Rep. Mark Meirath

Maddy summaryHB 3240 redefines "sanctuary policy" to include municipal actions that hinder federal immigration enforcement, such as restricting officials from sharing information about individuals without legal immigration status or blocking federal enforcement efforts. The bill prohibits municipalities from adopting such policies, making them ineligible for state grants until the policy is repealed. It also requires municipalities to provide written notice to law enforcement officers about their duty to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. This law, effective January 1, 2009, directly affects all cities, towns, and counties in Missouri.

Maddy summaryHB 2159 establishes a licensing system for naturopathic doctors in Missouri by creating the "Board of Naturopathic Medicine" within the Division of Professional Registration. The bill defines naturopathic medicine as a system using natural therapies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, and specifies that licensed practitioners can perform common diagnostic procedures (like physical exams and lab tests) and minor office procedures (such as injections and allergy testing), but cannot conduct surgery or use general anesthesia. To practice, naturopathic doctors must complete an approved education program and pass a national professional examination. This bill directly affects naturopathic doctors seeking licensure in Missouri and sets clear boundaries for their scope of practice.

Maddy summaryHB 2425 changes Missouri's license plate requirement for noncommercial vehicles, requiring only one plate instead of two beginning August 28, 2026. Owners of noncommercial vehicles with a front license plate as of that date must surrender it to the Department of Revenue. The bill specifies that one plate must be displayed on the rear of most vehicles (except commercial vehicles, which may request two plates with an additional fee). It also mandates that all plates include state name, "SHOW-ME STATE," expiration date, and reflective features for visibility. This policy affects all Missouri residents who register noncommercial vehicles under current law.

Maddy summaryHJR 153 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how judges are selected in Missouri courts. It would replace current election-based selection with a system where the governor appoints judges (with Senate approval) from a list of nominees recommended by a nonpartisan judicial commission. The amendment also establishes a new seven-year term for all judges, including circuit and associate circuit judges, instead of varying terms under current law. Voters in certain counties could later choose through a ballot measure whether to maintain this appointment system or revert to elections. This change would affect all judges serving in Missouri's circuit courts, associate circuit courts, and higher courts, with the proposal requiring voter approval in the 2026 election.

Maddy summaryHB 2668 replaces 43 existing Missouri property tax statutes with new provisions primarily governing how cities and counties can establish neighborhood improvement districts. These districts allow local governments to finance public improvements (like parks or roads) through voter-approved bonds and property assessments, requiring at least 50%+1 voter approval for creation. The bill sets limits: total project costs assessed on property cannot exceed initial estimates by more than 25%, and annual maintenance assessments must stay within 25% of projected costs. This directly affects property owners in districts where such improvements are approved and local governments creating these districts.

Maddy summaryHB 1756 designates the first week of June each year as "June's Week" in Missouri to honor June, a Missouri child with a rare pediatric cancer (ATRT-B), and to raise public awareness about rare pediatric diseases. The bill encourages Missourians to participate in events that promote early symptom recognition and support families affected by these conditions. It is a symbolic observance with no new funding or regulatory changes, solely focused on commemoration and awareness. This is a procedural resolution, not a substantive policy bill.

Maddy summaryHB 2139 would invalidate court rulings, contracts, or arbitration decisions that apply Shari'a law or any foreign legal system violating U.S. or Missouri constitutional rights. It directly affects parties in legal disputes or contracts where foreign law is chosen or applied, including contracts with foreign jurisdiction clauses. Key provisions prohibit courts from enforcing such agreements and forbid transferring cases to foreign tribunals that would violate constitutional rights. Exceptions include religious organizations' internal matters, voluntary corporate agreements with foreign law, and cases where federal law overrides state law. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (prefiled, first reading) and has not been enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1995 changes Missouri's vehicle registration rules by requiring the Department of Revenue to issue only one license plate for most registered motor vehicles, replacing the current requirement for two plates. This affects all Missouri vehicle owners who register standard passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and similar non-commercial vehicles. The bill allows commercial vehicles over 12,000 pounds gross weight to request two plates (with distinguishing marks) if needed, but mandates a single plate for all other vehicles starting August 28, 2026. The law also preserves special plates for disabled veterans and National Guard members, maintaining their unique wording.

Maddy summaryHB 2589 requires owners of noncommercial motor vehicles registered in Missouri to display only one license plate instead of two starting August 28, 2026. Specifically, owners with a front license plate on that date must surrender it to the Missouri Department of Revenue within 90 days. The bill affects all noncommercial vehicle owners by changing the standard plate requirement from dual plates to a single plate, aligning with existing rules for commercial vehicles. It does not alter registration fees or other vehicle-specific requirements. This change applies only to noncommercial vehicles, excluding commercial motor vehicles, which continue to follow separate plate regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 3381 allows county commissions to choose whether to collect late fees and penalties on overdue property taxes. County governments could either completely eliminate these fees for all delinquent accounts or create specific rules determining when fees won't apply. This directly affects property owners who fall behind on tax payments, as their county may no longer impose additional costs for late payment. The bill does not change the requirement to pay property taxes, only the penalty structure for late payments. Counties must adopt this policy through an official order or ordinance.