Rep. Marlene Terry

Maddy summaryHB 2039 creates a state tax credit for individual volunteer drivers who provide transportation for qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations without expecting payment. It allows eligible taxpayers to claim a credit covering unreimbursed driving costs (gas, diesel, or electric charging) and mileage at the IRS business rate, up to $3,000 per year, adjusted annually for inflation. The credit is non-refundable, can be carried forward for three years, and is subject to a $1 million annual cap across all claimants. The program expires after six years unless renewed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 2051 modifies Missouri's laws governing school administrators by allowing multiple school districts to share a superintendent without state approval (Section 168.205). It provides $30,000 annually in additional state aid to districts sharing a superintendent, requiring them to use at least half the savings from this arrangement to compensate teachers or fund counseling services (Section 168.205(2)). The bill also mandates consolidation of administrators (superintendents, assistant superintendents, directors) in districts with fewer than 10,000 students located in counties with over 1 million residents, starting in the 2027-28 school year (Section 168.205(3)). This consolidation requires districts to share a border and proportionally share administrator salaries, applying only to districts receiving over 20% state funding.

Maddy summaryHB 2041 updates Missouri's legal definitions and procedures for guardianships and conservatorships by replacing outdated sections of law with revised, clarified language. The bill defines key terms such as "disabled person" (a person unable to manage financial resources due to physical, mental, or cognitive conditions) and clarifies roles like "limited guardian" (with restricted duties) and "standby guardian" (for temporary care). It specifies that conservators manage the estate of minors or disabled persons, with limited conservators having restricted authority. These changes aim to modernize the legal framework for courts and appointed guardians/conservators, improving clarity without altering core responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHB 2042 changes Missouri's child support law to adjust payments when parents share physical custody equally. Specifically, it prohibits courts from requiring one parent to pay child support for expenses during periods exceeding 30 consecutive days when the other parent voluntarily gives up physical custody of the child. This means child support obligations pause or reduce during extended times the child spends with the paying parent, aligning payments with actual caregiving time. The law applies to cases where parents have equal physical custody arrangements, ensuring support reflects the child's time with each parent.

Maddy summaryHJR 126 proposes a constitutional amendment that would reduce property tax assessments for qualifying seniors and disabled homeowners by 50%. It applies to residential property owned by individuals aged 65+ or permanently disabled under federal/state law, with income under $50,000 (single) or $75,000 (married filing jointly) in the prior tax year. Starting January 1, 2027, such properties would be assessed at 50% of their standard value instead of full value. This amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 election to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "Study Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren" to examine challenges faced by Missouri grandparents raising their grandchildren. The commission, composed of 30+ members including state agency directors, advocacy representatives, and grandparents themselves, will study issues like healthcare, education, and financial support. It must submit findings and recommendations to the Missouri General Assembly by January 15, 2027, after which the commission will dissolve. The bill does not enact new laws but directs a formal study to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 2830 proposes increasing a user fee collected by Missouri recorders of deeds from $3 to $9 per recorded property document. This fee change directly affects property owners and real estate professionals who must pay the fee when recording deeds, mortgages, or other land-related documents. The additional $6 per transaction (making the total $9) would be sent to the Missouri Housing Trust Fund, specifically designated for housing-related programs under Section 215.034. The bill does not alter other fee components, such as the $2 retained by recorders for office operations or the $1 allocated to land survey and local records funds.

Maddy summaryHB 2751 replaces two Missouri laws related to public safety. It creates a new exemption from disqualification for the food stamp program for individuals convicted of a drug felony who actively participate in or complete substance abuse treatment, comply with court and treatment requirements, avoid new drug offenses for one year, and pass sobriety tests. The bill also modifies how inmates earn time off their sentences by requiring specific conditions for good time credit, which applies only to the current sentence and can be revoked by correctional authorities. These changes directly affect people seeking food assistance and inmates in Missouri's correctional system.

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 3037 modifies Missouri's tax credit program for donations to scholarship organizations, allowing taxpayers to claim a 100% credit for contributions (up to 50% of their state tax liability) toward scholarships. The bill sets a $75 million annual cap on total credits, adjusted yearly based on state education funding changes, with unused credits carryable forward for up to four years. Donors cannot designate which student receives a scholarship, and the program activates only when transportation funding meets specific thresholds tied to 2021 levels. This affects taxpayers donating to educational assistance organizations seeking to fund student scholarships through state tax incentives.