HB 2677 generally prohibits using a defendant's creative or artistic expression (like art, music, poetry, or literature) as evidence in criminal trials. It allows limited exceptions only if the state proves by clear evidence that: the expression was intended literally (not figuratively), directly relates to specific crime facts, addresses a disputed issue, and has unique value beyond other evidence. If admitted, courts must redact the evidence for juries and provide specific instructions about its limited use. This bill directly affects defendants in criminal cases whose creative works might otherwise be used against them.
HB 2997 creates a public registry of persistent domestic violence offenders within Missouri's Department of Public Safety. It defines "persistent offenders" as individuals convicted of multiple domestic violence offenses against the same victim (including at least one prior conviction), requiring courts to mandate registration upon sentencing. The registry will include names, dates of birth, offense details, conviction dates, and photos - excluding sensitive data like addresses or Social Security numbers - and will be accessible online. Offenders must pay a $150 registration fee, with $100 directed to a domestic violence prevention fund, while the department maintains the system using data from courts, corrections, and law enforcement.
HB 2831 modifies Missouri's good time credit system for inmates, allowing eligible individuals to earn time off their sentences by participating in approved programs. Inmates can earn up to 360 days total (capped at 90 days annually) for completing high school/GED equivalents, vocational training, alcohol/drug treatment (excluding court-ordered programs), or 1,000 hours of restorative justice. Credit is revoked for major rule violations, parole revocation, or excessive minor violations, and excludes those sentenced to death or life without parole. The bill also permits retroactive petitions for programs completed between 2010 and 2026, with applications accepted in 2027.
HB 2787 modifies Missouri's voter qualification rules by allowing residents aged 17 years and 6 months or older to register to vote (with voting beginning at 18). It restricts voting rights for individuals: (1) incarcerated under a sentence of imprisonment, (2) on probation or parole for a felony conviction until discharged, and (3) convicted of certain felonies or misdemeanors related to voting rights. The bill also maintains the requirement that voters must register in their residence jurisdiction before the election deadline, except as permitted by federal law. These changes directly affect Missouri residents seeking to register or maintain voting eligibility under current state law.
HB 2954 creates an "automated expungement" process in Missouri, meaning eligible criminal records will be closed by the state without requiring individuals to file court petitions. It directly affects people convicted of certain infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies (excluding traffic violations, juvenile cases, or offenses with pending charges) who have completed their sentences and met specific waiting periods (1 year for misdemeanors, 3 years for felonies) without new offenses. Key provisions include automatic closure of records after these waiting periods, a lifetime limit of two felony expungements or four misdemeanor/ordinance expungements, and special eligibility for those aged 65+ with clean records. The law takes effect on August 28, 2029, and does not apply to cases with unresolved charges or certain offenses.
HB 2848 creates a new class C misdemeanor offense for intentionally harassing, intimidating, or threatening someone while hiding one's face with a mask or hood to cause reasonable fear of physical harm. It specifically applies when a person conceals their identity with a mask to threaten others, but includes exemptions for masks worn during holidays, occupational safety, religious practices, weather protection, or medical health reasons. The bill does not apply to behavior protected by the First Amendment and defines key terms like "harass" and "intimidate" in plain language. This law directly affects individuals who use face coverings to threaten others, while allowing most common mask usage to remain legal.
HB 2747 modifies Missouri's criminal trial procedures for first-degree murder cases involving the death penalty. It establishes a two-stage trial process: the first stage determines guilt, and the second stage (only if the death penalty wasn't waived) decides sentencing based on aggravating/mitigating factors. The bill specifies that life imprisonment without parole must be imposed if the defendant is intellectually disabled, no aggravating circumstances are proven, or the jury cannot unanimously agree on the death penalty. It also defines "intellectual disability" and applies only to offenses committed on or after August 28, 2001. The bill does not address expungement procedures, despite references to related sections in the text.
HB 3124 requires most criminal cases involving children under 17 to be handled in juvenile court instead of adult court. The bill only allows transferring a case to adult court if a judge certifies the child as an adult, typically for serious offenses. This directly affects minors accused of crimes in Missouri, keeping them in the juvenile system unless certification occurs. The bill modifies existing juvenile justice procedures to strengthen this default jurisdiction, without specifying certification criteria.
HB 3097 creates a 100% state tax credit for Missouri taxpayers who donate to eligible nonprofits running youth police initiatives in urban areas. These initiatives focus on building trust between at-risk youth and local police through structured activities and dialogue. The credit, non-refundable but carryable for up to five years, is capped at $500,000 annually per the state. Taxpayers must contribute to a department-listed entity and provide documentation to claim the credit.
HB 2835 allows individuals convicted of drug-related felonies to access food assistance benefits (SNAP) if they meet specific conditions. To qualify, they must be in or completing approved substance abuse treatment, comply with court and probation requirements, avoid new drug offenses for one year, and pass voluntary sobriety tests. The bill directly affects people with past drug felony convictions who are actively working toward recovery through state-approved programs. It creates an exemption from a federal SNAP ineligibility rule for these individuals, using a state option permitted under federal law. The policy change applies only to those meeting all four criteria, not to individuals with additional drug convictions.
