to implement mandatory implicit bias training for all staff involved in perinatal care. The training must cover identifying unconscious biases, understanding historical exclusion, cultural competence, health inequities, and reproductive justice. Facilities must provide initial training and biennial refreshers, with data tracking on severe maternal morbidity (like hemorrhage or hypertension) and pregnancy-related deaths published every three years, disaggregated by race and ethnicity. This directly affects Missouri healthcare facilities, providers, and patients receiving care during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum.

Maddy summaryHB 1407 requires Missouri employers to reimburse full-time remote and hybrid employees for work-related internet expenses, including installation, monthly service, and necessary higher-tier costs. It mandates reimbursement proportional to the employee’s remote work hours (e.g., reduced for hybrid schedules), with employers needing documentation to verify costs. The law does not override federal standards (like the Fair Labor Standards Act) if they provide greater reimbursement, and it explicitly allows employers to offer more generous coverage. This directly affects Missouri employers with remote or hybrid staff, creating a new state-level reimbursement obligation for internet costs tied to work activities.

Maddy summaryHB 647 creates a tax credit allowing Missouri taxpayers to deduct 50% of donations (minimum $100) to qualifying diaper banks, capped at $50,000 per taxpayer annually. It sets an annual $500,000 limit on total credits claimed statewide, with unused credits carried forward. The bill defines "diaper banks" as nonprofit organizations meeting specific criteria (e.g., distributing free hygiene products through schools/health facilities, joining a national network) and requires the Department of Social Services to verify eligibility. This program affects donors (businesses and individuals) and qualifying diaper banks, expiring December 31, 2025, unless renewed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 676 requires Missouri employers to allow employees unpaid leave for mental health appointments, specifically granting at least one weekly appointment per employee. Employees must provide 48 hours' notice (or certification afterward if unscheduled) and submit a sworn statement with provider documentation for verification. Employers must keep all related information confidential and annually notify staff of this policy. The leave cannot exceed federal FMLA limits or override stronger protections in existing contracts or benefit plans. This bill directly affects Missouri employees and their employers, creating a new standard for mental health leave access.