Criminal Justice (Drug Policy)

in committee · Missouri · Senate May 15, 2026

SB 1605: Makes 7-hydroxymitragynine in certain amounts a Schedule I controlled substance

SB 1605 would classify 7-hydroxymitragynine (a compound found in kratom) as a Schedule I controlled substance in the state when present in specified amounts. This bill directly affects individuals possessing or distributing this compound above the defined threshold. The key provision would subject such possession or distribution to the same strict legal penalties as other Schedule I drugs, such as heroin or LSD. The bill is currently in its initial stage (first reading) and has not yet been debated or voted on.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeClassifies kratom compound as Schedule I, expanding criminalization and imposing strict penalties like heroin/LSD, directly increasing penalties without reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · Missouri · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 1614: Adds certain 7-OH products to the list of Schedule I controlled substances

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by adding 100+ substances to Schedule I, increasing penalties for possession/distribution without medical use, directly opposing reform efforts.90% confidence ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill bans substances with potential medical uses (e.g., psilocybin for mental health), restricting healthcare access by classifying them as Schedule I with no accepted medical use.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · Missouri · Senate Feb 11, 2026

SB 997: Modifies the offense of murder in the second degree to include when a person delivered or distributes fentanyl to another person where death results from such use

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by classifying fentanyl distribution causing death as second-degree murder, increasing penalties for drug-related fatalities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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passed · Missouri · House Apr 29, 2026

HB 1625: Modifies the offenses of trafficking of drugs in the first and second degree

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties by lowering fentanyl thresholds and adding location-based enhancements, expanding criminalization and mandatory sentences.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2727: Changes the offense of weapons possession by adding high-capacity firearm magazines

HB 2727 amends Missouri law to prohibit possessing high-capacity magazines, defined as devices holding more than ten rounds of ammunition. This directly affects individuals who own such magazines, making it a class D felony for most violations (except for specific exceptions like law enforcement or museums). The bill replaces existing provisions by adding "high-capacity magazine" to the list of prohibited items under weapons possession laws. Exceptions allow possession for official duties, commercial transactions with authorized entities, lawful industrial use, museum displays, or dramatic performances.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeProhibits high-capacity magazines, classifying possession as a felony, expanding criminalization of firearm accessories under weapons laws.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2881: Prohibits certain offenders from being within five hundred feet of any Missouri state park

HB 2881 prohibits individuals convicted of specific sex crimes (like child exploitation, possession of child pornography, or promoting child sexual abuse material) from being within 500 feet of certain children's facilities in Missouri. It directly affects people with these convictions, barring them from state parks, playgrounds, public pools, youth-focused museums, and conservation education centers. Violating this rule is a class E felony for a first offense and a class D felony for repeat violations. The bill includes an exception allowing parents or guardians with a child in a program at a conservation center to be present with permission from the center manager.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill criminalizes proximity to children's facilities for sex offenders, expanding restrictions and increasing penalties (felony), aligning with 'oppose' indicators of expanded criminalization.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · Missouri · House Mar 4, 2026

HB 2889: Modifies the offense of delivery of a controlled substance causing death

HB 2889 changes the legal definition of "delivery of a controlled substance causing death" to make it a class A felony. It applies when someone delivers or distributes a Schedule I or II controlled substance (like opioids or stimulants) and a death results, regardless of whether the user contributed to their own death or consented to the substance. The bill removes the defense that the user's actions caused their death, holding distributors fully accountable. This directly affects drug distributors who cause fatal overdoses through their actions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill elevates drug delivery causing death to Class A felony, removing user consent defense, increasing penalties and criminalization.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · Missouri · House May 13, 2026

HB 1881: Adds xylazine to the list of Schedule III controlled substances

HB 1881 amends Missouri's controlled substances law by adding specific fentanyl analogs and synthetic opioids to Schedule I (not Schedule III, as the title states). The bill lists numerous fentanyl derivatives (e.g., acetyl fentanyl, xylazine is not listed) and opioid compounds under Schedule I, which requires they have high abuse potential and no accepted medical use. This change directly affects law enforcement, healthcare providers, and individuals handling these substances by classifying them as illegal under Missouri law. The bill does not mention xylazine in its text; the title appears to contain an error, as the actual provisions focus on fentanyl-related compounds. This is a substantive policy change to drug scheduling, not a procedural measure.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeClassifies fentanyl analogs under Schedule I, increasing criminal penalties and expanding criminalization, opposing reform efforts.90% confidence ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareClassifies fentanyl analogs under Schedule I (no medical use), restricting healthcare provider access to these substances and limiting medical applications.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Law Enforcement Substance Abuse

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 1857: Modifies the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm

HB 1857 modifies Missouri's law on unlawful firearm possession by expanding who is prohibited from possessing a firearm and adjusting penalties. It makes it a crime for individuals with certain felony convictions (including out-of-state), fugitives from justice, those habitually intoxicated, or mentally incompetent to possess a firearm. The bill also prohibits minors under 18 from possessing a firearm on public property, unless they completed a required hunter education course. Penalties are set as a class C felony (or class B if the person has a prior dangerous felony conviction or prior unlawful possession). Antique firearms are specifically exempt from these provisions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands firearm possession prohibitions to more categories (felons, fugitives, etc.), increasing restrictions on gun access per criminal justice policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · Missouri · Senate Jan 8, 2026

SB 868: Creates the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor

SB 868 creates a new class A misdemeanor offense for minors under 18 who knowingly possess a handgun or handgun ammunition. It directly affects minors by making such possession illegal, except for specific exceptions like farm/ranch work with parental consent, military duty, inheritance, or self-defense in a residence. The law defines "handgun" as a firearm designed for single-hand use and excludes antique firearms. Key exceptions require parental written consent for farm/ranch activities, and possession during permitted hunting or target practice is allowed.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new misdemeanor for minors possessing handguns, expanding criminalization of firearm possession by minors per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Juvenile Justice

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