HB 2699 replaces Missouri's existing laws about interfering with judicial officers and proceedings with new, clearer definitions. It makes it a crime to threaten, harass, share personal information (like home addresses or Social Security numbers), or offer benefits to judges, court staff, jurors, or their families with the intent to influence their work. Violating these provisions is a class D felony (or class B if injury occurs), and offenders cannot receive parole, probation, or conditional release. The bill directly affects judicial personnel, their families, and anyone attempting to intimidate them during court proceedings.
HB 2786 eliminates intervention fees for offenders on probation, parole, or conditional release during their first 60 days of supervision. This directly affects individuals under these supervision types in their initial two months of release. The bill specifically prohibits fee collection for the first 60 days, while allowing fees up to $60 monthly after that period to fund community corrections services.
HB 9 appropriates $6.48 million from the General Revenue Fund for the Missouri Department of Corrections' Office of the Director (including $18,060 for salary adjustments) and $8.26 million for reentry programs during fiscal year 2025-2026. Key provisions include $6.3 million for a new offender management system, $2.5 million for a recidivism-reduction pay-for-performance agreement with private programs, and $1.3 million for county re-entry navigators. The bill also allocates $7.12 million for Family Support Services and $3.29 million for Professional Standards, all subject to specific spending flexibilities. These funds directly support corrections operations, offender reentry services, and system improvements across Missouri's correctional facilities.
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 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 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.
HB 2637 revises Missouri's criminal justice system by requiring detailed documentation for offender transfers to correctional facilities, including sentencing specifics, health records, and victim information. It establishes a new 12-24 month treatment program for nonviolent offenders with substance abuse issues (excluding those convicted of dangerous felonies), allowing courts to suspend incarceration pending program completion. The bill also mandates parole board guidelines prioritizing serious offenders, using risk assessments, and publishing transparency data on release and recidivism rates. These changes directly affect nonviolent offenders, correctional departments, courts, and parole boards by altering transfer procedures, treatment eligibility, and parole decision-making processes.
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.
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.
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.
