Establishes provisions to provide for legal representation for undocumented minors in immigration matters
HB 3159 requires Missouri's Department of Social Services to provide free legal counsel to undocumented minors under 18 in immigration matters. It directly affects immigrant children identified as unaccompanied or without guardians, covering both state court proceedings and federal immigration cases like asylum or T-Visa applications. Key provisions mandate counsel be appointed when a child is designated as an "immigrant child" (defined as under 18 without lawful status or parental support), and specify that legal services must be provided by qualified nonprofits or public defenders with experience in immigration cases. The bill ensures ongoing representation until case resolution, even if the child turns 18 during proceedings.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 2, 2026
Last action May 15, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
May 15, 2026
Committee
Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
lower
Feb 2, 2026
Introduced
Introduced and Read First Time (H)
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Wick Thomas
DDemocratic
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