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.
HB 3180 ensures that pregnancy cannot block a court from finalizing a divorce (dissolution of marriage) or legal separation. It directly affects individuals seeking divorce or legal separation who are pregnant, removing pregnancy as a barrier to court decisions. The bill requires courts to consider custody, support, and property division as usual but explicitly states that "pregnancy status shall not prevent the court from entering a judgment." This change clarifies that pregnancy does not delay or invalidate divorce proceedings.
HB 3187, the "Credit Fairness and Financial Opportunity Act," prohibits lenders from denying personal loans (like credit cards, auto loans, or installment loans) solely based on a numerical credit score. Instead, lenders must conduct an individualized review of factors showing repayment capacity - such as verified income, debt-to-income ratio, payment history, and extenuating circumstances like medical hardship - before denying an application. Consumers denied a loan gain the right to request a written explanation, submit additional repayment evidence, and seek reconsideration. The law empowers the state Division of Finance to enforce these rules and impose civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation for noncompliance. It takes effect on January 1, 2027.
HB 3184 would allow married individuals to sue a third party (not their spouse) for emotional, financial, or relational harm caused by that person's adultery with their spouse. It establishes criminal penalties for adultery itself, ranging from a Class C misdemeanor (first offense) to a Class E felony (third or subsequent offenses), with evidence rules including communications and witness testimony. The bill includes key exceptions: no civil suit or criminal charge if spouses were legally separated or had a prior written agreement permitting non-monogamy. Damages in civil cases could include emotional distress, counseling costs, attorney fees, and punitive damages. The bill is currently in early stages (introduced February 2026) and would directly affect married individuals, their spouses, and third parties involved in adulterous relationships.
HB 3177 prevents lawsuits against racing facilities (like racetracks and supporting areas) for typical activities such as noise, traffic, or dust, provided they operate with all required permits and in compliance with laws. It specifically shields facilities from nuisance claims by nearby property owners who purchased land or built structures *after* the facility obtained its permits and established legal rights. The law does not protect facilities that violate environmental, safety, or noise laws, or engage in reckless conduct. This applies to both private lawsuits and government enforcement actions.
HB 3185, the Social Media User Rights and Deletion Act, requires large social media platforms (those with over $100 million in annual revenue) operating in the state to provide a clear, visible "Delete Account" button that allows users to permanently remove their accounts and all associated personal information. The bill mandates that this button must be immediately accessible within the platform, with a simple deletion process, and prohibits platforms from using deceptive design (like confusing menus or "dark patterns") to delay or block deletions. It also specifies that logging back into an account after requesting deletion does not cancel the request. Violations would be treated as unlawful business practices under existing consumer protection laws, with enforcement handled by the attorney general. The bill is currently in early legislative stages, having been introduced in February 2026.
HB 3179 would allow Missouri counties or cities to seek voter approval for a new 0.25% (one-quarter cent) sales tax to fund children's services. If approved by voters, the tax revenue would be deposited into a dedicated "Community Children's Services Fund" managed by local boards. The funds must be used exclusively for services like counseling, family support, and temporary residential care for youth under 19, as outlined in existing law. The bill specifies the voter approval process (via local governing body motion or 8% voter petition), tax collection procedures, and strict rules to prevent commingling with state funds.
HB 3181 modifies how vacancies in the state's General Assembly are filled. It requires the governor to issue a special election writ within 10 days if a member dies during legislative recess, unless the vacancy occurs less than 90 days before a general election. The special election must then be held within 60 days of the writ being issued. This bill directly affects the governor's process for replacing vacant legislative seats and impacts the timeline for holding elections to fill those seats.
HB 3182 defines 14 new actions as class three election offenses, making them misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail or a $2,500 fine. It directly affects voters, election officials, and anyone involved in elections by prohibiting specific misconduct like offering money to influence voting, threatening voters, tampering with voting materials, or disclosing voter information. Key provisions include banning the use of force to compel voting, preventing voter registration when legally entitled, and restricting the sharing of election official personal information online. Violations like threatening election workers that cause injury could escalate to a class B felony. The bill aims to protect election integrity by clarifying and penalizing election-related misconduct.
HB 3171 repeals existing penalties for failing to submit personal property lists by March 1 and redirects those penalties (including interest) to the county employees' retirement fund. The bill requires county treasurers to deposit penalties monthly into the fund and mandates assessors to maintain logs tracking penalties, waivers, and reasons for waivers. This directly affects businesses and individuals required to file personal property lists, as their penalties will now support county employee retirement benefits instead of general county funds.
HB 3207 requires employers with 10 or more employees in the state to provide workers with at least three days of bereavement leave when they lose a companion pet (like a dog, cat, or bird), with at least one day paid. Employees must provide reasonable documentation (such as a vet certificate) to qualify, and the leave can be taken consecutively or within 30 days of the pet's death. Employers cannot retaliate against employees using this leave, and it does not replace other available leave unless the employee chooses to combine them. The bill directly affects employees and their employers, adding pet loss to state bereavement leave protections.
HB 3206 replaces Missouri's existing regulations for tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products with new definitions and requirements. It directly affects manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and distributors of these products by creating a new licensing system (requiring a $100 annual license) and defining key terms like "vapor product" (e.g., e-cigarettes) and "nicotine analogue" (substances mimicking nicotine's effects). The bill establishes a tax collection system based on the "first sale within the state" and mandates tax stamps for cigarettes. These changes aim to clarify regulatory boundaries and tax collection procedures for these products within Missouri.
