Rep. Marlene Terry

Maddy summaryHB 1642 amends Missouri child support laws to allow courts to adjust support payments based on specific custody arrangements and circumstances. The bill requires courts to consider the amount of time a child spends with each parent when determining support obligations, including the possibility of waiving support if parents share equal time with the child. Additionally, the legislation outlines conditions under which support payments may be reduced, such as when a parent voluntarily gives up physical custody for more than thirty consecutive days, and establishes rules for when support ends, including provisions for children attending college. These changes aim to ensure that child support orders reflect the actual financial needs of the child and the shared responsibilities of both parents in various custody scenarios.

Maddy summaryHB 1635 updates the laws governing Missouri's fourth-class cities by repealing existing statutes and replacing them with new provisions. The bill grants these cities the authority to expand or shrink their boundaries with voter approval and allows local boards to set their own terms for mayors and aldermen, ranging from two to four years. It also clarifies election rules, permitting smaller cities to elect aldermen at large rather than by ward, and establishes that city officials generally serve without compensation or employment benefits. Additionally, the legislation outlines procedures for passing ordinances, requiring a majority vote and specific reading steps before a bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryHB 1640 modifies the penalties for two types of custody-related crimes: interference with custody and parental kidnapping. Under the new provisions, interference with custody is generally a class E felony but becomes a class D felony if the child is removed from the state or concealed. Parental kidnapping remains a class D felony, though the severity increases to class C or class B felonies depending on how long the child is detained or concealed. Additionally, the bill allows courts to order defendants to pay restitution for reasonable expenses incurred by parents or legal custodians in searching for or returning the child. These changes apply to individuals who unlawfully take or entice children away from legal custody or who violate custody rights by removing or hiding a child.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state board of education to establish a special administrative board to manage certain school districts that are classified as unaccredited. When a district loses its accreditation, the state must hold public hearings to gather community resources and decide whether to keep the current elected school board in charge or replace it with a new governing body. If the elected board is replaced, the special administrative board will consist of seven appointed members, including educators, parents, and financial experts, who will oversee district operations until the district regains accreditation or is merged with another district. The bill also mandates that this new board submit annual reports to the governor and legislature on the district's progress toward meeting academic standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1643 establishes a one-year period allowing vehicle owners to set up payment plans for unpaid sales tax on cars, boats, and trailers. The bill requires owners to provide proof of purchase price to the Department of Revenue before receiving a title or registration, and it sets rules for how tax should be calculated if that price is unknown. It also updates regulations for vehicle leasing companies, requiring them to pay sales tax on rentals or, alternatively, to remit the tax upfront when registering vehicles. Additionally, the legislation outlines requirements for fleet owners to post financial bonds and clarifies how corporations can manage multiple divisions as separate leasing entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to Missouri that would affirm the right of citizens to keep and bear arms while allowing local governments to regulate firearms. It repeals the current state constitutional provision on this topic and replaces it with new language that permits counties and cities to enact their own ordinances regarding the possession, carrying, or transfer of guns. Under the proposed rules, localities could issue permits with fees limited to administrative costs, require background checks, and set penalties for violations that do not exceed a $1,000 fine or one year in jail. The amendment also explicitly allows these local regulations to apply to nonresidents and includes exemptions for law enforcement, judges, and certain security personnel. Additionally, the text clarifies that convicted violent felons and individuals deemed a danger due to mental health issues would remain prohibited from possessing firearms.