Rep. Jaclyn Zimmermann

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.

Maddy summaryHB 2253 exempts the retail sale of most food from Missouri’s state sales tax starting January 1, 2027, permanently removing this tax. It directly affects grocery stores, convenience stores, and vending machines selling SNAP-eligible food items (like groceries), but excludes restaurants and fast-food establishments where over 80% of revenue comes from prepared food sold for immediate consumption. The bill defines "food" to include items redeemable with SNAP benefits and vending machine sales, while specifying that local sales taxes still apply. This change ends a temporary 1% state tax rate that previously funded school district trust funds. The policy shifts the tax burden entirely to local jurisdictions for affected food sales.

Maddy summaryHB 2252 creates the "Missouri Teachers Classroom Supply Assistance Program" to provide direct funding to K-12 teachers for classroom materials. Starting in the 2027-28 school year, the state will distribute funds to school districts based on average daily attendance, then allocate identical amounts to each teacher via debit cards before August 15 each year. Teachers can use these cards to purchase supplementary textbooks, library books, instructional supplies, and educational TV services for students - but not equipment - and must submit receipts to the school for five years. Unspent funds roll over to future years, and the program requires specific debit card labeling and teacher acknowledgment of usage terms.

Maddy summaryHB 2251 establishes Missouri's "Free School Meals Program," requiring participating public, charter, and private schools to provide all students with free breakfast and lunch daily. Schools must qualify by participating in the USDA National School Lunch Program and meeting specific student eligibility thresholds. The state reimburses schools for the difference between federal meal reimbursement rates and the actual federal funds received per meal, covering up to one free breakfast and one free lunch per student each day. This program applies only to schools already enrolled in USDA meal programs with identified student poverty rates meeting federal criteria. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education administers the state aid payments and sets implementation rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1901 replaces Missouri's outdated indoor air quality laws with a new "Missouri Clean Indoor Air Act" (sections 191.2710-191.2750). The bill prohibits smoking and vaping in most enclosed public areas - including bars, restaurants, and workplaces - while defining specific terms like "bar," "cigar-tobacco bar," and "electronic smoking device" (ESD) to clarify enforcement. It directly affects businesses (employers), employees, and public venues by requiring smoke-free environments, with strict rules for cigar-tobacco bars (e.g., freestanding locations and revenue limits). The law includes penalty provisions for violations and explicitly exempts entryways and certain medical devices.

Maddy summaryHB 2250 requires Missouri insurers offering homeowners' or dwelling-owners' insurance policies to cover damage to siding on residential properties. It directly affects homeowners and renters with siding damage, as well as insurers writing these policies in Missouri. The bill mandates that if matching replacement siding isn't reasonably available, insurers must either replace all siding to create a uniform appearance (for homeowners' policies) or pay for full replacement coverage (for dwelling-owners' policies). This requirement applies to all new or renewed policies issued on or after January 1, 2027.

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 3460 (the "Assistance for Rape Emergencies (CARE) Act") requires hospitals and affiliated health care facilities to provide specific medical care to sexual assault victims. It mandates that facilities: (1) verbally inform victims about emergency contraception, (2) immediately provide the full regimen if requested, and (3) offer sexually transmitted infection screening and treatment. The bill also establishes standards for forensic examinations, requiring trained providers or telehealth support for non-SANE staff, with limited waivers for technological barriers. This directly affects hospitals, health care facilities, and sexual assault victims across the state, standardizing emergency medical responses to sexual assault.

Maddy summaryHB 2628, the "Assistance for Rape Emergencies (CARE) Act," requires hospitals and health care facilities to provide specific medical care to sexual assault victims. It mandates that facilities orally inform victims about emergency contraception, immediately provide it if requested, and offer sexually transmitted infection screening and treatment. The bill also requires forensic examinations using telehealth support (via a statewide network) when needed, with limited waivers allowed for technological hardships or network outages. These provisions directly affect hospitals, health care facilities, and individuals who are sexual assault victims seeking emergency care.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds numerous specific psychoactive substances - including fentanyl analogs (like acetyl fentanyl and 3-methylfentanyl), opium derivatives (such as heroin and desomorphine), and hallucinogens (like MDMA, psilocybin, and mescaline) - to the state's Schedule I list of strictly controlled substances. It directly affects individuals possessing or distributing these newly listed drugs, making such actions illegal under enhanced penalties. The bill modifies existing laws to treat possession and delivery of these substances as more severe offenses. It does not include exceptions for industrial hemp or medical use, as specified in the Schedule I criteria.