Immigration

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2621: Repeals the prohibition on municipal sanctuary policies

HB 2621 repeals Missouri laws that prohibited local governments from adopting "sanctuary policies" and penalized municipalities for doing so. Specifically, it removes sections of state law (67.307 and 285.550) that defined sanctuary policies as local ordinances limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities and threatened to cut off state funding for municipalities with such policies. The bill directly affects cities, counties, and other local governments in Missouri, allowing them to implement or maintain policies that restrict local officials from verifying or reporting immigration status to federal agencies. This change removes the financial penalty and legal restrictions that previously prevented municipalities from adopting these policies. The bill does not create new requirements but eliminates existing barriers to local sanctuary policy adoption.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationRepeals prohibition on municipal sanctuary policies, allowing local governments to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

Track

in committee · Missouri · Senate Feb 24, 2026

SB 1130: Prohibits state colleges and universities from employing individuals or engaging contractors who hold H-1B nonimmigrant status

SB 1130 prohibits Missouri state colleges and universities from employing individuals with H-1B visas or contracting with businesses that employ H-1B visa holders. The bill directly affects public institutions of higher education in Missouri and their hiring practices, banning both direct employment of H-1B workers and contracts with firms using such workers. Key provisions require institutions to cease all H-1B-related employment or contracting, with implementation overseen by the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. The law explicitly defines "H-1B visa" as U.S. foreign worker permits for specialty occupations and "state college or university" as Missouri public colleges and universities.

Topics ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationProhibits H-1B employment in public universities, restricting immigrant work access and limiting protections for skilled foreign workers.95% confidence

Track

in committee · Missouri · Senate Jan 27, 2026

SB 1288: Modifies provisions relating to employment of illegal aliens

The bill SB 1288, titled "Modifies provisions relating to employment of illegal aliens," has limited public detail available in the provided context. Its official abstract does not specify the exact nature of the modifications to employment rules for undocumented workers. Without additional details on specific provisions or changes to existing laws, a substantive summary of the bill's mechanisms or direct impacts cannot be provided. For concrete policy changes, the full bill text or official committee reports would be required.

Topics ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill targets employment of 'illegal aliens,' aligning with restrictive enforcement measures typical of anti-immigrant employment policies.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Work Authorization

Track

passed · Missouri · House Apr 29, 2026

HB 2481: Prohibits the use of SNAP benefits to purchase certain foods

This bill (HB 2481) corrects a misleading title: it does **not** restrict SNAP food purchases but instead requires proof of immigration status for SNAP and other public benefits. It mandates that applicants provide documentary evidence of U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or lawful presence (e.g., driver’s license documents or federal immigration status verification) at application and during eligibility reviews. The bill requires state agencies to use the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to confirm immigration status, with temporary benefits allowed via sworn affidavit for up to 90 days or until birth certificate verification is complete. It directly affects immigrants applying for SNAP, housing assistance, or other state/local public benefits requiring immigration status verification.

Topics ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationMandates immigration status verification for SNAP benefits, restricting access to public assistance based on immigration status per bill's requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Citizenship & Naturalization Driver Licenses & IDs

Track

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2487: Modifies provisions relating to higher education tuition

HB 2487 modifies Missouri's higher education residency rules to automatically treat as Missouri residents students who graduated from a Missouri high school (public, private, or homeschool), unless they establish residence elsewhere. Non-citizen students must provide a written statement agreeing to pursue legal status when eligible. Missouri colleges receiving state funds cannot deny admission based solely on immigration status if these conditions are met, and all applicant information collected under this section must remain confidential. The bill also requires colleges to verify students' legal status for financial aid but does not change tuition rates.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands higher education access by automatically granting in-state residency to MO high school graduates and prohibiting denial of admission based on immigration status.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill prohibits denial of higher education admission based solely on immigration status, protecting access to education services for non-citizen students meeting residency conditions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Student Financial Aid DACA & Dreamers

