Criminal Justice

in committee · Missouri · House Jan 27, 2026

HB 1814: Modifies and establishes provisions relating to sexual offenses

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new felony with mandatory 5-year sentence, expanding criminalization and increasing penalties in sexual offenses, contradicting reform indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

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in committee · Missouri · House May 13, 2026

HB 1881: Adds xylazine to the list of Schedule III controlled substances

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeClassifies fentanyl analogs under Schedule I, increasing criminal penalties and expanding criminalization, opposing reform efforts.90% confidence ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareClassifies fentanyl analogs under Schedule I (no medical use), restricting healthcare provider access to these substances and limiting medical applications.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Law Enforcement Substance Abuse

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 1857: Modifies the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands firearm possession prohibitions to more categories (felons, fugitives, etc.), increasing restrictions on gun access per criminal justice policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2310: Increases the maximum hold time for a person who has been arrested

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases detention without charge from 24 to 72 hours, reducing defendant rights before formal charges, aligning with 'reduces defendant rights' indicator.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · Missouri · Senate Jan 8, 2026

SB 868: Creates the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new misdemeanor for minors possessing handguns, expanding criminalization of firearm possession by minors per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Juvenile Justice

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2631: Creates the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor

HB 2631 makes it a serious misdemeanor for anyone under 18 to knowingly possess a handgun or handgun ammunition. It specifically targets minors' firearm possession, with key exceptions allowing it for farm/ranch work (with parental consent), military service, inheritance, or home defense. The bill defines "handgun" as a single-handed firearm (excluding antiques) and clarifies that firearms transferred legally to minors won't be permanently confiscated if the minor later violates the law. Penalties include fines or jail time, but the law emphasizes parental consent and specific permitted activities to avoid criminalizing typical minor firearm use.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new misdemeanor offense for minors' firearm possession, expanding criminalization of minor offenses within criminal justice framework.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Firearms Juvenile Justice

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2451: Modifies the offense of making a false report

HB 2451 modifies Missouri's law against making false reports to law enforcement or emergency services. It defines the offense as knowingly providing false information to: (1) implicate someone in a crime, (2) report a fake crime or emergency, (3) falsely report an emergency situation, or (4) falsely report someone's immigration status. The law classifies this as a class B misdemeanor (punishable by up to 90 days in jail or fines), and allows a defense if the false report is retracted before authorities take action. This bill directly affects individuals who intentionally mislead police, fire departments, or emergency responders with false information.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization of false reports to law enforcement, including immigration status, classifying as misdemeanor under CRIMES AND PUNISHMENT90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 1823: Creates the offense of unlawful possession of an ammunition feeding device that holds more than ten rounds

HB 1823 creates a new criminal offense for possessing an ammunition feeding device (like a magazine) that holds more than ten rounds. This law directly affects individuals who own or carry such devices in Missouri, making it illegal to possess them without exception. The bill replaces existing firearm definitions and adds specific penalty provisions for this violation. It focuses solely on restricting high-capacity feeding devices, not on other firearm types or general possession.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new criminal offense for high-capacity magazines, expanding criminalization of firearm possession without reform intent.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · Missouri · House Jan 8, 2026

HB 2545: Modifies provisions relating to unlawful possession of a firearm

HB 2545 makes it unlawful for specific individuals to possess firearms, including those convicted of a felony, fugitives from justice, people habitually intoxicated or mentally incompetent, or certain non-citizens (like those illegally in the U.S. or on temporary visas without federal exceptions). Violating this would typically be a class C felony, but becomes a class B felony for repeat offenders or those with prior "dangerous felony" convictions. The bill explicitly excludes antique firearms from these restrictions. It modifies existing state law to clarify who is prohibited from firearm possession and adjust penalty levels.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties (class B felony for repeat offenders) and expands firearm restrictions to include non-citizens, aligning with 'oppose' indicators: expands criminalization and increases sentencing severity.85% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill prohibits non-citizens illegally in U.S. from firearm possession, restricting undocumented immigrants' rights and increasing state-level immigration enforcement.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · Missouri · House Feb 23, 2026

HB 2358: Modifies the offense of delivery of a controlled substance causing death

This bill would make delivering drugs that cause death a Class A felony, the most serious criminal charge. It removes the defense that the person who died contributed to their own death or consented to the drug use. The law applies specifically to high-risk drugs (like opioids and cocaine) and covers cases where the offense occurs in another state. It aims to strengthen penalties for drug-related deaths by closing legal loopholes that previously allowed certain defenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for drug-related deaths by classifying as Class A felony and removing victim-related defenses, expanding criminalization.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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