Rep. Mark Boyko

Maddy summaryHB 3158 modifies Missouri's driver's license application rules for non-citizens by requiring them to present proof of lawful presence (like immigration documents) for each new, renewal, or duplicate application, except for non-commercial licenses that are not REAL-ID compliant. The bill mandates that the state offer both REAL-ID compliant licenses (valid for federal purposes like air travel) and non-REAL-ID licenses (only for state use), and prohibits keeping copies of documents for non-REAL-ID applications. It also clarifies that the Department of Revenue cannot retain source documents for non-REAL-ID licenses, except in specific cases like fraud investigations or commercial license applications. The law ensures applicants are informed about the federal limitations of non-REAL-ID licenses during the application process.

Maddy summaryHB 3244 requires most health insurance plans covering over 25 employees to include infertility treatment coverage starting January 1, 2027. This includes in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryo transfer, artificial insemination, and egg freezing for cancer patients. Plans must cover these services only after less expensive infertility treatments are tried, limit IVF cycles to four retrievals (with exceptions), and require clinics to meet medical standards. Religious organizations and entities with religious objections are exempt from these coverage requirements. The bill directly affects insurers, employers, and patients seeking infertility care.

Maddy summaryHB 3438 prohibits public utilities (gas, electric, water, and sewer companies) from charging customers for specific expenses, including promotional advertising, charitable activities, and lobbying costs. The bill also bans discriminatory pricing practices and requires utilities to seek commission approval for sliding-scale rate adjustments. It mandates that cities pay interest on water/sewer deposits held over two years for current customers and prevents utilities from charging municipalities for fire hydrant placement (though costs can be included in overall rates). These provisions directly affect utility customers and local governments by limiting how utilities can structure and collect fees.

Maddy summaryHB 3437 requires gas, electric, water, and sewer utilities to obtain approval from the Public Service Commission (PSC) before selling, merging, or transferring their essential service assets. This applies directly to public utilities providing core infrastructure services, such as water and electricity providers. The bill mandates that utilities submit impact statements detailing how transactions might affect local tax revenues, and the PSC must formally determine that any transaction serves the public interest before it can proceed. Transactions violating these requirements are void, ensuring regulatory oversight of major utility ownership changes.

Maddy summaryHB 3436 modifies Missouri's utility rate regulations to prioritize affordability for customers. It requires the Missouri Public Service Commission to set rates that are "just and reasonable" by ensuring the lowest possible cost to customers while still allowing utilities to provide safe, reliable service. The bill also mandates specific public hearing procedures, including local hearings near affected customers, 14-day mailed notices, and requiring the commission to include public testimony in its official record and explain how public input influenced its final rate decision. These changes directly affect utility customers, the commission, and utility companies during rate increase proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 3455 modifies how electrical utilities calculate rates by changing rules for including "construction work in progress" (CWIP) costs - like expenses for new power plants - into their rate base (the assets used to set utility rates). It allows utilities to include CWIP for new natural gas-generating units in rates, but requires commission approval based on project costs and timelines, with refunds if costs were wasted or projects stalled. The bill also sets a 2035 expiration date for these rules unless extended, and mandates utilities to use future-year data (starting July 2026) for rate calculations, requiring updated reporting after the test year ends. These changes directly affect electrical corporations and the Public Utility Commission’s oversight role.

Maddy summaryHJR 196 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit Missouri public utilities from charging customers for costs related to construction in progress (before a facility is fully operational and providing service). If adopted, this would prevent utilities from including these pre-operational costs in customer rates. The amendment directly affects public utilities (like electric or gas companies) and their ratepayers by eliminating a specific cost category from billing. It is currently in early legislative stages, having been introduced in February 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3454 strengthens whistleblower protections for employees of Missouri public utilities (like electricity or water companies) who report illegal activity, serious misconduct, or refuse to follow unlawful directives. It creates a confidential complaint process where employees can report violations to neutral ombudsmen at the Missouri Public Service Commission and the Office of Public Counsel, with their identity kept private. The bill requires the Commission and Public Counsel to investigate complaints, give employees opportunities to respond to denials, and provide final results in writing. Employees gain the same legal remedies as under existing whistleblower law (Section 285.575), and all related rules must follow standard state rulemaking procedures. This directly affects utility workers, contractors, and applicants who report violations, ensuring their reports are handled confidentially and fairly.

Maddy summaryHB 3456 allows utility companies - including investor-owned utilities, cooperatives, and municipal utilities - to install and maintain electric transmission facilities (like high-voltage lines) within highway rights-of-way, subject to safety and engineering standards. It requires Missouri’s Public Service Commission and Department of Transportation to create uniform rules for approving these installations, ensuring public safety, avoiding duplicated corridors, and setting reasonable conditions for construction and maintenance. The bill directly affects utility providers seeking to expand infrastructure along highways and state agencies responsible for transportation and utility regulation. This changes how utilities access highway corridors, streamlining approvals while prioritizing safety and efficient land use.

Maddy summaryHB 3178 requires all rules and regulations governing library programs receiving state funding to comply with the First Amendment, Missouri’s free speech protections, and anti-discrimination laws. This applies directly to every public library in Missouri that receives state financial support. Existing rules must be reviewed for compliance by August 2028, and new rules must meet these standards from the start. The law ensures library policies align with constitutional free speech and civil rights requirements without altering existing funding mechanisms.