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 2469 preempts all local government regulations on firearms, banning counties, cities, and towns from enacting rules about sales, ownership, open carry, or other firearm-related controls - except for ordinances that exactly match state law (sections 571.010-571.070) or regulate open carry/discharge within jurisdictional limits. The bill shields gun manufacturers from nuisance lawsuits and most liability claims (except for negligence or defects), and imposes a $50,000 civil penalty on localities that violate the preemption. It also grants standing to residents to sue jurisdictions enforcing invalid local rules and requires courts to address such cases within 30 days. The bill directly affects local governments, firearm manufacturers, and residents by centralizing firearm regulation at the state level.
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.
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.
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 2836 modifies minimum prison sentence requirements for Missouri offenders. It sets minimum terms based on prior prison commitments: 40% for one prior commitment (or until age 60, with a minimum 20% served), 50% for two prior commitments (minimum 30% served), and 80% for three or more prior commitments (minimum 30% served). Dangerous felony offenders must serve 85% of their sentence. The bill also establishes a Sentencing Advisory Commission to study sentencing disparities and alternatives, applying only to offenses committed after August 28, 2019.
HB 2787 modifies Missouri's voter qualification rules by allowing residents aged 17 years and 6 months or older to register to vote (with voting beginning at 18). It restricts voting rights for individuals: (1) incarcerated under a sentence of imprisonment, (2) on probation or parole for a felony conviction until discharged, and (3) convicted of certain felonies or misdemeanors related to voting rights. The bill also maintains the requirement that voters must register in their residence jurisdiction before the election deadline, except as permitted by federal law. These changes directly affect Missouri residents seeking to register or maintain voting eligibility under current state law.
HB 2848 creates a new class C misdemeanor offense for intentionally harassing, intimidating, or threatening someone while hiding one's face with a mask or hood to cause reasonable fear of physical harm. It specifically applies when a person conceals their identity with a mask to threaten others, but includes exemptions for masks worn during holidays, occupational safety, religious practices, weather protection, or medical health reasons. The bill does not apply to behavior protected by the First Amendment and defines key terms like "harass" and "intimidate" in plain language. This law directly affects individuals who use face coverings to threaten others, while allowing most common mask usage to remain legal.
HB 2822 increases penalties for animal abuse in Missouri, reclassifying some offenses as felonies (including for repeat offenders or cases involving torture) and raising maximum punishments. It establishes a public registry of individuals convicted of animal abuse, maintained by the Missouri State Highway Patrol starting January 1, 2028. The registry will include convicted offenders' full names, photographs, and other identifying details (but not Social Security or driver's license numbers) and will list first-time offenders for two years or repeat offenders for five years after conviction. The registry is removed if a conviction is expunged or if no new offense occurs during the specified period.
