HB 2316 repeals existing Missouri statutes and replaces them with new definitions related to firearms, including clarifying that a "machine gun" is any firearm capable of firing multiple shots automatically with a single trigger pull. The bill specifically prohibits possession of "machine-gun conversion devices" (devices that convert standard firearms into automatic weapons), directly affecting individuals who own or seek to acquire such devices. Key provisions define terms like "machine gun" and establish penalty provisions for violating the prohibition, though the bill text provided focuses on definitions rather than detailed enforcement mechanisms. This bill targets specific firearm modifications, not general firearm ownership.
SB 1605 would classify 7-hydroxymitragynine (a compound found in kratom) as a Schedule I controlled substance in the state when present in specified amounts. This bill directly affects individuals possessing or distributing this compound above the defined threshold. The key provision would subject such possession or distribution to the same strict legal penalties as other Schedule I drugs, such as heroin or LSD. The bill is currently in its initial stage (first reading) and has not yet been debated or voted on.
HB 1614 adds specific synthetic opioids and certain hallucinogens to the state's Schedule I controlled substances list. The bill explicitly lists over 100 chemical compounds - including fentanyl analogs like acetyl fentanyl, 3-methylfentanyl, and carfentanil derivatives, as well as hallucinogens like DMT and psilocybin - to be prohibited under Schedule I, which defines substances with high abuse potential and no accepted medical use. This directly affects anyone possessing or distributing these listed substances, as they would be treated as illegal under state law. The bill does not alter existing medical exemptions but expands the scope of prohibited substances based on chemical structure and pharmacological profile. The legislation is currently pending in committee, having been prefaced and read for the first time in early 2026.
SB 997 - This act provides that the offense of murder in the second degree shall includes when a person delivers or distributes fentanyl or any analogue thereof to another person where death results from the use of fentanyl or an analogue thereof. TRISTAN BENSON, JR.
HJR 106 proposes a constitutional amendment to replace Missouri's current cannabis-related constitutional sections with 18 new sections. It would establish a medical cannabis program by defining terms like "qualifying patient" (18+ with a medical need) and "medical identification card," allowing patients to obtain marijuana with a card issued after certification by a healthcare provider. The amendment distinguishes between "hemp" (with ≤0.3% THC) and "marijuana," excluding hemp products from the definition. This amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.
HB 1625 modifies drug trafficking penalties by adjusting quantity thresholds for first- and second-degree offenses. It lowers the fentanyl threshold for enhanced penalties from 20mg to 14mg and adds stricter punishments for trafficking near schools, housing, or hotels (e.g., within 2,000 feet of schools or public housing). This bill directly affects individuals trafficking drugs above these new limits, with harsher penalties for larger quantities or offenses in sensitive locations. The changes update existing drug laws to align with current public safety concerns regarding dangerous substances like fentanyl and methamphetamines.
SB 1509 - This act establishes the "Office of State Ombudsman for Inmates in the Custody of the Department of Corrections" ("Office") within the Department of Corrections ("Department") for the purpose of ensuring the adequacy of care and improving the quality of life of inmates. The Office shall establish and implement procedures for receiving, processing, responding to, and resolving complaints made by or on behalf of inmates in the custody of the Department as well as establish procedures for the resolution of complaints. The Office shall be directed by an Ombudsman, who shall be appointed by the Governor and serve a 6-year term. The Ombudsman shall not be a current or former Department employee or have a spouse, child, or parent as a current or former Department employee. This act provides that the Office shall have the authority to: • Provide information to inmates, family members and representative of inmates, and others regarding the rights of inmates; • Monitor conditions of confinement and assess whether the Department is in compliance with federal, state, and Department regulations; • Establish a state-wide reporting system to collect data related to complaints received by the Department; and • Monitor all decisions of the parole board. The Office shall have reasonable access to all Department facilities, including all areas which are accessible to inmates, and access to programs for inmates at reasonable times. The Office shall have the authority to interview any inmates, Department employees or contractors, or any other person. The Office shall have the authority to copy documents in the possession or control of the Department that the Office considers necessary in an investigation of a complaint and the Department shall provide such documents no later than 30 days after the Office's written request. If the records relate to an inmate death, threat of death, sexual assault, or the denial of necessary medical treatment, the records shall be provided within 5 days, unless a waiver is provided by the Office to the Department. The Office shall establish confidentiality rules and procedures for all information maintained by the Office to ensure