SB 1793 creates a new criminal offense for minors possessing firearms without permission and establishes an income tax deduction for first responders receiving certain compensation payments. The bill would make it illegal for minors to have firearms (excluding authorized scenarios like supervised training), and allow first responders to deduct specific compensation (e.g., overtime or hazard pay) from their taxable income. This bill directly affects minors and first responders in the state, with no further details available as it is newly introduced (first read on 2026-02-26).
HB 3186 clarifies that "public swimming pool" includes community pools in apartment complexes or housing developments for residents and guests. This expands location restrictions preventing certain sex offenders (convicted of specific crimes like child sexual exploitation) from being within 500 feet of facilities primarily for children's recreation, such as public pools, parks with playgrounds, or children's museums. The bill specifically adds residential community pools to the definition of "public swimming pool" under these restrictions. It also allows parents or guardians of children attending programs at Missouri Department of Conservation centers to be present with their child if granted permission by the center manager.
SB 1775 creates new rules to prevent and address workplace violence against healthcare workers in hospitals and clinics. It directly affects healthcare facilities, staff, and individuals who commit violent acts in these settings. The bill modifies how assault charges apply when violence occurs in healthcare environments, potentially elevating penalties for such offenses. This is a substantive policy change focused on worker safety and legal accountability, not a procedural or commemorative measure.
SB 1738 creates a new criminal offense for targeting election workers. It prohibits threats, harassment, force, deception, or sharing personal information (like home addresses or Social Security numbers) to intimidate election officials or their families. The law specifically protects election judges, staff, and volunteers who manage voting processes. Violations are punishable as a criminal offense, with increased penalties if harm or death results.
HB 3536 modifies sentencing rules to require longer prison terms for certain defendants with prior criminal records. It directly affects individuals convicted of class B, C, D, or E felonies who are classified as "persistent offenders" (two or more prior felonies), "dangerous offenders" (violent felony plus prior serious offense), or those subject to prior conviction-based sentencing enhancements. The bill mandates that courts automatically sentence these defendants to the term authorized for the next higher felony class - such as sentencing a class B felony conviction as if it were a class A felony - rather than the standard term. This applies only when prior offenses occurred before the current crime and meet the specific definitions outlined in the bill.
HB 3210, the "Safe Neighborhoods Act," allows property owners in cities with over 100,000 residents to seek compensation from their city if the city fails to enforce laws against public camping, loitering, public intoxication, or other activities that create a public nuisance. Property owners can claim either documented costs spent to address these issues or the reduced property value caused by the city’s inaction, but compensation cannot exceed their prior year’s primary property taxes. Cities must respond to claims within 30 days; if rejected, owners can sue in court, with cities bearing the burden of proving their actions were lawful. This law creates a new legal remedy for property owners but does not replace existing legal options or apply to case-by-case prosecutorial decisions.
HB 3182 defines 14 new actions as class three election offenses, making them misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail or a $2,500 fine. It directly affects voters, election officials, and anyone involved in elections by prohibiting specific misconduct like offering money to influence voting, threatening voters, tampering with voting materials, or disclosing voter information. Key provisions include banning the use of force to compel voting, preventing voter registration when legally entitled, and restricting the sharing of election official personal information online. Violations like threatening election workers that cause injury could escalate to a class B felony. The bill aims to protect election integrity by clarifying and penalizing election-related misconduct.
This bill prohibits port authorities from using their facilities for detention, corrections, or civil confinement for three years after any agreement involving bonds, leases, or tax incentives. To override this ban, port authorities, the local municipality, and a majority of affected taxing jurisdictions must all agree at a public hearing. Violating this restriction without proper exemption would automatically end financial incentives, require reclaiming benefits already received, and potentially trigger court-ordered payments. The bill directly affects port authorities, local governments, and any entity seeking to use port facilities for detention purposes.
HB 3189, known as the "Evan's Voice Act," creates a new criminal offense for "grooming of a minor," defined as an adult aged 21 or older engaging in a pattern of conduct (like repeated sexualized communication) that a reasonable person would interpret as preparing a minor for sexual conduct. The law classifies this as a class C felony (or class B if sexual conduct occurs), requiring a mandatory minimum 5-year prison sentence with no probation, and mandates restitution for victims covering rehabilitation, lost income, and relocation costs. It also requires a state committee to provide public guidance on recognizing grooming and victim services, plus training for professionals on investigating and prosecuting such cases. The law explicitly excludes parents, guardians, or family members providing standard care without sexual intent from prosecution.
HB 3219 creates a new class E felony offense for operating a video lottery terminal, defined as any device that uses electronic, mechanical, or digital means to accept payment and generate prizes based on symbols. The law applies to anyone operating such a terminal without being the owner, renter, or lessor, except for licensed excursion gambling boats. This bill directly affects businesses or individuals running unlicensed video lottery terminals by imposing criminal penalties. The key mechanism establishes a specific felony classification for unauthorized operation, with the exception for existing licensed boat operations.
