Criminal Justice (Policing)

HB 3182 defines 14 new actions as class three election offenses, making them misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail or a $2,500 fine. It directly affects voters, election officials, and anyone involved in elections by prohibiting specific misconduct like offering money to influence voting, threatening voters, tampering with voting materials, or disclosing voter information. Key provisions include banning the use of force to compel voting, preventing voter registration when legally entitled, and restricting the sharing of election official personal information online. Violations like threatening election workers that cause injury could escalate to a class B felony. The bill aims to protect election integrity by clarifying and penalizing election-related misconduct.

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.

HB 1930 makes it a class D misdemeanor to knowingly approach within 50 feet of a first responder after receiving an oral warning not to, if the person intends to block their work, threaten them with harm, or harass them. It directly affects individuals who interfere with police, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel (including hospital staff in emergency settings) while they are performing their duties. The law defines "harass" as causing substantial emotional distress without a legitimate purpose. Violations carry penalties including fines or jail time for this new offense.