HB 1614 adds specific synthetic opioids and certain hallucinogens to the state's Schedule I controlled substances list. The bill explicitly lists over 100 chemical compounds - including fentanyl analogs like acetyl fentanyl, 3-methylfentanyl, and carfentanil derivatives, as well as hallucinogens like DMT and psilocybin - to be prohibited under Schedule I, which defines substances with high abuse potential and no accepted medical use. This directly affects anyone possessing or distributing these listed substances, as they would be treated as illegal under state law. The bill does not alter existing medical exemptions but expands the scope of prohibited substances based on chemical structure and pharmacological profile. The legislation is currently pending in committee, having been prefaced and read for the first time in early 2026.
HB 1689 updates child pornography laws to explicitly include "artificially generated visual depictions" that are obscene, indistinguishable from real minors, morphed from real minor images, or created without actual minor involvement. It defines such images as illegal child pornography under the same legal framework as real images, covering digital or computer-generated content that appears to show minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This bill directly affects individuals creating, distributing, or possessing these AI-generated images, treating them as equivalent to traditional child sexual abuse material. The key provision expands the legal definition of "child pornography" to address emerging technologies without requiring proof of the minor's actual identity. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (prefiled, first reading).
HB 2035 prohibits using artificial intelligence to create explicit sexual material featuring a person's image or voice without their express written consent. It directly affects individuals whose likenesses could be misused and entities (like companies or creators) generating such AI content. The bill bans altering or replicating someone's image/voice via AI for explicit material and requires written consent for any use of a person's likeness in such content. Violators face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, and victims can sue for actual damages plus attorney fees. The law explicitly excludes artistic or anthropological works from its definition of "explicit sexual material."
SB 997 - This act provides that the offense of murder in the second degree shall includes when a person delivers or distributes fentanyl or any analogue thereof to another person where death results from the use of fentanyl or an analogue thereof. TRISTAN BENSON, JR.
SB 873 proposes a tax credit for landlords or housing providers who offer shelter to victims of domestic violence. This bill directly affects housing organizations and property owners by providing a financial incentive to support survivors. The key mechanism is a tax credit that offsets the costs associated with providing safe housing, without requiring victims to pay for it directly. The bill is currently in committee review and has not yet been enacted.
SB 1274 removes the requirement for notarization of applications and supporting documents for emergency mental health detentions in Missouri. It allows any adult (not requiring legal representation) to file a sworn application alleging a mental health crisis and imminent risk of harm, based on personal observations. The bill simplifies the process by replacing notarization with sworn statements under penalty of perjury, while maintaining the 96-hour detention limit for evaluation. This directly affects individuals seeking emergency mental health evaluations, their family members filing petitions, and peace officers executing detentions. The change aims to streamline access to urgent mental health care without altering the underlying criteria for detention.
HJR 106 proposes a constitutional amendment to replace Missouri's current cannabis-related constitutional sections with 18 new sections. It would establish a medical cannabis program by defining terms like "qualifying patient" (18+ with a medical need) and "medical identification card," allowing patients to obtain marijuana with a card issued after certification by a healthcare provider. The amendment distinguishes between "hemp" (with ≤0.3% THC) and "marijuana," excluding hemp products from the definition. This amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.
HB 2955 creates a Missouri tax credit for businesses and organizations providing services to homeless individuals. Eligible taxpayers (such as job training agencies, employment providers, or housing organizations) can claim up to $10,000 annually in income tax credits for services like job training, employment (28+ hours/week at minimum wage), or housing support specifically for homeless persons. Certification by the Department of Economic Development is required, with annual renewal, and credits are non-refundable but carry forward for up to three years. The total annual credit amount is capped at $1 million. This bill directly affects service providers who meet the certification criteria, not homeless individuals themselves.
HB 1625 modifies drug trafficking penalties by adjusting quantity thresholds for first- and second-degree offenses. It lowers the fentanyl threshold for enhanced penalties from 20mg to 14mg and adds stricter punishments for trafficking near schools, housing, or hotels (e.g., within 2,000 feet of schools or public housing). This bill directly affects individuals trafficking drugs above these new limits, with harsher penalties for larger quantities or offenses in sensitive locations. The changes update existing drug laws to align with current public safety concerns regarding dangerous substances like fentanyl and methamphetamines.
HB 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.
