Sen. Jill Carter

Maddy summaryThis is a proposed constitutional amendment (SJR 87), not a regular bill, that would require Missouri counties to elect sheriffs every four years by majority vote of county voters. It defines sheriffs as chief law enforcement officers with specific duties (apprehending felons, attending court, executing warrants) and prohibits removing sheriffs except through a "writ of quo warranto" initiated by the attorney general. The amendment would not apply to certain cities outside counties or specific large-county jurisdictions. Voters must approve this change in the 2026 election before it takes effect.

Maddy summarySB 984 regulates how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and insurers audit Missouri pharmacies. It requires 14 days' notice before audits, limits audits to 25 randomly selected prescriptions per year, and mandates pharmacist consultation for clinical audits. The bill prohibits recouping payments for clerical errors (like typos) and bans PBM compensation based on recovered funds. Pharmacies must be given 30 days to address discrepancies, and audits cannot occur during high-volume month periods without consent. These changes directly affect pharmacies and PBMs operating in Missouri, aiming to standardize audit practices and prevent unfair financial penalties.

Maddy summaryBased solely on the provided context, this bill's specific policy details are not described. The official abstract only states it "Establishes the 'Hope Missouri' Act" without outlining its provisions, affected parties, or mechanisms. Recent actions indicate it has been prefilled and referred to the Government Efficiency Committee for review, but no substantive content is available. Without additional details on what the "Hope Missouri" Act actually proposes, a factual policy summary cannot be generated. The context lacks sufficient information to describe its concrete policy changes or key provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill's abstract provides no specific details about the modifications to Missouri's retirement systems. Without additional information on the actual provisions or changes, a substantive summary cannot be created. The bill appears procedural at this stage, as it has only been "First Read" on 2026-02-26 with no description of the specific changes. A complete summary requires the full text or legislative details, which are not provided in the context.

Maddy summarySB 1803, the "True Charity" Act, establishes a coordinated program within Missouri's Department of Social Services to help residents overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. It directly affects Missouri residents who are legal residents, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and meet age requirements (18+ or with parental consent for minors). The bill requires the Department of Social Services to coordinate with state agencies and community partners (including nonprofits and faith-based organizations) to provide holistic support, such as referrals for employment training, housing assistance, and skills development, while using existing resources. Participation is voluntary, and the program will use a dedicated website and case management system to connect individuals with needed services.

Maddy summaryThe provided context does not include specific details about SB 1727's provisions, mechanisms, or affected parties beyond its title and the fact that it was introduced on February 25, 2026. Without concrete information on *how* the bill modifies property tax payment rules (e.g., deadlines, payment methods, exemptions), a factual summary cannot be generated. The official abstract ("Modifies provisions relating to property tax payments") is too vague to describe key mechanisms or impacts. Therefore, a summary meeting the requested criteria cannot be created from the available information.

Maddy summarySB 1726 replaces Missouri's definitions for orders of protection by updating key terms in statutes. It explicitly adds "abusing a pet" to the definition of abuse (to control or punish a petitioner) and clarifies stalking to require two or more acts causing reasonable alarm. The bill also updates age definitions, setting "adult" at 18 and "child" as under 18 (unless emancipated). This directly affects domestic violence victims, their petitioners, and courts handling protection orders by providing clearer legal standards for abuse, stalking, and petitioner eligibility.

Maddy summarySB 1728 establishes Missouri's "True Charity" program within the Department of Social Services to help residents overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. It directly affects eligible Missouri residents who are legal residents, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and at least 18 years old (or 16 if emancipated with consent). The program coordinates state agencies, nonprofits, and community partners to address specific barriers like unstable employment, lack of skills, housing insecurity, and basic needs through voluntary participation. Key mechanisms include requiring a dedicated website and case management system for referrals, mandating holistic support to help participants achieve personal goals, and directing participating agencies to use existing resources efficiently.

SB 1703 - This act establishes the "Student Screen-Time Standards Act" and requires each school district and charter school to adopt a written policy governing screen time and the use of instructional technology for students in kindergarten through grade five. The policy shall be designed to promote students' educational interests, prevent harmful effects of excessive screen time on child development, ensure that technology supports rather than supplants foundational learning, and restore evidence-based practices. The act outlines required components of the policy, including limits on student screen time, restrictions on the use of school-issued devices, and limits on student access to internet-connected instructional technology, including laptops, tablets, software platforms, and other similar devices. The policy shall identify approved digital platforms, establish standards for student use of hands-on physical learning tools and traditional materials, outline procedures by which parents may obtain information regarding their child's screen time and technology use and limit such use, and describe the research and evidence upon which the policy is based. In developing the policy, each school district or charter school shall consider and document research on best practices in literacy instruction, instructional technology, assessment, and the role of handwriting and cursive writing in promoting literacy. Each elementary school shall notify parents and guardians annually of the adopted policy, provide parents available information regarding their child's login time and technology use upon request, and publish the policy on the school's website. Each policy shall be periodically updated and shall incorporate recommendations from a model school board policy to be developed by the "Framework on Classroom Use of Screens (FOCUS) Council" established in the act. The policy shall be implemented before the end of the 2027–28 school year and shall apply in all subsequent school years. The Literacy Advisory Council established under current law shall provide advice regarding instruction and assessment of cursive writing and reading, and shall develop recommendations for a related model policy on cursive. The Commissioner of Education shall establish a "Framework on Classroom Use of Screens (FOCUS) Council" composed of the Commissioner as chair, with appointed members representing school boards and charter schools; elementary school principals who have completed state leadership training; teachers with expertise in reading, mathematics, and special education; parental and disability advocacy organizations; faculty from approved teacher preparation programs; a licensed pediatric mental health professional or board-certified behavior analyst; and a medical professional with expertise in child health and development. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shall provide staff and resources for the council. The council shall conduct a comprehensive survey and analysis of screen time and instructional technology use in public schools, and shall provide guidance on best practices and policies, as provided in the act. By July 1, 2027, the council shall submit a report containing the council's recommendations and a model school board policy on screen time and instructional technology use to the State Board of Education, the Governor, and the Joint Committee on Education. The report shall be updated at least every two years. This act is similar to SCS/HCS/HBs 2230 & 2978 (2026) and to provisions in HCS/SB 1351 (2026). OLIVIA SHANNON

Maddy summarySB 1651 requires Soil and Water Conservation District employees in Missouri to receive the same healthcare benefits and rates as state employees covered under Chapter 103 of Missouri law. This bill directly affects employees working for local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, which manage land and water resources. The key provision mandates that these district employees' healthcare benefits align with state employee standards, overriding any conflicting existing rules or agreements. The bill aims to standardize benefits for these public service workers without altering other employment terms.