Criminal Justice (Law Enforcement)

in committee · Missouri · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 3257: Establishes the offense of impeding, threatening, or harassing a first responder

HB 3257 makes it a misdemeanor to impede, threaten, or harass a first responder while they are performing their duties. It specifically prohibits approaching within 25 feet after being orally warned, if the intent is to interfere with their work, cause physical harm, or harass them (defined as causing substantial emotional distress with no legitimate purpose). The law directly affects individuals who target police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, or hospital staff working in emergency settings. Key provisions require a prior warning and define "first responder" to include law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. This bill creates a new legal consequence for disruptive or threatening behavior toward those providing critical public safety services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill criminalizes harassment of first responders, strengthening law enforcement protections within the criminal justice system by preventing interference with emergency duties.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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passed · Missouri · Senate May 15, 2026

SB 1652: Creates the Phoenix Alert System to help identify and locate abducted or missing African American women and girls and establishes an office to prevent and end the targeting of African American women and girls

SB 1652 would create a new office within Missouri's Department of Public Safety dedicated to addressing cases involving missing and murdered African American women and girls. The office would collect data on these cases - including solving rates, Amber alert disparities, and intersections with trafficking or domestic violence - and develop policy recommendations based on this analysis. It would also advocate for legislative and law enforcement changes to improve responses, using data from the state's task force on missing and murdered African American women. The bill requires the office to track outcomes, coordinate with relevant agencies, and report findings to the legislature.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a new office and establishes a dedicated state fund to address missing women, indicating increased government spending and fiscal support for public safety.85% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates office to address missing African American women cases, collect data on disparities, and develop policy recommendations to improve law enforcement responses.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3492: Establishes a process in which persons registering a motor vehicle may apply for a designation and license plate decals indicating a health condition or disability that limits or impairs the ability to effectively communicate with law enforcement

HB 3492 allows Missouri residents with a physical or mental health condition that impairs communication with law enforcement to apply for a designation when registering a vehicle. Applicants must provide certification from a physician or psychologist confirming the condition will last at least five years. If approved, law enforcement will see this designation in Missouri's MULES system, and applicants may receive standardized license plate decals displaying a non-specific symbol. The designation lasts five years and requires renewal with new medical certification, directly affecting individuals with communication-related health conditions and their immediate family members.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables communication accommodations for disability during police interactions, aligning with civil rights protections in law enforcement encounters85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Tags People with Disabilities

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3542: Establishes the "Community Safety and Law Enforcement Integrity Act"

HB 3542, the "Community Safety and Law Enforcement Integrity Act," prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from using public funds, personnel, or facilities to assist federal immigration enforcement or entering into immigration enforcement agreements with the federal government. It requires immediate termination of existing agreements and imposes civil penalties of $25,000 per violation, with funds going to public schools. The bill directly affects county sheriffs, local police departments, and state agencies by restricting their cooperation with federal immigration authorities, while also requiring ICE agents to display identification and obtain warrants for home entries during operations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects civil penalty funds ($25k/violation) to public schools, increasing funding for public services per bill's summary.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits law enforcement from aiding federal immigration enforcement, reducing civil rights violations and enhancing accountability within local agencies, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits state/local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, aligning with immigrant protection indicators like limiting federal collaboration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3213: Expands the definition of special victim to include sports officials at a sporting event

HB 3213 expands the legal definition of "special victim" to include sports officials - such as referees, umpires, and linesmen - who are assaulted while performing their duties at any level of sporting event. To qualify, the official must be trained, certified, or registered by an organization that oversees sports official education. This change directly affects sports officials by granting them the same legal protections as other special victims (e.g., law enforcement or emergency personnel) in assault cases. The bill adds this category to existing definitions without altering penalties or procedures.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands victim protections for sports officials under criminal law, granting legal safeguards similar to law enforcement personnel per Crimes and Punishment subject.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Victims' Rights Violent Crime