that the identity of a complainant is not known to Department employees or other inmates. The Office shall conduct at least one inspection each year of each Department facility and at least two times each year for each maximum security facility to monitor the status of all covered issues as defined in this act. The Office shall release a public report of each inspection. An inspection of a Department facility shall include an assessment of the following: • All policies and procedures related to the care of inmates; • Conditions of confinement; • Availability of educational and rehabilitative programing, drug and mental health treatment, and inmate job training; • All policies and procedures related to visitation; • All procedures and policies of medical facilities; • Review of lock-downs at the facility in the time since the last inspection; • Review of staffing at the facility; • Review of physical and sexual assaults at the facility; • Review of any inmate or staff deaths; and • Review of staff recruitment for the Department. Upon completion of the inspection, the Office shall produce a public report, with information as provided in the act, on its website, and deliver the report to the Governor, Attorney General, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Director of the Department of Corrections. The Department shall then submit a report to the Office within 30 days of the Office's inspection report which shall include a corrective action plan for each recommendation of the Office. This act also provides that the Office may initiate and attempt to resolve an investigation upon its own initiative or upon receipt of a complaint from an inmate, the inmate's family or representative, or a Department employee, regarding violations as provided in the act. The Office may decline to investigate any complaint and shall decline a complaint if the inmate has failed to first utilize Department grievance policies. The Office shall notify the complainant if it does not investigate a complaint. The Office may not investigate any complaints relating to an inmate's underlying criminal conviction and may refer any complaint to another state or federal agency. At the conclusion of an investigation, the Office shall render a public decision within 90 days of the filing of the complaint, except that the documents supporting the decision are subject to the confidentiality procedures established by the Office. The Office shall give a decision in writing to the inmate and to the Department. The Office shall give its recommendations for further action if needed. The Department shall give a report upon request to the Office within thirty days of any action taken on the Office's recommendations or the reasons for not complying with the recommendations. If the Office finds that there has been a significant inmate health or safety issue, the Office shall report such findings to the Governor, the Attorney General, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Director of the Department of Corrections. Finally, the Department and its employees shall not discharge, retaliate against, or in any manner discriminate against any person because such person has filed any complaint or instituted any proceeding under this act. A complaint may be filed with the Attorney General, within 30 days after a violation occurs, for any alleged discharge or retaliation against a complainant. There shall be a rebuttable presumption of retaliation if the complainant has suffered abuse or any other violation after he or she filed a complaint under this act. This act is identical to SB 378 (2025), SB 798 (2024), SB 327 (2023), SB 899 (2022), and SB 471 (2021). TRISTAN BENSON, JR.
HB 2708 updates rules for prohibited items in prisons and jails. It specifically bans controlled substances (except prescribed), intoxicating liquor, weapons, unauthorized electronic devices (like cell phones), and other items banned by facility rules. Violations carry penalties ranging from misdemeanors to class B felonies, depending on the item. The bill also adds a new rule: people convicted of bringing certain drugs (alkaloids) can have their records cleared through a specific expungement process, but only if they haven’t previously violated these rules. Facilities must post clear lists of prohibited items for visitors.
HB 2727 amends Missouri law to prohibit possessing high-capacity magazines, defined as devices holding more than ten rounds of ammunition. This directly affects individuals who own such magazines, making it a class D felony for most violations (except for specific exceptions like law enforcement or museums). The bill replaces existing provisions by adding "high-capacity magazine" to the list of prohibited items under weapons possession laws. Exceptions allow possession for official duties, commercial transactions with authorized entities, lawful industrial use, museum displays, or dramatic performances.
HB 2902 bans the sale, possession, or use of devices that can bypass car key fobs (like "relay attack devices" or "key programming tools") except for law enforcement, auto dealers, insurers, and mechanics. It also creates a "Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Commission" to manage grants for local law enforcement to fund programs targeting vehicle theft, including multi-jurisdiction task forces, specialized training, and public awareness campaigns. The commission, composed of state officials and industry representatives, will approve funding for prevention, investigation, and prosecution of vehicle-related crimes. This directly affects car thieves (by restricting tools), law enforcement agencies (via grant access), and auto industry professionals (who retain limited device access).
