HB 2915 allows the Department of Corrections to file a claim of actual innocence in postconviction cases challenging a conviction or sentence. It requires courts to review such claims only if clear and convincing evidence shows innocence and undermines confidence in the original verdict, considering all evidence - including new evidence not presented at trial. If proven, the court must vacate the conviction and provide written findings explaining the evidence used. This directly affects individuals serving prison sentences who can now present new evidence of innocence through this specific legal pathway.
HB 2458 updates definitions and procedures for orders of protection in domestic violence cases. It explicitly defines "abuse" to include intentionally harming a pet (e.g., for control or intimidation), clarifies that "child" means under 18, and specifies that "pet" means a companion animal not used commercially. The bill requires courts to appoint a guardian ad litem for minors involved in protection orders and transfers cases involving minor respondents to juvenile court for a full hearing. These changes directly affect domestic violence victims, pet owners, and children in protection order cases.
HB 1834 changes Missouri's law on enticing children by raising the age of protected minors from 17 to 18 years. It makes it a felony for anyone 21 or older to persuade, lure, or communicate with a person under 18 for sexual purposes, including online. Convictions require mandatory prison sentences of 5 to 30 years with no parole, probation, or early release for five years after sentencing. This law directly affects adults who target minors under 18 for sexual conduct.
This bill shields certified sports officials (like referees, umpires, and linesmen) from civil lawsuits for injuries occurring during officiating duties at athletic events, unless the harm resulted from intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent actions. It also classifies sports officials as "special victims" if assaulted while performing their duties, meaning such assaults would be treated as more serious crimes under Missouri law. The law applies specifically to officials registered or certified by recognized sports organizations. This replaces prior legal protections and clarifies that liability protections do not cover intentional misconduct.
HB 2552 defines false imprisonment as unlawfully restraining or blocking someone's movement without consent, directly affecting anyone who restricts another person's freedom of movement. It classifies basic false imprisonment as a class A misdemeanor, escalating to a class E felony if the victim is moved out of state. Key provisions include linking false imprisonment to third-degree assault if physical contact occurs, and establishing specific scenarios where fear for one's life is presumed (e.g., within 7 feet of an aggressive person or 75 feet while objects are thrown). The law also covers blocking access to occupied vehicles or buildings during felony offenses, with "willful blocking" explicitly including actions like gripping someone or forming groups that obstruct sidewalks or roadways.
HB 2569 modifies Missouri's law governing civilian review boards for police oversight. It allows cities, counties, and city-county entities to establish or use existing civilian review boards to investigate public complaints about police misconduct, including excessive force, abuse of authority, or offensive language (such as slurs based on race, religion, gender, or disability). Boards must base findings on verified evidence, cannot rely solely on unsworn complaints, and cannot consider unsubstantiated prior complaints. The bill exempts cities with 125,000-160,000 residents, permitting them to create boards with broader authority to handle such complaints.
HB 2319 expands Missouri's legal definition of a "special victim" to include sports officials (such as referees, umpires, or linesmen) who are assaulted while performing their duties at any level of sporting event. This change adds a new category (14)(l) to the statute, specifying that a sports official must be trained and certified by an authorized organization to qualify. The bill directly affects sports officials by granting them the same legal protections as other "special victims" (like law enforcement or emergency personnel) when they are assaulted during their work. This is a concrete policy change to the criminal code, not a procedural measure.
This bill modifies sentencing for individuals convicted of murder who were under 19 at the time of the offense. It allows them to petition for parole review after 25 years (and again after 35 years) of incarceration, replacing life without parole sentences. Parole boards must consider rehabilitation efforts, maturity, accountability, and institutional conduct during reviews. Judges must also weigh youth-specific factors like development, background, and rehabilitation potential when sentencing minors convicted of murder.
HB 2302 requires the state Department of Corrections to provide specific services to inmates before their release from state custody. It mandates the department to provide documentation for post-release employment (including vocational records, work history, and a resume) and coordinate with the Department of Revenue to issue state-issued identification cards to inmates without current IDs. The bill applies to most inmates released within the state, with exceptions for those aged 65+ or in medical parole. Identification cards issued under this law are valid for four years, non-renewable, and funded through department resources or inmate trust funds.
SB 1338 creates a new state criminal offense for entering Missouri while violating federal immigration law (specifically, 8 U.S.C. § 1325, which prohibits unauthorized entry into the U.S.). If convicted, individuals face a $100,000 fine and a mandatory order of removal from the state. The bill also allows courts to dismiss charges and issue removal orders without a full trial upon request. This law directly affects non-citizens who enter Missouri without federal authorization under U.S. immigration law.
