Rep. Chad Perkins

Maddy summaryHJR 119 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how judges are selected in Missouri. It would require the governor to appoint judges from three nominees provided by a nonpartisan judicial commission for vacancies in the supreme court, court of appeals, and St. Louis city/Jackson County circuit courts. For other judicial circuits, voters would decide at elections whether to adopt this appointment method (instead of the current system) or maintain the existing process, with changes allowed only once every four years. The amendment must be approved by voters in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1667, the "Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act," requires healthcare providers at abortion facilities to provide immediate medical care to any child born alive during or after an abortion, treating them as they would any other newborn. Providers must use standard medical care to preserve the child's life and arrange hospital admission, with failure to report violations carrying criminal penalties (up to 5 years in prison or $10,000 fines). The bill also establishes civil liability for providers who fail to provide care, for actions causing death of a born-alive child, or for performing unlawful abortions, allowing lawsuits for injury or death with damages including loss of companionship. It explicitly states that consent to an abortion cannot be used as a defense in such cases.

Maddy summaryHB 3256 requires most retail businesses to accept U.S. cash (Federal Reserve notes) for purchases, directly affecting stores selling goods or services. Key exceptions include fuel pumps without staff, transactions requiring credit card security deposits, prepaid card conversions meeting strict rules (no fees, no minimum deposit, receipt provided), banks/credit unions, and multi-location stores with at least one cash-accepting point. Violating the law is a class D misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 per transaction. The bill aims to ensure cash remains a viable payment option while exempting specific scenarios like automated fuel sales and financial institutions.

Maddy summaryHB 3051 is a definitional bill that establishes terminology for Missouri's motor vehicle licensing system, not a new policy. It defines key terms like "Missouri Motor Vehicle Commission" (referencing an existing commission under Section 301.552), "motor vehicle dealer" (requiring 8 annual vehicle sales to maintain licensure), and "boat dealer" (requiring 8 annual vessel sales). The bill does not create new regulations or funding but sets standardized definitions for existing licensing rules governing dealers, manufacturers, and brokers. It directly affects businesses selling vehicles or boats in Missouri, including dealers who must meet annual sales thresholds to renew licenses. The bill is procedural and does not enact substantive changes to motor vehicle law.

Maddy summaryHB 2175, titled the "No Shari'a Act," prohibits Missouri courts, arbitration panels, and agencies from enforcing contracts or rulings based on foreign law (including Shari'a law) that conflict with U.S. or Missouri constitutional rights. It specifically voids court decisions, contracts requiring foreign law, and jurisdiction transfers to foreign tribunals if they deny fundamental liberties. The bill excludes religious matters (like clergy selection), voluntary corporate agreements with foreign law, and cases where federal law preempts state law. It directly affects parties in legal disputes involving foreign law, courts, and arbitrators within Missouri.

Maddy summaryHB 2559 requires state agencies to obtain legislative approval before implementing new administrative rules that would cost over $250,000 annually for government, businesses, or individuals. Agencies must notify the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and the full legislature, which must pass a concurrent resolution approving the rule before it takes effect. Rules not approved this way become invalid, with exceptions for federal compliance or funding requirements. This directly affects state agencies creating significant-cost rules and shifts authority to the legislature for final approval.

Maddy summaryHB 2176, titled the "Anti-Red Flag Gun Seizure Act," prohibits Missouri state agencies, law enforcement, and political subdivisions from enforcing any "red flag law" (including federal or state orders requiring temporary firearm seizure or confiscation). It bans the use of state or federal funds to enforce such laws and imposes a $50,000 civil penalty for violations. The bill specifically exempts firearm seizures as evidence during criminal investigations. It directly affects Missouri citizens' firearm rights and law enforcement practices by blocking enforcement of red flag laws across state and local agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 2531 creates tax credits to incentivize converting old office buildings into residential spaces in Missouri downtowns and Main Street districts. Property owners who substantially convert qualifying office buildings (over 50% residential use) to residential or mixed-use spaces can claim a 25% tax credit on eligible renovation costs, or 30% for upper-floor housing in designated Main Street districts. The credits can be transferred multiple times and carried forward up to ten years if they exceed annual tax liability. The program is capped at $50 million annually, with 50% reserved for large buildings (>750,000 sq ft) and 25% specifically for Main Street upper-floor housing projects. It directly affects developers and property owners undertaking downtown revitalization conversions.

Maddy summaryHB 1803 requires Missouri's Air Conservation Commission to suspend all motor vehicle emissions inspections by January 1, 2028. This affects all Missouri vehicle owners currently required to undergo emissions testing under the state's existing program. The bill mandates the suspension of the program established under Missouri's Air Quality Attainment Act. The change takes effect automatically on the specified deadline without further legislative action.

Maddy summaryHB 2294, the "Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act," requires healthcare providers at abortion facilities to provide immediate medical care and hospital transfer to any infant born alive during or after an abortion or attempted abortion. The bill mandates providers to exercise the same professional care for such infants as they would for any newborn, and failure to report violations could result in criminal penalties (up to 5 years in prison or $10,000 fine). It also establishes civil liability for causing death or failing to follow care protocols, allowing victims’ families to pursue lawsuits for injuries or wrongful death. The law directly affects healthcare providers at abortion facilities, patients who undergo abortions, and families of infants born alive during abortion procedures.