Criminal Justice (Courts) in Missouri

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3252: Establishes provisions relating to persons lacking mental capacity to understand certain proceedings

HB 3252 establishes procedures for evaluating whether criminal defendants lack mental capacity to understand trial proceedings or assist in their defense. It requires courts to appoint qualified mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, or physicians with specific training) to conduct evaluations when a judge suspects incapacity, with one free pretrial evaluation provided by the state. The evaluation reports must include specific opinions on the defendant's mental fitness, recommendations for treatment or custody, and conditions for community-based treatment if appropriate. This directly affects defendants in criminal cases who may have mental health conditions impacting their trial participation. The bill standardizes court evaluations and reporting requirements to determine if a defendant can proceed with their trial or requires treatment.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Judges

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3468: Requires each circuit having a treatment court division to employ a treatment court administrator or coordinator if approved by the court and appropriations or other funds are available

HB 3468 requires Missouri circuit courts with treatment court divisions to appoint a treatment court commissioner (not administrator, as titled) if approved by the court and funds are available. The commissioner, appointed by a majority of circuit judges for four years, would handle treatment court cases with powers similar to an associate circuit judge but must have their rulings confirmed by a judge. This position would be funded through court appropriations or other sources, with reimbursement to the state if non-state funds cover compensation. The bill creates a staffing structure for treatment courts but does not mandate new programs or change existing treatment services.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Courts Judges

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3265: Eliminates fines and fees for cases in juvenile court

HB 3265 eliminates court-imposed fines and fees for minors involved in juvenile court cases. It specifically repeals provisions allowing courts to assess up to $10 toward the clerk of court for juveniles, removing this financial burden. The bill directly affects children and families navigating juvenile court proceedings, particularly in cases involving delinquency or dependency. Key mechanisms include removing fee assessments from court orders and updating procedures to prioritize child welfare services over financial penalties. This change aims to prevent economic barriers from impacting juvenile justice outcomes.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3417: Modifies provisions relating to treatment courts

HB 3417 defines and establishes specialized treatment courts (including adult, DWI, family, juvenile, mental health, and veterans courts) to address substance use or mental health disorders among defendants. It requires circuit courts to create these divisions by a specific deadline, mandating referrals to state-certified treatment programs unless none exist locally. The bill specifies that successful completion of treatment can lead to dismissed, reduced, or modified charges, with fees paid to treatment providers not classified as court costs. It directly affects defendants with substance use or mental health disorders in criminal cases, as well as courts and treatment providers operating within the system.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Juvenile Justice Mental Health Substance Abuse

in committee · Missouri · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 1665: Prohibits warrantless searches of private residences by state employees, except under certain circumstances

SB 1665 prohibits state employees from searching a private residence without a court-issued warrant, directly affecting homeowners and state employees conducting searches. The bill allows warrantless searches only in emergencies (like immediate danger to life) or if the homeowner consents. It requires state employees to obtain a warrant for routine searches, strengthening privacy protections for residents. The bill is currently pending after its first reading on February 12, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts

in committee · Missouri · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 1747: Modifies provisions relating to cybercrimes, harassment, and stalking

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Drug Policy Telecommunications

in committee · Missouri · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 1681: Modifies provisions relating to parole eligibility

SB 1681 creates a new pathway for specific inmates to request parole after serving 30 years. It applies to individuals sentenced to life without parole for offenses committed before October 1, 1984, who are 60+ years old, have no prior dangerous felony convictions, are not sex offenders, and have served at least 50 years of their sentence. To qualify, they must demonstrate good conduct, self-rehabilitation, a workable release plan with community support, and meet assessed risk and mental health criteria during a parole hearing. If granted parole, they would face a minimum five years of probation supervision, while existing parole rules and clemency powers remain unaffected. This bill is currently in early legislative stages (first reading filed February 19, 2026).

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Probation & Parole

in committee · Missouri · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 1680: Modifies provisions relating to eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SB 1680 modifies Missouri's rules for SNAP (food stamp) eligibility for individuals convicted of felony offenses involving controlled substances. It allows these individuals to qualify for SNAP benefits if they meet four specific conditions: (1) participating in or completing an approved substance abuse treatment program, (2) complying with court and treatment obligations, (3) avoiding new substance-related offenses within one year, and (4) providing documented sobriety through voluntary urinalysis testing. The bill requires applicants to provide evidence of compliance to the Department of Social Services, which will work with the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse to establish implementation rules. This change exempts eligible individuals from a federal disqualification that previously barred them from SNAP benefits after such convictions.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Substance Abuse

in committee · Missouri · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 1690: Establishes provisions relating to the effect of homicide on benefits received from a decedent's estate

SB 1690 prevents individuals who intentionally kill someone from inheriting from that person's estate. It requires killers to forfeit all estate benefits, including will bequests, homestead allowances, elective shares, and any fiduciary appointments. The bill revokes all gifts or roles (like executor) in wills or trusts naming the killer, and converts joint property ownership to tenancy in common. Third parties, such as banks, must halt payments after receiving written notice of the forfeiture but are protected if they acted in good faith before notice.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts

in committee · Missouri · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 3423: Modifies provisions relating to judges

HB 3423 requires judges and certain state/local officials to recuse themselves from cases where they have close family relationships with a party (including relatives up to cousins) or received anything of value from a party. It specifically applies to judges, court officials, state executive branch leaders (like the governor's chief aides), and many elected or appointed officials in local governments and public entities. The bill establishes clear rules for when recusal is required and allows judges to disqualify themselves or transfer cases without party consent. It also clarifies that financial interest filings for these officials must be submitted to designated state or local filing officers. This bill modifies existing ethics rules to expand the scope of mandatory disqualification for judicial and public officials.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Judges

All criminal justice bills