Criminal Justice (Courts) in Missouri

in committee · Missouri · House Apr 23, 2026

HB 3210: Establishes the "Safe Neighborhoods Act"

HB 3210, the "Safe Neighborhoods Act," allows property owners in cities with over 100,000 residents to seek compensation from their city if the city fails to enforce laws against public camping, loitering, public intoxication, or other activities that create a public nuisance. Property owners can claim either documented costs spent to address these issues or the reduced property value caused by the city’s inaction, but compensation cannot exceed their prior year’s primary property taxes. Cities must respond to claims within 30 days; if rejected, owners can sue in court, with cities bearing the burden of proving their actions were lawful. This law creates a new legal remedy for property owners but does not replace existing legal options or apply to case-by-case prosecutorial decisions.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3389: Modifies the offense of tampering with a judicial officer

HB 3389 makes it a serious criminal offense to threaten, harass, or intimidate a judicial officer or their family. It specifically prohibits actions like sharing personal information (e.g., home address, Social Security number), threats, stalking, or offering benefits to influence their work. The law covers judges, court staff, probation officers, and their spouses, children, or ancestors, with penalties rising to a more severe felony if injury or death occurs. This expands legal protections for court personnel facing harassment, particularly online targeting.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Judges

in committee · Missouri · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 1650: Modifies provisions relating to the offense of tampering with a judicial officer

SB 1650 makes it a class D felony to threaten, harass, or influence a judicial officer (including judges, prosecutors, probation officers, and their families) through specific actions like threats, deception, offering benefits, stalking, or sharing personal information (such as addresses, phone numbers, or Social Security numbers). The bill explicitly prohibits online dissemination of a judicial officer's personal details, expands the definition of "judicial officer" to cover broader court staff, and defines "family" to include spouses, children, and ancestors. If the offense causes death or injury, it becomes a class B felony. This bill directly affects individuals who target judicial personnel and aims to strengthen legal protections for them.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Probation & Parole Data Privacy

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3374: Limits the use of port authority facilities unless certain conditions are met

This bill prohibits port authorities from using their facilities for detention, corrections, or civil confinement for three years after any agreement involving bonds, leases, or tax incentives. To override this ban, port authorities, the local municipality, and a majority of affected taxing jurisdictions must all agree at a public hearing. Violating this restriction without proper exemption would automatically end financial incentives, require reclaiming benefits already received, and potentially trigger court-ordered payments. The bill directly affects port authorities, local governments, and any entity seeking to use port facilities for detention purposes.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3370: Modifies provisions relating to court-ordered treatment

HB 3370 requires courts to offer treatment court programs for first-time felony offenders with substance use disorders before they enter a plea. Upon completing the program, pending charges are dismissed (after paying associated costs), and the bill explicitly prohibits treatment courts from barring participants from medication-assisted treatment for opioid or substance misuse. It also establishes procedures for transferring participants between jurisdictions and ensures participation in medication-assisted treatment cannot violate program terms. The bill directly affects eligible offenders in criminal cases seeking substance use disorder treatment instead of traditional sentencing.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Sentencing Mental Health Substance Abuse

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3413: Modifies provisions relating to certified juveniles

HB 3413 modifies Missouri's juvenile justice system by establishing clear criteria for when a child aged 12-18 may be transferred to adult court for serious offenses. It requires courts to hold a hearing and consider specific factors - such as the offense's severity (including murder, drug manufacturing, or violent crimes), prior offenses, and community safety - before transferring a case. The bill directly affects juveniles charged with certain felonies (like first-degree murder or drug distribution) or repeat offenses, and juvenile courts handling these cases. Key provisions include mandatory hearings for specified offenses, allowing evidence obtained during age misrepresentation to be used, and requiring written reports detailing rehabilitation prospects before transfer decisions.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

in committee · Missouri · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 1649: Modifies procedures relating to the detention of a juvenile

SB 1649 modifies Missouri's juvenile detention procedures to ensure faster court review and stricter criteria for holding minors. It requires that juveniles taken into custody be immediately brought before juvenile court or a juvenile officer, and mandates that courts review detention reasons within 24 hours. The bill limits detention to 24 hours without a hearing (with a 3-day deadline for the hearing), and specifies that continued detention is only permitted if the court finds probable cause for an offense and that detention is necessary to protect the juvenile, others, prevent flight, address lack of supervision, or handle fugitive status. This directly affects minors in custody, their families, and juvenile court processes.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3481: Modifies Supreme Court Rule 33.01 relating to conditions of release from custody in criminal proceedings

HB 3481 modifies Missouri's Supreme Court Rule 33.01 to clarify conditions for releasing defendants before trial in criminal cases. It requires courts to prioritize non-monetary conditions (like reporting or electronic monitoring) over monetary bail whenever possible, and prohibits setting bail amounts higher than necessary to ensure court appearances or community safety. The bill also mandates courts to consider a defendant's ability to pay when imposing monetary conditions and to waive costs for indigent defendants. This directly affects people charged with bailable offenses who may face pretrial detention or restrictive release terms. The law aims to reduce unnecessary pretrial incarceration while maintaining public safety.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts

in committee · Missouri · House Apr 2, 2026

HB 3313: Creates provisions relating to court-ordered involuntary outpatient treatment for persons with mental disorders

HB 3313 establishes court-ordered outpatient mental health treatment for adults with severe mental disorders who cannot make informed treatment decisions and face a risk of serious harm. It directly affects individuals meeting strict criteria: aged 18+, suffering from a mental disorder, unable to seek voluntary treatment, and at risk of deterioration or harm due to past non-compliance or violent behavior. The law creates a process where mental health providers, guardians, or health agencies can petition a court for treatment, requiring a hearing within two days, clear evidence of eligibility, and appointed legal representation for the affected person. Key provisions include defining "assisted outpatient treatment" (covering case management, therapy, medication, and crisis services) and mandating that courts approve such treatment only when less restrictive options have failed.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Courts Mental Health

in committee · Missouri · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 1625: Prohibits the transfer of any balance at the end of a biennium in certain state funds to the state general revenue fund

SB 1625 prevents leftover money in two specific state funds from being moved into the general state budget at the end of each two-year budget cycle. It applies to the Highway Patrol Academy Fund (used for training non-patrol peace officers) and the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund (funded by court surcharges and felony judgments). The bill requires that any remaining funds in these accounts must stay dedicated to their original purposes - such as academy operations or victim compensation services - rather than being redirected to general state spending. This ensures these funds continue supporting targeted programs without being absorbed into the broader state budget.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Revenue State Budget Courts Victims' Rights

All criminal justice bills