HB 2587 restricts drone operations near specific facilities to enhance security. It prohibits flying drones within 400 feet vertically over correctional centers (prisons), large open-air venues (like stadiums with 500+ capacity), or mental health hospitals without authorization. Exceptions allow facility staff, law enforcement, utilities, and others with written permission or official duties. Violations are typically infractions, but delivering weapons, drugs, or aiding escapes escalates penalties to felonies (class B, C, or D). The bill requires facilities to post 11x14 inch warning signs and permits law enforcement to intercept drones posing immediate threats.
HB 1860 creates a 15-member "Task Force on Gun Violence in the City of St. Louis" to address local gun violence. The task force includes four state legislators (appointed by chamber leaders), a public safety director, and eight community members representing police, schools, parents, students, and residents. It will form specialized teams to analyze gun violence data, build community partnerships, develop reduction strategies, and measure progress through monthly meetings. The task force must submit annual reports to the governor and legislature and expires on December 31, 2028 (or extended to 2030). This bill directly affects St. Louis City residents and local institutions by establishing a formal structure for collaborative violence prevention efforts.
HB 2432 allows eligible cities meeting specific population and county criteria (e.g., cities with 3,000-3,300 residents in certain counties) to impose a 0.5% sales tax on retail purchases, but only after voter approval in a general or special election. All revenue from this tax must be used exclusively for public safety services, including police, fire, and emergency medical equipment, salaries, and facilities, and must be deposited in a special trust fund. The tax is in addition to existing sales taxes and requires a majority "yes" vote to take effect, with no re-submission allowed for 12 months if rejected. Cities must meet one of 21 defined population thresholds to qualify for this tax authority.
HB 2631 makes it a serious misdemeanor for anyone under 18 to knowingly possess a handgun or handgun ammunition. It specifically targets minors' firearm possession, with key exceptions allowing it for farm/ranch work (with parental consent), military service, inheritance, or home defense. The bill defines "handgun" as a single-handed firearm (excluding antiques) and clarifies that firearms transferred legally to minors won't be permanently confiscated if the minor later violates the law. Penalties include fines or jail time, but the law emphasizes parental consent and specific permitted activities to avoid criminalizing typical minor firearm use.
SB 1235 modifies Missouri law to criminalize actions intended to harass, intimidate, or influence judicial officers and proceedings. It defines "tampering with a judicial officer" as threatening harm, sharing personal information (like home addresses or Social Security numbers), or offering benefits to judges, court staff, or their families. The bill classifies this as a class D felony (class B if injury or death occurs) and prohibits parole or probation for certain violations. It also defines "tampering with a judicial proceeding" as threatening jurors or offering benefits to influence court outcomes, making it a class D felony with no parole eligibility. The law directly affects judges, court personnel, jurors, and their families by expanding protections against harassment and intimidation.
HB 1719 requires that all peace officers' basic law enforcement training include at least four hours of instruction on officer-canine encounters and canine behaviors. This training must cover specific topics such as understanding canine behavior, handling unplanned encounters, using humane methods, relevant state canine laws, and nonlethal defense techniques. The bill applies to every peace officer's basic training requirement, meaning it will be mandated for new officers as part of their initial certification process. The bill is currently pending in the legislature after being prefaced and read in the House.
HB 1868 creates a new class D misdemeanor offense for intentionally approaching within 25 feet of a first responder after being verbally warned not to, when the person intends to impede their duties, threaten them with physical harm, or harass them. It directly affects individuals who engage in such behavior toward police officers, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel (including hospital staff in emergency settings) while they are lawfully performing their duties. The bill defines "harass" as causing serious emotional distress with no legitimate purpose. Violators face misdemeanor penalties under Missouri law.
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 1861 modifies Missouri law specifically for the sheriff of the City of St. Louis by replacing sections 57.010 and 57.530 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo). The bill requires the St. Louis sheriff to hold a valid peace officer license (with limited exceptions) and mandates that deputies receive a minimum annual salary of $50,000. It also requires the sheriff to obtain circuit court judge approval before appointing deputies and sets salary limits based on the City of St. Louis Board of Aldermen's approved rates. This bill directly affects the St. Louis sheriff’s office and its deputy employees.
HB 1946 replaces multiple existing Missouri laws with 42 new sections to strengthen anti-trafficking efforts. It creates a "Committee on Sex and Human Trafficking Training" composed of representatives from state agencies (like the attorney general and public safety), child advocacy groups, and victim services. The committee will develop annual training guidelines and produce a digital training platform for required anti-trafficking education, targeting professions such as law enforcement and child advocates. This initiative is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027, and end on December 31, 2031.