Track

in committee · Missouri · Senate Jan 27, 2026

SB 1321: Creates new provisions relating to illegal immigrants

SB 1321 creates a new Missouri state offense for people entering the state while violating federal immigration law (8 U.S.C. § 1325). It imposes a $10,000 fine for a first offense (classified as a misdemeanor) and escalates to a class E felony for repeat violations. The bill mandates court-ordered removal from Missouri after fines or prison terms, requiring specific details like transportation to a port of entry and law enforcement monitoring. Law enforcement officers may arrest individuals suspected of violating this provision upon probable cause. This bill directly affects immigrants entering Missouri in violation of federal immigration rules, establishing state-level penalties distinct from federal enforcement.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new criminal offense for immigration violations, imposing fines and felony penalties, expanding criminalization and increasing punitive measures, opposing criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationCreates state offenses for immigration violations, imposes fines, and mandates removal - increases state enforcement against immigrants per bill's offense provisions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Law Enforcement Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

Track

in committee · Missouri · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 1030: Prohibits the enforcement of any federal regulation by a state department or agency until the enforcement is approved by the General Assembly

SB 1030 would require the state legislature to approve any federal regulation before state agencies can enforce it. This applies to all state departments and agencies, preventing them from implementing federal rules without explicit legislative consent. The bill mandates that enforcement of federal regulations cannot proceed until the General Assembly votes to approve it. This policy change shifts authority to the legislature, requiring prior approval for state enforcement of federal rules.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBlocks state enforcement of federal environmental regulations, weakening protections without legislative approval90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationPrevents state agencies from enforcing federal immigration regulations without legislative approval, limiting state cooperation with federal enforcement per support indicators.85% confidence ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentRestricts state enforcement of federal labor regulations (e.g., OSHA, wage rules), potentially weakening workplace protections by requiring legislative approval for implementation.85% confidence

Track

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2522: Establishes provisions relating to the issuance of professional and occupational licenses to certain individuals with federal employment authorizations

HB 2522 allows individuals with specific U.S. federal employment authorizations to obtain professional or occupational licenses (like for nursing or contracting) if they provide two documents: an unexpired DHS employment authorization card (Form I-766) and proof they meet federal REAL ID Act criteria. Licenses issued under this bill are only valid for the same period as the employment authorization document. The bill explicitly states it does not change other license requirements, grant access to public benefits beyond licensing, or alter immigration status. It directly affects immigrants with certain work permits who seek licensed professions but does not impact unrelated licensing rules or eligibility for other government assistance.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationEnables immigrants with federal work authorization to obtain professional licenses, facilitating employment access and integration without restricting rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Work Authorization Tags Licensing

Track

in committee · Missouri · House May 14, 2026

HB 2412: Prohibits the foreign remittance transfer of funds to unauthorized aliens

HB 2412 requires money transfer businesses in Missouri to verify that senders of international money transfers are not "unauthorized aliens" (individuals without legal U.S. work authorization). Businesses must confirm this verification with the state division of finance quarterly and face a 25% penalty on the transfer amount for violations. The bill directly affects licensed money transfer companies, mandating new verification procedures before sending funds abroad. Penalties collected fund the Missouri disaster relief fund, and the division may audit businesses to enforce compliance starting in 2027.

Topics ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationRestricts financial services for undocumented immigrants by mandating verification of senders' status, imposing penalties for non-compliance with state enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Work Authorization

Track

signed · Missouri · House Jul 13, 2026

HB 2366: Modifies provisions relating to employment of unauthorized aliens

HB 2366 prohibits Missouri employers from knowingly hiring individuals without legal work authorization. It requires businesses receiving state contracts over $5,000, tax credits, or state-administered loans to verify employees’ work eligibility through federal programs and submit annual sworn affidavits. The state attorney general would enforce these rules, with businesses able to use federal program participation as a defense against violations. Emergency periods (like natural disasters) temporarily suspend the verification requirement for 15 days.

Topics ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill prohibits hiring unauthorized immigrants, mandates work authorization verification, and increases state enforcement of immigration rules through business compliance requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Work Authorization