SB 1274 removes the requirement for notarization of applications and supporting documents for emergency mental health detentions in Missouri. It allows any adult (not requiring legal representation) to file a sworn application alleging a mental health crisis and imminent risk of harm, based on personal observations. The bill simplifies the process by replacing notarization with sworn statements under penalty of perjury, while maintaining the 96-hour detention limit for evaluation. This directly affects individuals seeking emergency mental health evaluations, their family members filing petitions, and peace officers executing detentions. The change aims to streamline access to urgent mental health care without altering the underlying criteria for detention.
HB 3046 makes it a minor violation (infraction) for parents or caregivers of children under 15 to fail to supervise them when the child: (1) commits an act bringing them before juvenile court, (2) violates a curfew, or (3) skips school without a valid reason. It specifically excludes foster parents and child-placing agencies from this requirement. For first offenses, the law requires up to 250 hours of community service instead of criminal penalties, and allows defenses if the caregiver was a victim of the child’s act or reported it to authorities. The bill focuses on holding caregivers accountable for supervision failures while providing limited legal defenses and avoiding criminal charges.
HB 2699 replaces Missouri's existing laws about interfering with judicial officers and proceedings with new, clearer definitions. It makes it a crime to threaten, harass, share personal information (like home addresses or Social Security numbers), or offer benefits to judges, court staff, jurors, or their families with the intent to influence their work. Violating these provisions is a class D felony (or class B if injury occurs), and offenders cannot receive parole, probation, or conditional release. The bill directly affects judicial personnel, their families, and anyone attempting to intimidate them during court proceedings.
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 2831 modifies Missouri's good time credit system for inmates, allowing eligible individuals to earn time off their sentences by participating in approved programs. Inmates can earn up to 360 days total (capped at 90 days annually) for completing high school/GED equivalents, vocational training, alcohol/drug treatment (excluding court-ordered programs), or 1,000 hours of restorative justice. Credit is revoked for major rule violations, parole revocation, or excessive minor violations, and excludes those sentenced to death or life without parole. The bill also permits retroactive petitions for programs completed between 2010 and 2026, with applications accepted in 2027.
HB 2954 creates an "automated expungement" process in Missouri, meaning eligible criminal records will be closed by the state without requiring individuals to file court petitions. It directly affects people convicted of certain infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies (excluding traffic violations, juvenile cases, or offenses with pending charges) who have completed their sentences and met specific waiting periods (1 year for misdemeanors, 3 years for felonies) without new offenses. Key provisions include automatic closure of records after these waiting periods, a lifetime limit of two felony expungements or four misdemeanor/ordinance expungements, and special eligibility for those aged 65+ with clean records. The law takes effect on August 28, 2029, and does not apply to cases with unresolved charges or certain offenses.
HB 3124 requires most criminal cases involving children under 17 to be handled in juvenile court instead of adult court. The bill only allows transferring a case to adult court if a judge certifies the child as an adult, typically for serious offenses. This directly affects minors accused of crimes in Missouri, keeping them in the juvenile system unless certification occurs. The bill modifies existing juvenile justice procedures to strengthen this default jurisdiction, without specifying certification criteria.
HB 2835 allows individuals convicted of drug-related felonies to access food assistance benefits (SNAP) if they meet specific conditions. To qualify, they must be in or completing approved substance abuse treatment, comply with court and probation requirements, avoid new drug offenses for one year, and pass voluntary sobriety tests. The bill directly affects people with past drug felony convictions who are actively working toward recovery through state-approved programs. It creates an exemption from a federal SNAP ineligibility rule for these individuals, using a state option permitted under federal law. The policy change applies only to those meeting all four criteria, not to individuals with additional drug convictions.
HB 3132 creates a court-issued "certificate of exemplary conduct" for eligible individuals with certain past convictions (excluding sex offenses requiring registry). This certificate prevents employers, housing providers, and licensing boards from considering their conviction history when making decisions about jobs, housing, or professional licenses. The court must grant the certificate if an applicant demonstrates consistent good moral character and that granting it serves the public interest, with annual reports required on how often the certificate is used. The bill directly affects people with non-sex-offense convictions who meet these standards, removing barriers to employment and licensing without changing existing criminal penalties.
