Criminal Justice

in committee · Missouri · Senate Jan 27, 2026

SJR 81: Creates provisions relating to the offense of sexual trafficking of a child

SJR 81 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would change Missouri's sentencing for first-degree sexual trafficking of a child. If approved by voters, it would mandate life imprisonment without parole for this offense, defining "imprisonment for life" as confinement for the offender's natural lifetime. The amendment directly affects individuals convicted of this specific crime by removing any possibility of probation or parole. This measure requires voter approval at the 2026 general election to become part of Missouri's Constitution.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates life without parole for child sexual trafficking, removing parole options - increases mandatory sentencing and reduces defendant rights95% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · Missouri · House Apr 16, 2026

HB 2414: Modifies the offense of possession of unlawful items in a prison or jail

HB 2414 clarifies and expands prohibited items in correctional facilities, directly affecting prisoners and facility staff. It bans possession of controlled substances (except prescribed), alcohol, forbidden personal items, weapons, and unauthorized electronic devices like cell phones. Violations carry specific penalties: class D felonies for drugs/electronic devices, class B felonies for weapons, and class A misdemeanors for other prohibited items. Facilities must post clear lists of banned items, and individuals convicted of alkaloid offenses (not controlled substances) may qualify for record expungement under specific conditions. The bill focuses on enhancing facility security through defined prohibitions and consistent enforcement.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by increasing penalties for prison possession offenses, aligning with indicators of stricter enforcement over reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy

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in committee · Missouri · House Mar 5, 2026

HB 2176: Modifies provisions relating to public safety

HB 2176, titled the "Anti-Red Flag Gun Seizure Act," prohibits Missouri state agencies, law enforcement, and political subdivisions from enforcing any "red flag law" (including federal or state orders requiring temporary firearm seizure or confiscation). It bans the use of state or federal funds to enforce such laws and imposes a $50,000 civil penalty for violations. The bill specifically exempts firearm seizures as evidence during criminal investigations. It directly affects Missouri citizens' firearm rights and law enforcement practices by blocking enforcement of red flag laws across state and local agencies.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill prohibits enforcement of red flag laws (a criminal justice reform tool for preventing gun violence), weakening law enforcement's ability to intervene in potential violent situations and reducing public safety measures.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · Missouri · Senate Jan 27, 2026

SB 1309: Modifies provisions relating to the admissibility of expert testimony evidence

SB 1309 modifies rules for admitting expert testimony in court. It requires experts to base opinions on reliable data and methods, and mandates that testimony must help the judge or jury understand evidence or resolve facts. The bill applies to most civil cases (like family law or probate) and criminal cases, but specifically prohibits experts from stating opinions about a defendant’s mental state in criminal trials. These changes aim to ensure expert testimony is both relevant and scientifically sound before being presented to a court.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRestricts expert testimony on defendant mental state in criminal trials, limiting defense options and defendant rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Judges

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 1633: Establishes provisions relating to public access to arrest warrant records

HB 1633 restricts public access to arrest warrant records for certain serious offenses, including Class A/B felonies, dangerous felonies, and crimes against minors under 18. It requires that such records not be available online until the warrant is executed (person arrested) or a prosecutor files a motion showing public safety needs. Exceptions allow immediate access for law enforcement, attorneys, victims, and court personnel. The law also protects officials from liability for following these rules and directs courts to implement technical controls to enforce the changes.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRestricts public access to arrest records for serious offenses, weakening transparency and public oversight, opposing reform trends that promote openness in criminal justice.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRestricts online access to sensitive arrest records, enhancing data privacy protections by limiting public exposure of personal information.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2136: Modifies provisions relating to unlawful possession of a firearm

HB 2136 makes it unlawful to possess a firearm if someone has a felony conviction (state or federal), is a fugitive, mentally incompetent, habitually intoxicated, or not a U.S. citizen. It classifies unlawful possession as a class C felony, but upgrades it to a class B felony if the person has a prior conviction for the same offense or a dangerous felony. The bill excludes antique firearms from these restrictions. This law directly affects individuals meeting the specified criteria, altering penalties for firearm possession under these conditions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization of firearm possession with stricter felony classifications (class B for prior offenses), increasing penalties rather than promoting reform or reducing restrictions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 1723: Modifies the age of consent

HB 1723 raises the age of consent from 17 to 18 years for sexual intercourse and lowers the age difference threshold for certain offenses from 4 to 3 years when involving minors. It modifies statutory rape and child molestation classifications (e.g., second-degree child molestation becomes a class B felony if the offender is over 3 years older than a minor under 18). The bill updates sex offender registration requirements, establishing tiered registration periods of 15 years (Tier I), 25 years (Tier II), or for life (Tier III), with potential reductions for clean records. These changes directly affect individuals engaging in sexual activity with minors under 18 and those subject to sex offender registration laws.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill raises age of consent to 18, lowers age difference threshold to 3 years, and reclassifies offenses as higher felonies (e.g., class B felony for >3 years age gap). Expands criminalization and increases penalties, opposing reform goals.90% confidence

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2040: Modifies penalties relating to criminal offenses involving the custody of children

HB 2040 revises Missouri's criminal penalties for custody-related offenses. It creates two new offenses: "interference with custody" (a felony if a child is taken out of state) and "parental kidnapping" (a felony escalating to higher levels based on how long a child is detained). The bill requires courts to order defendants to pay restitution to legal custodians for reasonable expenses incurred in searching for or returning the child. It directly affects individuals who illegally remove, conceal, or take children from legal custody without court authorization. The law replaces outdated sections of Missouri law with these updated penalty structures and restitution requirements.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by creating new felony offenses for custody violations and escalating penalties, directly increasing sentencing severity in criminal justice context.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Victims' Rights

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in committee · Missouri · Senate Jan 27, 2026

SB 1304: Creates the offense of making a malicious false report of animal abuse and modifies the offense of animal abuse

SB 1304 creates a new criminal offense for deliberately making false reports about animal abuse to authorities. It directly affects individuals who intentionally lie about animal abuse incidents, potentially facing legal penalties. The bill modifies existing animal abuse laws, though specific changes to those provisions are not detailed in the provided abstract. This focuses on addressing malicious false reports to prevent misuse of animal welfare systems.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new criminal offense for false animal abuse reports, expanding criminalization under criminal justice.92% confidence

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in committee · Missouri · Senate Jan 8, 2026

SB 922: Creates the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new criminal offense for minors possessing firearms, expanding criminalization rather than reforming or reducing penalties.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Juvenile Justice

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