Sen. Jamie Burger

Maddy summarySB 916 extends Missouri's sovereign immunity protection - typically shielding government entities from lawsuits - to private contractors working under contracts with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). It grants contractors the same legal protection from tort claims as public entities, covering work performed under MoDOT-approved plans and specifications from the start of project work until formal acceptance of the completed project. This applies specifically to contractors and subcontractors working on MoDOT projects, not to general public or other government services. The bill does not alter existing exceptions to immunity, such as claims involving dangerous property conditions or vehicle accidents.

Maddy summarySB 1408 would raise the legal maximum speed limit from 70 to 75 miles per hour on rural interstates and freeways. This change directly affects drivers traveling on those specific roadways in rural areas. The bill's key provision is the adjustment of the speed limit standard itself, without altering other traffic laws or safety requirements. It does not apply to urban areas, school zones, or other designated speed zones. The bill is currently in early committee stages as of its first reading in January 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1083 modifies Missouri's requirements for obtaining and maintaining a respiratory care license. It creates a conditional license process while background checks are completed, requires active National Board for Respiratory Care credentials for renewal, and adds random audits to verify ongoing credential status. The bill directly affects respiratory care practitioners applying for licensure or renewing their licenses in Missouri. Key changes include replacing outdated sections with new rules for credential verification, background checks, and inactive license options.

Maddy summarySB 918 modifies Missouri's rules for admitting expert testimony in court. It creates two standards: for family, juvenile, probate, and certain civil cases (like those under Chapters 451-455), it simplifies rules allowing experts to give opinions directly without hypothetical questions if properly founded. For all other cases, it requires attorneys to prove testimony is reliable, based on sufficient facts, and properly applied to the case - similar to the federal Daubert standard. This affects how courts handle complex evidence in trials, but does not change who can serve as an expert witness.

Maddy summarySB 917 establishes a statewide program to recycle post-consumer architectural paint (leftover paint from home projects, like interior/exterior coatings in 5-gallon containers) by requiring paint manufacturers to create collection systems. Producers must develop approved plans ensuring collection sites are within 15 miles of 90% of Missouri residents, prioritize reuse/recycling over disposal, and fund the program through a small fee added to paint prices (audited to match actual costs). This directly affects paint manufacturers, participating retailers (who can host collection sites), and consumers who pay the fee via paint purchases. The program aims to reduce paint waste while managing it through environmentally sound practices, with oversight by the Department of Natural Resources.

Maddy summarySB 1673, the "Interstate Massage Compact," creates a multistate licensing system allowing licensed massage therapists to practice across participating states with one license, directly affecting therapists seeking mobility and military members/spouses relocating. It establishes an Interstate Commission to administer the compact, requires background checks, and mandates sharing of disciplinary information between states while preserving each state's authority to enforce its own laws. This system aims to increase public access to massage services, enhance safety oversight, prevent fraud, and streamline licensing for therapists practicing in multiple states.

Maddy summarySB 1780 requires businesses selling products marketed with "wood" terms (like oak or maple) to have a decorative surface made of actual solid wood or wood veneer from a tree. It prohibits advertising or selling such products if the decorative surface isn't the claimed wood species. Products already in Missouri inventory by August 28, 2026, may be sold if labeled "This product is not made from wood," but no non-compliant products can enter the state after that date. The Missouri Department of Agriculture will create implementing rules, subject to standard regulatory processes. This law directly affects retailers and manufacturers selling wood-related products within Missouri.

Maddy summarySB 1781 modifies salary schedules for county commissioners in Missouri counties not classified as first-class charter counties or containing cities over 300,000 population. It establishes new salary brackets based on county assessed valuation (e.g., $23,800 for counties under $51 million valuation, up to $53,500 for counties over $10 billion). Commissioners must complete 20 hours of annual training to receive $2,000 of their salary, with training approval from Missouri county commissioners' professional association. The changes take effect after August 28, 2026, for new terms and cannot reduce current salaries.

Maddy summarySB 1443 would authorize a tax credit for specific capital investments, though the provided abstract does not detail which types of investments qualify (e.g., equipment, technology) or the credit amount. It would directly affect businesses making qualifying capital expenditures, potentially reducing their state tax liability. The bill’s key mechanism would be the creation of this credit, but the abstract lacks specifics on eligibility criteria, duration, or administrative requirements. As the bill is in early stages (prefiled, first reading), no concrete policy changes are defined in the available context. Without further details on provisions, a fuller summary cannot be provided.

Maddy summarySB 1674 requires Missouri's Governor to appoint a nonvoting student representative to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education, effective January 1, 2027. The student must be a Missouri resident not employed as an educator, meeting state residency and citizenship requirements. This representative will provide student perspectives on higher education policy but cannot vote on board decisions. The bill directly affects the board's composition by adding this new position, aiming to incorporate student input into state higher education governance. The appointment process is defined by the bill, though specific selection criteria are not detailed in the provided text.