HB 1866 changes Missouri's peace officer licensing rules by requiring the director of the Department of Public Safety to deny a license application if the applicant is not a U.S. citizen, had a previous peace officer license permanently revoked or surrendered, or has other issues that would lead to disciplinary action if licensed. The director may instead grant a license with conditions or deny it, and must provide written notice of the decision. Applicants denied a license can appeal to an administrative hearing within 30 days, but the hearing will not reconsider the severity of the issue or rehabilitation efforts. This bill replaces the existing licensing criteria with these specific denial conditions.
HB 1926 prohibits health care professionals in Missouri from documenting or disclosing a patient's citizenship or immigration status in medical records, except when assessing eligibility for social or community services. It specifically bans sharing this information with law enforcement agencies under any circumstances. The bill establishes that licensing boards must investigate violations, imposing one-year license suspensions for intentional disclosures and probation for accidental ones. This law directly affects doctors, nurses, and other licensed health care providers who handle patient records across Missouri.
SB 1157 - This act provides that a person has demonstrated lawful presence for eligibility of a professional or occupational license if the person submits certain documents relating to employment authorization issued by certain federal agencies, as described in the act. A professional or occupational license issued to a person demonstrating lawful presence under this act shall be valid only for the period of time during which the employment authorization is valid. This act is identical to HB 2522 (2026) and SB 738 (2025). KATIE O'BRIEN
HB 1801 changes the definition of "qualified student" for Missouri's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program. It specifies that a qualified student must be a Missouri resident not classified as an "illegal alien" and must either have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) under federal special education law or meet income requirements (300% of free/reduced lunch standards) while also meeting enrollment criteria like having attended public school full-time for a semester or being kindergarten-ready. This bill directly affects students seeking scholarship funds to attend participating private, charter, or public schools. The key change replaces the prior definition with these specific eligibility requirements.
HB 2518 ensures DACA recipients who meet all educational and professional requirements for a licensed occupation in the state can obtain a license on the same terms as U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. It prohibits oversight bodies (like licensing boards) from considering immigration status when reviewing applications, requiring evaluations to be based solely on qualifications, education, and competency. The bill directly affects DACA recipients seeking professions requiring state licenses (e.g., healthcare, law, trades) and mandates that their licenses carry identical rights, renewability, and validity periods as those issued to citizens. The law takes effect for all applications submitted on or after August 28, 2026.
SB 1038 requires all Missouri employers, including public employers and businesses receiving state contracts over $5,000, to enroll in and actively participate in a federal work authorization program. Employers must provide annual sworn affidavits confirming their enrollment and verifying they do not knowingly employ unauthorized workers. Violations result in fines of $2,000 per unauthorized worker and license suspensions (30 days for first offense, up to one year for third offense). The bill mandates employers to verify new hires' work eligibility through the federal program and provides an affirmative defense for compliant businesses. It suspends enrollment requirements for 15 days during declared emergencies like natural disasters.
SB 1338 creates a new state criminal offense for entering Missouri while violating federal immigration law (specifically, 8 U.S.C. § 1325, which prohibits unauthorized entry into the U.S.). If convicted, individuals face a $100,000 fine and a mandatory order of removal from the state. The bill also allows courts to dismiss charges and issue removal orders without a full trial upon request. This law directly affects non-citizens who enter Missouri without federal authorization under U.S. immigration law.
HB 2468 changes eligibility for Missouri's SNAP (food assistance) and MO HealthNet (medical assistance) by requiring applicants to prove U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or lawful immigration status under federal definitions. Applicants must provide documentary evidence (like a driver's license or federal immigration documents) at application, or use a sworn affidavit for temporary benefits while gathering proof. State agencies must verify lawful presence through the federal SAVE program, with temporary benefits limited to 90 days or until proof is submitted. The bill excludes emergency medical care, prenatal services, and certain other benefits from these restrictions.
HB 2326 requires Missouri municipalities to adopt policies promoting voluntary cooperation with federal and state immigration authorities, directly affecting all cities, counties, towns, and villages. It replaces previous restrictions on "sanctuary policies" by mandating that local officials receive written guidance on immigration enforcement duties and prohibiting policies that restrict cooperation with federal immigration agencies or grant undocumented immigrants rights violating federal law. Municipalities complying with these requirements may qualify for state funding, technical assistance, or training programs, while those suspected of noncompliance must receive written notice and a chance to appeal before any funding adjustments. The bill explicitly preserves municipalities' ability to maintain community trust and encourage crime reporting, as long as policies align with federal law.
HB 2524 prohibits Missouri local governments and law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement in ways that involve racial profiling or violate constitutional rights. It requires annual training for law enforcement on constitutional rights and allows local entities to share immigration status information with federal authorities (like ICE) only when there is a documented public safety concern. The bill also blocks state funding for local agencies that restrict such cooperation or violate these rules, while exempting agencies administering federal benefit programs. It directly affects local law enforcement, government entities, and public employees handling immigration-related information.
