Rep. Jim Schulte

Maddy summaryHB 3404 reorganizes Missouri’s legal framework for military justice by replacing 50 existing sections with new definitions and procedures governing state military personnel. It specifically affects Missouri National Guard members (not in federal service) by clarifying terms like "active state duty," "commanding officer," and "military court," and establishing protocols for court-martial trials when members face charges. Key provisions include requiring governors to convene courts-martial for dismissed officers within six months and defining how dismissals or administrative discharges impact future service eligibility. The bill streamlines existing military justice processes without creating new rights or benefits, focusing solely on procedural clarity for state military forces.

Maddy summaryHB 2851, the "Missouri Shield Act," allows current and former law enforcement officers and judges to request confidential protection of their residential addresses and phone numbers in public county records. Eligible individuals must file an affidavit with a presiding judge, who can approve shielding if it reduces safety risks, with orders lasting five years. County recorders must then block public electronic access to these details in documents like property records, while maintaining access for law enforcement, title insurers, and others under specific exceptions.

Maddy summaryHB 2852 shields motocross facility operators from liability for injuries or deaths resulting from "inherent risks" of motocross activities, such as extreme weather, animal encounters, remote location challenges, or operator error. It directly affects participants (including amateurs and professionals) who can no longer sue operators for these specific risks, though operators remain liable for negligence, intentional harm, or unsafe equipment. Key provisions include defining "inherent risks," requiring clear warning signs at facilities, and excluding employer-employee claims. The law applies to all motocross facilities charging fees, effective upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2660, titled the "Second Amendment Preservation Act," aims to protect Missouri residents' gun rights by prohibiting state officials from enforcing certain federal firearm laws it deems unconstitutional. It requires investigations into law enforcement officers who knowingly violate Second Amendment rights and creates legal avenues for citizens to seek court relief against such violations. The bill declares Missouri's opposition to federal gun regulations that restrict firearm ownership, possession, or use within the state, arguing these exceed federal constitutional authority. It directly affects state officials, law enforcement, and gun owners by establishing a framework for state-level resistance to federal gun policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2363 modifies rules for disclosing information in vital records like birth and death certificates. It adds new exceptions: allowing disclosure of simple birth/death listings by date (only names and dates), permitting research access with department authorization, and enabling disclosure of death records over 50 years old upon request. The bill directly affects individuals seeking vital records and government agencies managing those records. These changes clarify when and how specific details can be shared while maintaining privacy protections for most records. The bill is currently in early legislative stages with no votes taken yet.

Maddy summaryHB 2364 allows Missouri employers to claim a state income tax deduction for wages paid to employees while they serve jury duty, directly affecting businesses and self-employed individuals who cover employee wages during court service. The deduction equals 100% of the wages paid minus any jury duty compensation the employee receives from the court. This applies to all employers (including self-employed individuals treated as employees under the bill) for tax years beginning January 1, 2027, and expires six years after enactment unless renewed by lawmakers. Employers violating jury duty laws may lose the deduction or repay tax savings.

Maddy summaryHB 2477 imposes an immediate moratorium on the construction of new solar projects in Missouri that sell electricity commercially (including permits and ongoing construction). It directly affects solar developers and companies planning large-scale solar facilities. The bill requires the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to create environmental rules for solar projects by December 31, 2027, or the moratorium continues until those rules are finalized. The moratorium ends on December 31, 2027, unless the department fails to issue the required rules. The bill includes an emergency clause citing public health and safety concerns as justification for immediate implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 2537 modifies Missouri's net metering rules for small renewable energy systems. It requires utilities to offer net metering to eligible customers (like homeowners with rooftop solar under 100 kW) on a first-come basis until systems reach 5% of the utility's peak annual demand. If a utility exceeds 1% of its peak demand in a single year, it can pause new enrollments until the next year. Customers generating excess power receive credits based on the utility's "avoided fuel cost" (the cost saved by not buying that power), applied to future bills. This bill updates existing rules without creating new programs, focusing on access limits and billing mechanics for customer-generators.

Maddy summaryHB 1924, the "Charitable Organizations Privacy Protection Act," simplifies how Missouri-based charitable organizations claim assets designated as beneficiaries (like life insurance or retirement accounts). It allows charities to submit a verified affidavit - supported by IRS tax-exempt status, death proof, and organizational documents - to property holders (e.g., banks, insurers) instead of providing sensitive personal information about staff. The bill prohibits property holders from requesting social security numbers, driver’s licenses, or financial details from charity representatives. If the affidavit meets requirements, property must be transferred within 30 days, or the charity may sue for recovery within one year. This directly affects Missouri charities and financial institutions handling beneficiary-designated assets.

Maddy summaryHB 2620 creates a Missouri income tax deduction for National Guard and reserve military members' training pay. It phases in a percentage deduction starting at 20% for 2020, increasing by 20% annually until reaching 100% by 2024. The deduction applies to income from inactive duty training (IDT), annual training (AT), and certain enlistment bonuses (starting 2025), but excludes civilian federal service pay. This directly affects Missouri taxpayers who serve part-time in National Guard or reserve units.