Rep. Kem Smith

Maddy summaryHCR 44 is a commemorative resolution designating December 9th as "Redd Foxx Day" in Missouri. It honors Redd Foxx, a pioneering St. Louis comedian and actor known for his groundbreaking comedy albums, the TV role of Fred Sanford in "Sanford and Son," and his impact on breaking racial barriers in entertainment. The resolution has no legal effect or direct impact on citizens, government operations, or policy; it is purely symbolic recognition. The resolution was introduced in the Missouri House on February 10, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3268 creates a tax credit for Missouri businesses or organizations that provide specific services to homeless individuals. Eligible entities must be certified by the Department of Economic Development as providers of employment services, direct employment (at minimum wage for 28+ hours/week), or housing (rented/leased at income-based rates). Certified providers can claim up to $10,000 annually against their state income tax, with a total annual cap of $1 million across all credits. The program expires December 31, 2032, unless renewed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 3285 creates a temporary six-month nonrenewable salesperson license for applicants who meet specific requirements but haven't taken the salesperson exam. It directly affects new real estate salesperson applicants who have completed approved education within six months, have no disciplinary history, and are not yet licensed. The license allows them to work while awaiting their permanent license, expiring automatically after six months or upon issuance of the permanent license. This provision aims to streamline entry into the profession for qualified applicants without requiring the initial exam.

Maddy summaryHB 3197 requires hospitals in Missouri to administer genetic testing at birth for newborns when a putative father is identified, paternity is disputed, or requested by the mother or alleged father. It establishes legal paternity only after a DNA test confirms a 99% biological relationship, preventing child support obligations (including retroactive payments) until testing is complete. The bill creates a state fund to cover testing costs for low-income individuals and mandates destruction of genetic data after paternity is confirmed, except for voluntary retention for medical history. This directly affects newborns, mothers, putative fathers, and the child support system by changing how paternity is legally verified and when financial responsibilities begin.

Maddy summaryHB 3196 requires employers with 10+ employees to provide each worker with two hours of paid leave monthly specifically for school-related activities involving their child. This covers meetings, conferences, or academic support sessions initiated by schools or childcare providers, including for foster, adopted, or children the employee cares for like a parent. Employers must pay at the employee’s regular rate (not deducted from other leave), allow 30-minute increments, and cannot retaliate against workers using this time. The state labor department enforces the law, imposing $500 penalties for willful violations, while existing benefits under contracts or other laws remain unaffected.

Maddy summaryHB 3344 designates March 12 each year as "Charlie Parker Day" in Missouri to honor the late jazz saxophonist, band leader, and bebop pioneer who was born in Kansas City. The bill encourages Missouri citizens to participate in events celebrating his life and musical contributions. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws, funding, or obligations; it solely establishes a symbolic observance.

Maddy summaryHB 3373 creates a dedicated liaison position within the state's Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to support homeless students pursuing college. The bill establishes a dedicated fund to finance this role and requires the liaison to develop resources tracking homeless students' academic progress, connect them with campus support services (like housing and financial aid), and build databases of community resources like food banks. It directly affects homeless and unaccompanied youth enrolled in state colleges by improving access to tailored support systems. The liaison must collaborate with high schools and colleges to identify students and coordinate services, all funded through a non-reverting state fund.

Maddy summaryHB 3399 would make Election Day a state holiday for state employees by designating the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November during even-numbered years as a public holiday. This adds Election Day to the state's existing list of public holidays, which currently includes dates like Christmas and Independence Day. The bill also clarifies that if Election Day falls on a Sunday, the following Monday would be observed as the holiday, and it reaffirms that the fourth Monday of October remains a non-holiday for state employees. The legislation does not change private-sector work requirements or voting procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 3424 designates a section of highway in St. Louis County, from I-270 east to CST Sutter Avenue, as the "Mayor Mary Louise Carter Highway." The Missouri Department of Transportation will install and maintain signs for this route, with costs covered by private donations rather than public funds. This bill directly affects the local community and travelers using this specific highway segment. It is a procedural naming measure with no substantive policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 3430 creates a permanent Sickle Cell Standing Committee within Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services. The committee, appointed by the department director, includes a physician chair, a person with sickle cell disease or a family member, a researcher, a community organization representative, a minority health expert, and specialized center representatives. It will assess sickle cell disease impacts in urban communities, examine existing services and gaps, develop school education recommendations, and gather public input through regional meetings. The committee must submit its first report to the governor and legislature by December 31, 2027, and continue annual reporting thereafter. This bill directly affects sickle cell disease patients, their families, and urban communities disproportionately impacted by the condition.