HB 1992 makes it illegal to install, conceal, or place an electronic tracking device on a motor vehicle without the consent of all owners, specifically to monitor occupants. This law directly affects individuals who track vehicles without permission, such as partners, stalkers, or unauthorized third parties. Key exceptions include law enforcement during investigations, parents monitoring minor children in their vehicle, tracking stolen vehicles, and certain insurance or rental company uses. Violations are punishable as a class A misdemeanor for a first offense or a class E felony for repeat offenses, excluding manufacturer-installed tracking systems.
HB 1990 creates a new criminal offense for gift card fraud in Missouri by defining "closed-loop gift cards" (cards issued for personal use at specific merchants) and establishing penalties for fraudulently obtaining or using them. The bill directly affects individuals who commit this fraud and provides clearer legal definitions for law enforcement and courts. Key provisions include defining terms like "adulterated" and "deceive" to clarify the offense, while focusing specifically on closed-loop gift cards rather than general payment methods. This replaces an existing statute to address gaps in current law regarding gift card theft and fraud. The bill does not alter penalties for other fraud types but creates a distinct legal framework for gift card-related offenses.
SB 1171 would create a new criminal offense for storing firearms in a manner that endangers the community, such as leaving them accessible to children or in unsecured locations. This bill directly affects individuals who store firearms unsafely in their homes or vehicles, making such storage a punishable violation. The key provision defines "community endangerment" as unsafe storage that creates a substantial risk of injury or death to others. As a newly prefilled bill (first read on 2026-01-07), it has not yet been enacted into law.
HB 2547 requires anyone placing a surveillance or game camera on private property to first get written consent from the landowner or their representative, or obtain a search warrant under Missouri or U.S. constitutional protections. It directly affects property owners, hunters, security personnel, and others who might use such cameras on private land. The bill also allows law enforcement to place cameras only if facing publicly accessible areas within 100 feet of the location, with approval from the top law enforcement officer. The bill passed the Missouri House with 9-1 support after public hearings.
HB 1814 creates a new offense called "grooming of a minor" in Missouri law, targeting adults (18+ years) who engage in a pattern of conduct - such as repeated sexual communications or acts - with minors (17 or younger) that a reasonable person would interpret as preparing them for sexual activity. The law classifies this as a class B felony (or class A if sexual conduct occurs), requiring a minimum 5-year prison sentence with no probation or parole eligibility. It includes exemptions for age-appropriate relationships (within 4 years), licensed professionals acting within their role, and family members providing standard care, provided no sexual intent is shown. The bill also mandates restitution for victims covering mental health, lost income, and relocation costs, and requires state guidance for the public and professionals on identifying and responding to grooming.
HB 1836 requires guardians ad litem (court-appointed advocates for children) to have a private, 15-minute conversation with the child in every court proceeding involving specific child-related cases. This applies to cases under Missouri laws covering child abuse/neglect (chapters 210, 211), custody/visitation/support (chapter 452), and juvenile proceedings (chapter 453). The bill mandates these conversations occur before each court hearing, ensuring the child’s voice is directly heard by their appointed advocate. It does not change legal standards but adds a procedural requirement for guardians ad litem to engage with the child directly.
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.
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.
HB 2310 would increase the maximum time a person can be held in custody after an arrest without a warrant from 24 to 72 hours. This applies to individuals arrested without a court order for alleged breaches of the peace or criminal offenses, requiring release within 72 hours unless formally charged by a credible person. The bill also mandates that arrested individuals be allowed reasonable access to consult with an attorney or others during detention. If enacted, officers who fail to release individuals within the timeframe or deny access to counsel would face misdemeanor charges. The bill is currently pending in the Missouri House after being prefaced and read twice.
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.
