HB 2781 adds a $17.50 fee to most criminal court cases and a $7.50 fee to certain juvenile cases, with all funds directed to two new funds. It creates a dedicated "Victims of Domestic Violence Fund" to support services for domestic violence victims, while splitting remaining funds 50/50 between this new fund and the existing Crime Victims' Compensation Fund. The bill also allocates $250,000 annually to state forensic labs for drug and evidence analysis, and requires monthly reporting plus biennial audits of all funds. These changes directly affect court systems, crime victim service providers, and domestic violence support organizations in Missouri.
SB 1494 would automatically remove certain criminal records from public access without requiring individuals to file a court petition. It specifically targets non-violent offenses that have been resolved, directly affecting people convicted of those offenses who would no longer need to navigate a legal process to clear their records. The bill establishes clear, standardized procedures for state agencies to identify eligible cases and expunge records upon completion of sentencing or probation. This policy change shifts the burden from individuals to the state, ensuring eligible records are removed systematically and efficiently.
HB 2678 creates a process for parole hearings for offenders who were adolescents (18-21 years old) when they committed their crimes and are serving 25+ year sentences. It requires the parole board to grant a hearing after 15 years of incarceration, mandating an institutional parole officer to investigate rehabilitation efforts (including work, programs, and behavior) and prepare a report. The bill also requires 12 months' written notice to victims or their families about the hearing, including their right to attend and provide input. If parole is granted, offenders face 3-10 years of supervised release (depending on offense type), and denied parole applicants must wait 3 years for a second hearing.
HB 2808 makes it a crime for a parent to knowingly permit, encourage, aid, or cause a minor (under 18) to commit a violation of state or federal law. If the minor commits a felony, the parent faces a Class A misdemeanor; if the minor commits a misdemeanor, the parent faces a Class C misdemeanor. Each separate act by the parent constitutes a distinct offense, and courts may order the parent to pay restitution to victims harmed by the minor's crime. This law directly affects parents whose actions directly facilitate a minor's criminal behavior, adding new penalties and victim compensation mechanisms.
HB 1814 creates a new offense called "grooming of a minor" in Missouri law, targeting adults (18+ years) who engage in a pattern of conduct - such as repeated sexual communications or acts - with minors (17 or younger) that a reasonable person would interpret as preparing them for sexual activity. The law classifies this as a class B felony (or class A if sexual conduct occurs), requiring a minimum 5-year prison sentence with no probation or parole eligibility. It includes exemptions for age-appropriate relationships (within 4 years), licensed professionals acting within their role, and family members providing standard care, provided no sexual intent is shown. The bill also mandates restitution for victims covering mental health, lost income, and relocation costs, and requires state guidance for the public and professionals on identifying and responding to grooming.
HB 2109 proposes creating "family justice centers" that bring together multiple service providers - like law enforcement, medical staff, victim advocates, and social workers - into one location to support victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking. These centers must maintain strict confidentiality for all victim information, cannot require victims to cooperate with law enforcement to access services, and protect staff from liability when acting in good faith. The bill also adds criminal penalties (up to a class D felony) for tampering with victims or witnesses, including threats, deception, or offering benefits to prevent reporting or prosecution. It affects victims of specified crimes and the organizations providing their services.
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.
HB 2418 creates the "Missouri Crime Victims Fund" to provide dedicated funding for crime victim services. The fund, managed by the state treasurer, accepts state appropriations and donations from public or private sources. It ensures leftover funds at the end of each biennium stay in the fund (not revert to general revenue) and requires all money to be used by local organizations eligible for federal Victims of Crime Act grants, for the same purposes those federal grants cover. This bill directly affects Missouri organizations providing victim assistance services by aligning state funding with existing federal grant requirements.
SB 1242 establishes the Missouri Crime Victims Fund within the state treasury to support victim assistance services. The fund accepts state appropriations, private donations, and grants, and must be used solely for programs matching federal Victims of Crime Act (Pub. L. 98-473) grant purposes, such as counseling, legal aid, and emergency shelter. Funds are disbursed to eligible local entities (like counties or nonprofits) that qualify for federal victim assistance grants, and unspent money cannot revert to general revenue at the end of each biennium. The state treasurer manages the fund and its investments, ensuring dedicated use for crime victim support.
HB 1872, the "Missouri Survivors' Act," allows courts to reduce sentencing levels for individuals charged with crimes who were survivors of domestic abuse by an intimate partner or family member. If proven with documented evidence (such as court records, medical reports, or witness statements), the court must consider the abuse as a mitigating factor, lowering felony classifications (e.g., a Class A felony becomes a Class B). This applies to offenses committed before November 1, 2026, and enables eligible individuals already incarcerated to request resentencing starting November 1, 2026. The law directly affects survivors facing criminal charges whose domestic abuse history contributed to their offense.
