HB 2551 Missouri House · 2026 Regular Session

Modifies and establishes provisions relating to sexual offenses

HB 2551 creates a new criminal offense for "grooming of a minor," defining it as a pattern of sexual acts or communications by someone 18+ directed at a minor under 17, with intent to prepare them for sexual conduct. It allows prosecutors to prove intent through context and frequency of communications (not direct statements) and includes exceptions for teachers, parents, and minor age gaps (up to 4 years older) without exploitation. Violations are punishable as a serious felony (class B or A if sexual conduct occurs), requiring a minimum 5-year prison sentence with no probation, and mandating court-ordered restitution for victims covering mental health, lost income, or relocation. The bill also requires state guidance for the public and professionals on recognizing grooming and supporting victims.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Dec 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Dec 22, 2025 Last action Jan 27, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Jan 27, 2026
Lower · Passed
HCS Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 17 NOES: 0 PRESENT: 0
lower
Jan 27, 2026
Lower · Passed
HCS Voted Do Pass (H)
lower
Jan 8, 2026
Committee
Referred: Children and Families(H)
lower
Dec 22, 2025
Introduced
Prefiled (H)
lower
1 primary · 7 co-sponsors

Sponsors