This bill updates laws protecting telecommunications infrastructure by expanding the definition of critical infrastructure facilities and creating new criminal offenses for damaging or stealing equipment. It makes it a felony to purposely or recklessly damage critical infrastructure that causes service interruptions, regardless of the damage value, and establishes penalties for unauthorized possession of copper, brass, aluminum, fiber, or other telecom materials. The law requires offenders to pay restitution and perform community service, while allowing prosecutors to charge under multiple applicable laws if conduct violates more than one provision. These changes directly affect individuals who might damage or steal telecom equipment and law enforcement agencies responsible for investigating such crimes.
SB 1747 replaces outdated definitions and provisions related to cybercrimes, harassment, and stalking in Missouri law with 30 new sections. It creates clear definitions for "cyberharassment" (repeated digital contact causing fear) and "cyberstalking" (using digital tools to intimidate or track), specifying these involve invasion of privacy and repeated actions over time. The bill directly affects victims of these offenses and their family members, as it expands protections for "qualified individuals" impacted by cyberharassment, cyberstalking, or related violence. Key mechanisms include standardizing legal definitions to improve prosecution and clarify jurisdiction for cases occurring across multiple locations. The changes aim to strengthen legal tools for addressing digital harassment and stalking without adding new penalties.
HB 3414 creates new criminal penalties for fraud involving access devices (like credit cards, phone numbers, or account credentials) and telecom identifiers. It prohibits specific acts such as using counterfeit or stolen devices to obtain $1,000+ in value, trafficking in device-making equipment, intercepting telecom data, or illegally modifying devices to access services without authorization. Violations carry fines or up to 20 years in prison, depending on the offense and whether it’s a repeat violation. The law directly affects individuals committing these fraud schemes, while financial institutions, telecom carriers, and law enforcement (via the Missouri Attorney General) are key stakeholders. It does not impact legitimate business practices or ordinary consumers.
HCR 38 is a Missouri legislative resolution urging the federal National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to permit the state to retain its $1.7 billion allocation of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funds. The resolution specifically requests that NTIA allow Missouri to continue managing these federal broadband funds through its existing Office of Broadband Development, without requiring changes to current grant administration processes. This follows NTIA's 2025 modification of BEAD project requirements and concerns about potential fund clawbacks. The resolution does not alter federal law but formally requests that the NTIA maintain Missouri's access to these funds for expanding rural internet infrastructure.
HB 2815 establishes a state no-call database in Missouri, allowing residential and business subscribers to register their phone numbers to avoid unsolicited telemarketing calls. The Missouri Attorney General must create and maintain this free database, setting rules for how subscribers can register or revoke their objection and how businesses must access the list before making calls. Businesses making telephone solicitations are required to check the database to avoid contacting registered numbers, with the Attorney General working with telecom companies to provide public education about the service. The law also mandates annual updates to include numbers from national do-not-call lists and prohibits blocking caller ID services to circumvent the database.
HB 2886 updates Missouri's broadband grant program to fund projects expanding high-speed internet access in unserved and underserved areas. It defines "unserved" areas as lacking 500 Mbps download/upload speeds and "underserved" areas as lacking 750 Mbps speeds, requiring new projects to prioritize 500 Mbps or higher speeds (matching FCC standards). Grants must be used exclusively for broadband infrastructure, with strict repayment rules if funds are misused. The program expires in 2030 unless renewed by the legislature.
HB 2220 authorizes Missouri's Department of Transportation (DOT) to form public-private partnerships with broadband providers to expand the state's fiber network. It requires the DOT to prioritize unserved and underserved areas (defined in state law) and use a competitive bidding process with specific public notice requirements in local newspapers and tech publications. Private partners can use excess fiber capacity to offer internet services meeting state broadband standards, while the DOT must follow state rulemaking procedures. The bill creates a structured framework for expanding rural and low-access broadband infrastructure through DOT-led partnerships.
