SB 922 creates a new offense for minors under 18 who knowingly possess a handgun or handgun ammunition, classifying it as a class A misdemeanor. The bill directly affects minors, with specific exceptions allowing possession during supervised farm/ranch activities, military service, inheritance, or self-defense in a residence. Key provisions clarify that firearms transferred properly to minors for permitted activities (like target practice with parental consent) won't lead to permanent confiscation, and confiscated items must be returned to owners if not involved in crime. The law also updates rules for firearm confiscation in felony cases involving firearms, ensuring minors' legally transferred weapons aren't permanently taken.
HB 2325 would increase sentencing for individuals convicted of specific crimes when they intentionally wore face coverings to hide their identity during the offense. It applies only to misdemeanors or felonies involving theft, assault, or property damage exceeding $500, allowing courts to elevate the offense class by one level. The law includes exemptions for religious, medical, or occupational use of coverings, or if concealment was incidental and not intended to aid the crime. It does not create new offenses but modifies sentencing for existing crimes when concealment intent is proven.
HB 1882 creates a state tax credit allowing taxpayers to claim 100% of contributions made to eligible non-profit organizations running youth police initiatives in urban areas (as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau). The credit applies to tax years starting January 1, 2027, and is non-refundable but can be carried forward for up to five years or transferred/sold. The total annual credit amount is capped at $500,000, and the Missouri Department of Public Safety must maintain an annual list of eligible organizations on its website. The program expires automatically six years after enactment unless reauthorized by the legislature.
HB 2273 establishes a new "Committee on Sex and Human Trafficking Training" to standardize and improve training for professionals who interact with trafficking victims. The committee, composed of representatives from law enforcement, child advocacy, victim services, and medical centers, will create annual training guidelines and produce digital training materials for professions required to complete such training under existing laws. This bill directly affects state agencies, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and child advocacy organizations that must provide or receive trafficking training. The committee's work will replace outdated training requirements with updated standards, effective January 1, 2027, and expire December 31, 2031. The bill does not create new criminal penalties but focuses on coordinating and modernizing existing training obligations.
HB 2171 creates a two-year "Motivational Boot Camp Incarceration Program" within Missouri's Department of Corrections. It allows eligible individuals aged 17-21 with two prior nonviolent offenses to be sentenced to this program instead of jail or prison for a third nonviolent offense (excluding serious crimes like murder or rape). The program requires rigorous physical activity, counseling to address criminal behavior, written rules for participants, and medical clearance before enrollment. Successful completion results in the criminal conviction being expunged from the person's record, while failure leads to the original sentence being imposed. The program expires after six years unless the legislature reauthorizes it.
HB 2201 strengthens penalties for filing false documents with government entities in Missouri. It defines specific documents (like property records, liens, court filings, or financial forms) as "false" if they contain materially false information, are fraudulent, or lack proper consent. The bill makes this a Class C felony for first offenses, but elevates it to a Class B felony if the victim is a judge, law enforcement officer, elected official, or other protected public servant. It also requires government agencies (like county recorders) to log suspicious filings and notify law enforcement within two days, while mandating restitution to victims. This directly affects individuals or entities submitting documents to government offices, particularly those targeting public officials.
HB 2141 changes the trial process for first-degree murder cases involving the death penalty. It requires a two-stage trial: first, a jury decides guilt (without considering punishment), and only if guilty, a second stage determines punishment. If the death penalty isn't waived, the jury must impose life imprisonment without parole if they find the defendant intellectually disabled, no aggravating circumstances exist, or they cannot agree on the death penalty. The bill defines "intellectual disability" as substantial limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive skills present before age 18, and applies only to offenses committed on or after August 28, 2001.
HB 1840 creates Missouri's "Purple Alert System" to help locate missing persons with developmental disabilities who face immediate danger. It directly affects individuals with intellectual disabilities, brain injuries, or other non-Alzheimer's cognitive conditions who go missing. The bill requires law enforcement to immediately notify officers, contact local media, and share details with neighboring agencies when such a case is reported. It also mandates training for officers on crisis intervention and policies to enhance emergency response and public awareness about developmental disability-related elopement risks. The system must be implemented by July 1, 2027.
HB 2564 creates a new criminal offense called "masked intimidation" in Missouri, targeting individuals who intentionally harass, intimidate, or threaten others while hiding their face with a mask or similar device to cause fear for physical safety. It classifies this as a class E felony for a first offense, escalating to class D or C felonies for repeat violations. The bill defines key terms like "intimidate" (interfering with rights based on protected characteristics) and includes exemptions for masks worn during holidays, occupational safety, weather protection, artistic events, emergencies, health reasons (like preventing illness spread), or religious practices. It explicitly states the law does not infringe on First Amendment rights or other protected activities.
HB 1937 expands Missouri's legal definition of "special victim" to include sports officials (like referees, umpires, and linesmen) who are assaulted while performing their duties at any level of sporting event. This change directly affects certified sports officials by granting them the same legal protections as other special victims, such as law enforcement or emergency personnel, under Missouri's criminal statutes. The key provision adds a new subsection (14)(l) to the definition, specifying that a "sports official" must be trained and certified by an official sports organization. This bill modifies existing law to ensure these individuals receive enhanced legal consideration if assaulted during their official duties at games or events.
