Rep. Bruce Sassmann

Maddy summaryHB 1740 updates the state's point system for driving violations, affecting drivers who accumulate points on their license record. It sets specific thresholds for license suspension (e.g., 8 points in 18 months) and revocation (12 points in 12 months), while allowing drivers to avoid full suspension by installing an alcohol interlock device in their vehicle. License reinstatement requires proof of financial responsibility (like insurance) and takes 30-90 days depending on prior suspensions, with shorter timelines for first-time offenses. The bill also clarifies that points cannot be reduced during suspension periods and mandates reinstatement fees for suspended drivers.

Maddy summaryHB 3200 modernizes property tax assessment rules in Missouri, directly affecting property owners and county assessors across all counties and the City of St. Louis. It sets new tax rates for specific property types, including 5% for solar energy systems (previously 12% for farm machinery) and 12% for livestock and poultry. The bill also changes airport-related property valuation by reducing assessments for certain possessory interests where private parties funded improvements after 2008. Additionally, it requires counties to submit biennial assessment maintenance plans for approval and clarifies evidence needed when computer-assisted valuations are used.

Maddy summaryHB 3394 changes the damages required when someone intentionally damages or leaves open barriers like fences, gates, or doors on someone else's property (not their own). It sets a base penalty of $100 plus double the actual harm caused to the property owner. The bill excludes certain fences across waterways used for logging (10+ inches diameter) or railroad infrastructure, clarifying that owners of land next to these waterways can still seek compensation for damage from log-driving activities. This affects property owners who damage barriers and those seeking compensation for such damage, focusing on concrete financial remedies.

Maddy summaryHB 2919 updates Missouri's regulations for excursion gambling boats by defining the Missouri Gaming Commission's authority to license operators, set standards, and enforce rules. It requires 80% minimum payout rates on gambling devices, mandates cashless wagering systems (using tokens/chips), and gives patrons the option to opt out of marketing data collection. The bill also establishes a $2 admission fee (split between the Gaming Commission and the local city/county), requires affirmative action plans for minority employment at license renewals, and prohibits limits on wager amounts or losses. These changes directly affect boat operators, licensees, and patrons using Missouri's riverboat gambling facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 2987 would designate the black bear as Missouri's official state mammal. This symbolic bill does not create new policies or affect laws, but formally recognizes the black bear as the state's representative mammal. It amends Missouri law to replace the current official mammal designation with the black bear. The bill is procedural and has no direct impact on citizens, regulations, or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1621 allows public library districts in specific counties to propose a sales tax to voters for library funding. It applies to counties meeting precise population thresholds (e.g., counties with 13,200-13,300 residents or counties with a city seat of 6,000-7,000 residents), enabling them to seek voter approval for a local sales tax. The bill does not set tax rates but authorizes the process for library districts to submit such measures to the public. This directly affects residents in qualifying counties through potential new local funding for library services.

Maddy summaryHB 2191 requires anyone convicted of an alcohol-impaired driving offense (including first-time offenses) to install and maintain a certified ignition interlock device in their vehicle for at least six months after their driver's license is reinstated. This applies to all vehicles operated by the person, including during any limited driving privilege granted by a court. The law adds this requirement to existing penalties under traffic laws, making ignition interlock use mandatory for all such convictions, not just repeat offenses. It does not change the definition of the offense but expands the scope of who must use the device. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (prefiled and read first time).

Maddy summaryHB 1622 increases compensation for agricultural and horticultural landowners when their property is taken through eminent domain. It adds a new provision requiring compensation to include 1% of the fair market value for each year the property has been owned by the same family, starting at 50 years of ownership. This specifically affects family-owned farms and gardens where the taking prevents continued use in the same manner, with the owner needing to prove 50+ years of family ownership. The bill aims to provide higher compensation for long-term agricultural land preservation, separate from standard fair market value calculations.

Maddy summaryHB 1618 proposes a new "Missouri Clean Indoor Air Act" by redefining key terms that determine where smoking and vaping are prohibited. It clarifies that smoke-free rules apply to restaurants, health care facilities, government buildings, and most workplaces, while creating specific exemptions for certain cigar-tobacco bars that meet revenue thresholds (over 50% from tobacco sales). The bill defines terms like "electronic smoking device" (including e-cigarettes and vapes), "secondhand smoke," and "enclosed area" to establish clear boundaries for smoke-free zones. This proposed legislation would directly affect businesses (especially bars and food service venues), employees, and public health agencies by standardizing indoor air quality requirements. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (prefiled and read first/second time in 2026) and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryHJR 103 is a proposed constitutional amendment (not a regular bill) that would replace sections of Missouri's Constitution regarding medical marijuana. It aims to permit state-licensed physicians and nurse practitioners to recommend marijuana for medical use to patients with serious illnesses, while clarifying patients' rights to discuss treatment options with their healthcare providers. The amendment defines key terms like "administer" (including methods such as edibles, vaporization, or topical applications) and specifies that it does not change laws governing non-medical marijuana use or public consumption. The proposal explicitly states it is limited to protecting medical patients, caregivers, and providers from penalties, not altering existing rules for recreational use. (Note: The bill title mentions "advertising and promotion," but the actual text focuses solely on medical recommendations and definitions, not advertising rules.)