Criminal Justice (Juvenile Justice)

This bill prohibits life without parole sentences for individuals under 20 at the time of their offense, except in cases involving multiple victims, extreme cruelty, or evidence of adult-level planning. It requires courts to consider youth-related factors like rehabilitation potential and maturity when sentencing, and sets a 25-year maximum confinement period for non-exceptional cases. Current inmates under 20 serving life without parole must receive parole reviews within two years of August 28, 2026. Victims and families gain the right to participate in parole hearings and submit input during these proceedings.

SB 922 creates a new offense for minors under 18 who knowingly possess a handgun or handgun ammunition, classifying it as a class A misdemeanor. The bill directly affects minors, with specific exceptions allowing possession during supervised farm/ranch activities, military service, inheritance, or self-defense in a residence. Key provisions clarify that firearms transferred properly to minors for permitted activities (like target practice with parental consent) won't lead to permanent confiscation, and confiscated items must be returned to owners if not involved in crime. The law also updates rules for firearm confiscation in felony cases involving firearms, ensuring minors' legally transferred weapons aren't permanently taken.

HB 2558 sets strict time limits and procedures for detaining juveniles under 18. It requires juvenile courts to review detention reasons immediately, release juveniles within 24 hours unless a hearing is scheduled, and hold that hearing within three business days. The bill mandates that detention is only allowed if the court finds probable cause the juvenile committed an offense and specific conditions exist - such as protecting the juvenile, others, or property, preventing flight, or ensuring supervision. It directly affects juveniles in custody, judges handling their cases, and juvenile officers by standardizing detention review processes. The law does not change what offenses are punishable but ensures timely judicial oversight of juvenile detention.

SB 1189 modifies Missouri's laws governing juvenile detention centers, requiring counties to provide separate facilities for minors that prevent contact with adult inmates. It establishes new rules for counties to coordinate shared detention facilities across multiple counties within judicial circuits, with costs prorated based on population. The bill allows counties to impose an additional up to 1% sales tax to fund these facilities, while mandating that detention centers must provide care resembling "good homes" and be overseen by a superintendent appointed by the juvenile court. This directly affects counties (especially third and fourth class), juvenile courts, and children in detention.

HB 2343 creates a task force to study and improve educational access for youth in Missouri's juvenile justice system. The task force, composed of legislative members, state officials, and a juvenile court judge, will examine current education practices, gather input from agencies and organizations, and recommend statewide policy changes by December 31, 2026. It directly affects adjudicated youth by focusing on ensuring they receive consistent, appropriate education services. The bill does not enact new laws but establishes a study process to inform future policy.

HB 2047 creates an "automated expungement" system in Missouri, allowing eligible criminal records to be closed without requiring individuals to file court petitions. It applies to people convicted of non-violent offenses (infractions, misdemeanors, or certain felonies) who have completed their sentence, paid all restitution, and had no new felony/misdemeanor convictions (excluding traffic violations) for 1-3 years after completion. Records will be automatically closed by the state's central repository system starting August 28, 2029, for qualifying cases, but excludes juvenile records, traffic violations, and cases with pending charges. This policy change directly affects Missouri residents with eligible convictions who meet the time and offense-free criteria, removing public access to their records while maintaining court access for legal purposes.