Criminal Justice

in committee · Missouri · House Apr 29, 2026

HB 2751: Modifies provisions relating to public safety

HB 2751 replaces two Missouri laws related to public safety. It creates a new exemption from disqualification for the food stamp program for individuals convicted of a drug felony who actively participate in or complete substance abuse treatment, comply with court and treatment requirements, avoid new drug offenses for one year, and pass sobriety tests. The bill also modifies how inmates earn time off their sentences by requiring specific conditions for good time credit, which applies only to the current sentence and can be revoked by correctional authorities. These changes directly affect people seeking food assistance and inmates in Missouri's correctional system.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates food stamp exemption for drug felony convicts in treatment, promotes rehabilitation to reduce recidivism, aligns with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Tags Public Safety

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HJR 161: Proposes a constitutional amendment that removes the restriction on persons judged incapacitated being able to vote

HJR 161 proposes a constitutional amendment to remove a current Missouri voting restriction. It would eliminate the exclusion of individuals "judged incapacitated" (those with a court-appointed guardian for mental incapacity or involuntarily confined in a mental institution) from voting. The amendment specifically targets the existing constitutional language in Article VIII that bars these voters. If approved by voters in 2026, this change would directly affect Missouri residents currently barred from voting due to court-ordered guardianships related to mental capacity. The bill does not change other voting eligibility rules, such as felony convictions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves voting restriction for mentally incapacitated individuals under court supervision, advancing civil rights within criminal justice reform framework.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2779: Establishes provisions relating to jail reimbursement by the department of mental health

HB 2779 changes who reimburses counties for housing inmates with mental health issues. It shifts responsibility from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Mental Health (DMH) for cases where a person lacks mental fitness to stand trial (per Section 552.020). Counties will now receive $150 per day (up from $40) for each day an inmate remains in custody due to mental fitness concerns, subject to DMH approval. The bill requires sheriffs to certify days spent in custody and submit claims within two years for DMH to process.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeShifts reimbursement responsibility to DMH for mental health inmates, increasing funding ($150/day) to address mental fitness cases, promoting reform by prioritizing mental health treatment over incarceration in criminal justice system.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareShifts mental health inmate reimbursement to DMH with increased funding ($150→$40/day), strengthening mental health service funding and oversight per bill's focus on mental fitness cases.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Mental Health

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2663: Establishes provisions relating to the reduction of certain criminal sentences of imprisonment

HB 2663 allows Missouri courts to reduce life sentences without parole or 30+ year sentences to life with parole eligibility for specific inmates. It applies to those who served at least 30 years, were under 20 when convicted, and completed rehabilitation programs (like substance treatment or vocational training) while demonstrating good behavior in prison. To qualify for parole after a sentence reduction, inmates must provide five statements from prison staff, 20 community support letters, and a safe housing plan. The parole board must hold a hearing, and supervision continues for life after release.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill reduces life sentences for rehabilitated inmates under 20 at conviction, promoting rehabilitation programs and sentencing reform per its summary and subjects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2804: Requires law enforcement officers to complete annual autism sensitivity training

HB 2804 requires all peace officers in the state to complete one hour of annual autism sensitivity training as part of their existing continuing education requirements. The training must cover identifying signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and effective communication strategies for interacting with individuals who have ASD. This annual training, which can be completed virtually, is integrated into current law enforcement education mandates and does not add extra hours beyond existing requirements. The bill directly affects all active law enforcement officers employed by county or municipal agencies. It focuses on practical skills to improve officer interactions with people on the autism spectrum during routine encounters.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires autism sensitivity training for officers to improve interactions with ASD individuals, enhancing police accountability and protecting civil rights within law enforcement practices.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2678: Establishes provisions relating to parole hearings for certain offenders

HB 2678 creates a process for parole hearings for offenders who were adolescents (18-21 years old) when they committed their crimes and are serving 25+ year sentences. It requires the parole board to grant a hearing after 15 years of incarceration, mandating an institutional parole officer to investigate rehabilitation efforts (including work, programs, and behavior) and prepare a report. The bill also requires 12 months' written notice to victims or their families about the hearing, including their right to attend and provide input. If parole is granted, offenders face 3-10 years of supervised release (depending on offense type), and denied parole applicants must wait 3 years for a second hearing.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates parole hearings after 15 years for adolescent offenders, requiring rehabilitation assessments and victim notice - aligns with criminal justice reform goals of reducing recidivism through structured rehabilitation pathways.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HCR 37: Condemns abuses by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, affirms the constitutional and human rights of all people within the United States, and recognizes the essential social and economic contributions of migrants to the nation

HCR 37 is a symbolic resolution condemning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices it claims include unlawful detentions, racial profiling, and family separations. It affirms that all people in the U.S. - regardless of immigration status - have constitutional rights and recognizes migrants' vital economic contributions, including in agriculture, healthcare, and other key sectors. The resolution does not change laws but directs Missouri’s Congressional delegation and an ICE official to receive a copy of this non-binding statement. It addresses concerns that ICE actions have caused harm, discouraged community engagement, and violated due process protections.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCondemns ICE abuses including racial profiling and unlawful detentions, aligning with criminal justice reform for law enforcement accountability and civil rights protection.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationCondemns ICE abuses, affirms constitutional rights for all regardless of status, recognizes migrant economic contributions - directly supports immigrant rights and limits federal enforcement cooperation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies Tags Civil Liberties

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died · Missouri · House Jan 21, 2026

HB 2788: Modifies the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm

HB 2788 would have modified Missouri's unlawful firearm possession law by creating time-based exceptions for people with prior felony convictions. It would have allowed firearm possession after 10 years for violent felony convictions and 3 years for nonviolent felony convictions, following full sentence completion (including probation). The bill exempted antique firearms from these restrictions and defined "violent felony" as involving force/threat against others. However, the bill was introduced in January 2026 and withdrawn the same month without becoming law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates time-based firearm possession exceptions for people with felony convictions post-sentence completion, aligning with criminal justice reform by reducing reentry barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Probation & Parole

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2735: Creates provisions relating to the use of reproductive or sexual health application information

HB 2735 requires health digital services (like apps tracking reproductive or sexual health) to obtain explicit user consent before sharing, selling, or using sensitive health data - including pregnancy status, birth control usage, or gender transition care details. It prohibits government entities from demanding this data for most investigations, except limited criminal cases unrelated to abortion, pregnancy outcomes, or gender transition care. The bill directly affects health apps, their users, and state/local law enforcement agencies. Key provisions mandate affirmative consent for each data use instance and restrict government access to protect privacy around reproductive and sexual health information.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts law enforcement access to sensitive health data in criminal investigations, protecting civil rights and preventing misuse of personal health information in justice proceedings.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires explicit consent for health app data sharing, protecting patient privacy and rights regarding sensitive reproductive/sexual health information.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires explicit consent for health app data sharing and prohibits government access to sensitive health data, strengthening user privacy protections in digital health technology.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Women's Health Consumer Data Protection Digital Government Tags Privacy

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2985: Requires universal background checks for all sales or transfers of firearms

HB 2985 requires background checks for all private sales or transfers of firearms, affecting individuals selling firearms to others outside of licensed dealer transactions. Sellers must arrange for a background check through a licensed dealer or law enforcement agency before transferring a firearm, and the transfer cannot proceed without the central repository's approval, valid for 30 days. Exceptions include transfers between immediate family members, antique firearms, temporary transfers for hunting or shooting range use, and transfers due to death or legal ownership changes. Violating this requirement would be punishable as a class B misdemeanor.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires universal background checks to prevent firearm access by prohibited persons, a key criminal justice reform measure to reduce gun violence.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

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