HB 3159 Missouri House · 2026 Regular Session

Establishes provisions to provide for legal representation for undocumented minors in immigration matters

HB 3159 requires Missouri's Department of Social Services to provide free legal counsel to undocumented minors under 18 in immigration matters. It directly affects immigrant children identified as unaccompanied or without guardians, covering both state court proceedings and federal immigration cases like asylum or T-Visa applications. Key provisions mandate counsel be appointed when a child is designated as an "immigrant child" (defined as under 18 without lawful status or parental support), and specify that legal services must be provided by qualified nonprofits or public defenders with experience in immigration cases. The bill ensures ongoing representation until case resolution, even if the child turns 18 during proceedings.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Last action May 15, 2026
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
May 15, 2026
Committee
Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
lower
Feb 2, 2026
Introduced
Introduced and Read First Time (H)
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Wick Thomas
Wick Thomas
DDemocratic
MO
19