Rep. Dave Griffith

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.

Maddy summaryHB 1847 updates Missouri's dental practice laws by replacing three existing sections with sixteen new ones. It specifically allows hospitals to employ dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and maxillofacial prosthodontists to treat dental conditions directly related to a patient's broader medical needs - such as head and neck cancer, diabetes, or severe trauma - without requiring separate hospital admission for dental care. The bill clarifies that only licensed dentists or those with specific permits may practice, while listing exceptions for dental students under supervision, physicians extracting teeth, and dental professionals working in federal or community health settings. These changes modernize licensing requirements and expand access to dental care within hospital environments.

Maddy summaryHB 3029 regulates who can charge for helping veterans navigate benefits claims. It prohibits most paid advisors from receiving compensation for assisting with veterans' benefits matters (except under federal law), requiring written agreements that comply with federal fee guidelines (38 CFR 14.636). The bill mandates clear disclosures to veterans stating the service isn't affiliated with the VA or Missouri Veterans' Commission and that free help may be available elsewhere. It bans guarantees of specific benefits, excessive fees, and access to veterans' personal medical or financial information. This directly affects paid consultants, lawyers, and third parties offering veterans' benefits assistance services.

Maddy summaryHB 2088 creates a court-ordered outpatient mental health treatment program for adults with severe mental disorders who cannot make informed decisions about treatment and meet specific criteria. The bill requires courts to order treatment if a person is 18+, suffers from a mental disorder, refuses voluntary care, and either poses a risk of serious harm (per §632.305) or has a documented history of non-compliance leading to detention or violent behavior within 36 months. Covered services include therapy, medication management, case coordination, crisis intervention, and assistance with housing or employment. The process streamlines court proceedings by requiring a hearing within two judicial days and eliminating notarization requirements for petitions. This law directly affects eligible adults in Missouri's judicial circuits who meet the defined criteria for court-ordered outpatient care.

Maddy summaryHB 1741 regulates nonconsensual towing of commercial vehicles (those over 10,000 pounds) in Missouri. It requires the Department of Transportation to establish procedures for handling complaints from owners, operators, or insurers about unfair towing practices, including detailed invoice requirements and a disciplinary system for violating towing companies. Key provisions ban per-pound charging, stop storage fees once a complaint is filed, prohibit liens on vehicles/cargo from nonconsensual tows, and mandate towing companies provide access for property retrieval or accident investigations. The bill directly affects commercial vehicle owners, towing companies, and law enforcement agencies handling roadside recoveries.

Maddy summaryHB 1242 modifies Missouri's low-income housing tax credit program to prioritize projects in federally declared natural disaster areas. It allows the state to allocate tax credits first to qualifying housing developments located in disaster zones that have received federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds from HUD or local housing trust funds. Developers must submit a letter of intent verifying receipt of these disaster recovery funds at least 15 days before project completion. The priority allocation begins August 28, 2025, with remaining credits distributed based on application timing. This change directly affects housing developers seeking state tax credits for projects in disaster-affected areas.

Maddy summaryHB 86 revises licensing requirements for cosmetology professionals in the state. It defines specific practice categories (like hairdressers, manicurists, and estheticians) and sets minimum training hours: 3,000 hours for cosmetologists, 800 hours for manicurists, and 1,500 hours for school-based training. The bill also clarifies cross-over licenses for those licensed in both cosmetology and barbering. These changes directly affect individuals seeking cosmetology licenses and the state board that oversees their certification.

Maddy summaryHB 89 requires all public and charter high schools (grades 9-12) to provide students with 30 minutes of annual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instruction and training in the Heimlich maneuver or first aid for choking during their high school years. Starting in the 2017-18 school year, schools must integrate this training into existing health or physical education curricula using approved programs like the American Heart Association's guidelines. Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, the requirement expands to mandate this training for all students in grades 9-12 each year they are enrolled. The bill also specifies that students with disabilities may participate as appropriate under federal disability laws like IDEA.

Maddy summaryHB 88 modifies how insurance rates for healthcare providers are regulated in Missouri. It gives the Insurance Director authority to review if rates charged to hospitals, doctors, long-term care facilities, and other health care providers are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, considering factors like Missouri-specific claim data, insurer costs, and local practice locations. Insurers must file rate requests for review before implementation, and can adjust premiums based on factors like facility equipment, past claims history, or staff training. This directly affects healthcare providers and their insurers by changing the process for setting and approving malpractice insurance rates.

Maddy summaryHB 91 establishes a licensing framework for naturopathic doctors in the state, creating the "Naturopathic Practice Act" to define their scope of practice and oversight. The bill sets requirements for licensure, including education standards, continuing education hours, and professional conduct rules, while defining permitted procedures like allergy testing and minor office treatments (e.g., superficial wound care). It also creates a five-member Board of Naturopathic Medicine, appointed by the governor, to regulate the profession - comprising three licensed naturopathic doctors, one medical doctor, and a public member. This directly affects naturopathic doctors seeking or maintaining licensure and ensures standardized practice within defined boundaries.