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3276: Establishes the "Auto Theft Prevention Commission"

HB 3276 establishes Missouri's "Auto Theft Prevention Commission" to coordinate efforts against auto theft and related fraud. The commission, composed of 11 members including state agency directors and appointed representatives from law enforcement, insurance, and auto industries, will manage a grant program for local law enforcement agencies and task forces. These grants fund prevention activities like equipment purchases, specialized training, public awareness campaigns, and investigations into auto theft and insurance fraud. The commission must submit annual reports to the legislature and governor detailing its work and grant allocations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds law enforcement prevention activities against auto theft via grant program, directly supporting operational capacity within criminal justice system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3192: Establishes the "Missouri Automatic License Plate Reader Regulation Act"

HB 3192 establishes regulations for law enforcement use of Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) systems in Missouri. It restricts ALPR use to specific purposes like criminal investigations, missing persons cases, and stolen vehicle alerts - banning general surveillance, immigration enforcement, or monitoring lawful activity. The bill requires law enforcement to destroy ALPR data within 30 days (unless tied to an active investigation or alert) and mandates annual reporting on system use, including scan counts, alerts, and outcomes. These rules directly affect all Missouri state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies operating ALPR systems.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts ALPR use to specific lawful purposes, bans general surveillance, mandates data deletion, and requires transparency - enhancing accountability and protecting civil rights in law enforcement.92% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationExplicitly bans ALPR use for immigration enforcement, restricting state law enforcement from participating in federal immigration efforts.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRestricts ALPR data retention and use to protect privacy, directly aligning with data privacy protections in technology policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3194: Requires universal background checks for all sales or transfers of firearms

HB 3194 requires background checks for all private firearm sales or transfers (excluding licensed dealers), affecting individuals selling guns to others. Sellers must arrange checks through a central repository, with approval valid for 30 days before a transfer can occur. Exemptions include family gifts, antique firearms, temporary transfers at shooting ranges, and transfers by law enforcement. Violating the law is a class B misdemeanor, with licensed dealers’ violations reported to federal authorities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires universal background checks to prevent gun violence, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing firearm-related crimes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3459: Establishes "Preston's Law" which establishes standards of conduct for law enforcement officers when conducting homicide investigations

HB 3459, known as "Preston's Law," requires law enforcement officers to interact with families of homicide victims using respect, empathy, and trauma-informed communication during investigations. The bill mandates that officers avoid victim-blaming or judgmental remarks, protect family privacy, and provide specific information within set timeframes - such as family verification within 24 hours, autopsy reports within 9-12 months, and victim resources within 48 hours. It also establishes annual training for officers on cultural sensitivity and family engagement, and creates a complaint process with the POST commission for violations, which may result in retraining or disciplinary action. The law directly affects law enforcement personnel conducting homicides and the families of homicide victims.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates trauma-informed communication, avoids victim-blaming, and sets accountability standards for law enforcement during homicide investigations, enhancing victim treatment and police accountability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Violent Crime

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in committee · Missouri · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 1642: Requires summer and day camps to be licensed and to have an emergency plan in place

SB 1642 establishes a program for nonprofit organizations to operate adult high schools in Missouri, requiring the Department of Social Services to authorize up to five schools in specific geographic locations based on county population criteria. Organizations must meet detailed requirements, including providing industry certification, partnering with postsecondary institutions, and addressing barriers like homelessness or criminal history for disadvantaged adults. The bill sets academic standards for diplomas equivalent to traditional high school diplomas (without distinguishing marks), allows flexible pacing and limited online instruction, and mandates partnerships to support workforce development. While a minor provision requires maintaining complaint records for summer camps and day camps, the bill's primary focus is on creating adult education programs, not camp licensing.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill addresses criminal history barriers for disadvantaged adults via education and certification, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates authorized adult high schools to expand access for disadvantaged adults, addressing barriers like homelessness and criminal history, directly advancing educational access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Curriculum K-12 Education

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