Rep. Wendy Hausman

Maddy summaryHB 2664, known as the "End Hospital Institutionalization Act," aims to stop the practice of keeping medically stable patients in hospitals solely because their caretakers cannot care for them outside. The bill defines "boarding" as a continued stay without medical justification and requires hospitals to notify specific authorities when this occurs. If a child is boarded, the juvenile court must immediately take custody to find a proper placement, while adults with developmental disabilities or mental health issues will receive case management and treatment from the Department of Mental Health. Additionally, the state will reimburse hospitals for the actual costs incurred during these boarding periods after the relevant agencies have been notified.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that individuals must cooperate with child support enforcement efforts to qualify for SNAP benefits. It requires the Department of Social Services to enforce this rule and states that anyone with unpaid child support court orders will be temporarily disqualified from receiving food assistance during those months. Essentially, the legislation ties access to government food aid to the timely payment of child support obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 2410 modifies Missouri laws to ensure that children involved in abuse, neglect, or delinquency cases are represented by appointed legal counsel from the beginning of the proceedings through their conclusion. The bill mandates that these attorneys receive full access to all case reports, records, and family support meetings, while also requiring them to undergo specific training and adhere to established standards of practice. Additionally, the legislation clarifies rules regarding conflicts of interest, ensuring that a child and their parent do not share the same lawyer, and expands the role of guardians ad litem to investigate cases and advocate for the child's best interests. Judges are also given authority to examine the backgrounds of appointed guardians and volunteer advocates to ensure the safety and welfare of the children involved.

Maddy summaryHB 2112 proposes to exempt the purchase of diapers, incontinence products, feminine hygiene items, and certain vitamins from Missouri sales tax. This change would directly benefit individuals buying these essential health and personal care products by reducing their overall cost. The bill achieves this by amending state tax statutes to list these specific items among those not subject to retail sales tax. If passed, the legislation would apply to all retail sales of these goods within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1765 establishes a formal legal process for individuals on Missouri's sexual offender registry to petition for the removal of their names. The bill outlines specific requirements for these petitions, including mandatory waiting periods that vary by offense severity and detailed documentation that must be submitted. It also defines strict criteria for court approval, such as the completion of treatment programs and a finding that the individual no longer poses a threat to public safety. Additionally, the legislation clarifies procedures for out-of-state offenders and mandates that prosecuting attorneys and victims be notified of these petitions.

Maddy summaryHB 2748 restricts how Missouri cities can spend money earned from airport operations and federal or state transportation grants. The bill mandates that these specific funds must only be used for the capital or operating costs of the airport itself, the local airport system, or other facilities directly related to air transportation. This measure prevents cities from using airport-generated revenue for general municipal purposes, ensuring the money stays dedicated to aviation-related expenses.

Maddy summaryHB 1660 updates the state's laws regarding child custody and abduction by defining key terms such as "wrongful removal" and "home state" to clarify when courts can intervene. The bill establishes a process for judges to issue emergency warrants that allow law enforcement to immediately take physical custody of a child if there is a credible risk of imminent harm or removal from the state. It also requires courts to check criminal databases for histories of domestic violence or abuse before issuing these warrants and mandates that a hearing be held within one judicial day after the child is taken. Additionally, the legislation sets rules for how courts communicate with each other across state lines and ensures that records of these communications are kept unless they involve routine scheduling matters. These changes primarily affect parents, grandparents, and other individuals involved in custody disputes, as well as the courts and law enforcement officers who handle such cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Uniform Unregulated Child Custody Transfer Act to regulate how custody of children is transferred, particularly in cases involving adoption and intercountry placements. It prohibits parents or guardians from transferring custody with the intent to abandon their rights and responsibilities, requiring such transfers to occur only through legal processes like adoption, guardianship, or court orders. The legislation also mandates that child-placing agencies provide prospective adoptive parents with comprehensive information about a child's background, health history, and potential challenges before placement. Violations of these custody transfer rules are classified as a class B misdemeanor, and the state's children's division is authorized to investigate and take protective action if a transfer is suspected to be unlawful.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a registration process for doulas to make their services eligible for health insurance reimbursement in Missouri. It requires the Department of Health and Senior Services to create specific criteria, review applications, and maintain a statewide registry of approved doulas. The department must consult with community organizations when setting these standards and must provide clear reasons if an application is denied. Importantly, the bill does not ban anyone from working as a doula; it only creates a pathway for those who register to be paid by insurance.