SB 1747 replaces outdated definitions and provisions related to cybercrimes, harassment, and stalking in Missouri law with 30 new sections. It creates clear definitions for "cyberharassment" (repeated digital contact causing fear) and "cyberstalking" (using digital tools to intimidate or track), specifying these involve invasion of privacy and repeated actions over time. The bill directly affects victims of these offenses and their family members, as it expands protections for "qualified individuals" impacted by cyberharassment, cyberstalking, or related violence. Key mechanisms include standardizing legal definitions to improve prosecution and clarify jurisdiction for cases occurring across multiple locations. The changes aim to strengthen legal tools for addressing digital harassment and stalking without adding new penalties.
SB 1681 creates a new pathway for specific inmates to request parole after serving 30 years. It applies to individuals sentenced to life without parole for offenses committed before October 1, 1984, who are 60+ years old, have no prior dangerous felony convictions, are not sex offenders, and have served at least 50 years of their sentence. To qualify, they must demonstrate good conduct, self-rehabilitation, a workable release plan with community support, and meet assessed risk and mental health criteria during a parole hearing. If granted parole, they would face a minimum five years of probation supervision, while existing parole rules and clemency powers remain unaffected. This bill is currently in early legislative stages (first reading filed February 19, 2026).
SB 1738 creates a new criminal offense for targeting election workers. It prohibits threats, harassment, force, deception, or sharing personal information (like home addresses or Social Security numbers) to intimidate election officials or their families. The law specifically protects election judges, staff, and volunteers who manage voting processes. Violations are punishable as a criminal offense, with increased penalties if harm or death results.
SB 1680 modifies Missouri's rules for SNAP (food stamp) eligibility for individuals convicted of felony offenses involving controlled substances. It allows these individuals to qualify for SNAP benefits if they meet four specific conditions: (1) participating in or completing an approved substance abuse treatment program, (2) complying with court and treatment obligations, (3) avoiding new substance-related offenses within one year, and (4) providing documented sobriety through voluntary urinalysis testing. The bill requires applicants to provide evidence of compliance to the Department of Social Services, which will work with the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse to establish implementation rules. This change exempts eligible individuals from a federal disqualification that previously barred them from SNAP benefits after such convictions.
HB 3536 modifies sentencing rules to require longer prison terms for certain defendants with prior criminal records. It directly affects individuals convicted of class B, C, D, or E felonies who are classified as "persistent offenders" (two or more prior felonies), "dangerous offenders" (violent felony plus prior serious offense), or those subject to prior conviction-based sentencing enhancements. The bill mandates that courts automatically sentence these defendants to the term authorized for the next higher felony class - such as sentencing a class B felony conviction as if it were a class A felony - rather than the standard term. This applies only when prior offenses occurred before the current crime and meet the specific definitions outlined in the bill.
SB 1690 prevents individuals who intentionally kill someone from inheriting from that person's estate. It requires killers to forfeit all estate benefits, including will bequests, homestead allowances, elective shares, and any fiduciary appointments. The bill revokes all gifts or roles (like executor) in wills or trusts naming the killer, and converts joint property ownership to tenancy in common. Third parties, such as banks, must halt payments after receiving written notice of the forfeiture but are protected if they acted in good faith before notice.
HB 3423 requires judges and certain state/local officials to recuse themselves from cases where they have close family relationships with a party (including relatives up to cousins) or received anything of value from a party. It specifically applies to judges, court officials, state executive branch leaders (like the governor's chief aides), and many elected or appointed officials in local governments and public entities. The bill establishes clear rules for when recusal is required and allows judges to disqualify themselves or transfer cases without party consent. It also clarifies that financial interest filings for these officials must be submitted to designated state or local filing officers. This bill modifies existing ethics rules to expand the scope of mandatory disqualification for judicial and public officials.
HB 3210, the "Safe Neighborhoods Act," allows property owners in cities with over 100,000 residents to seek compensation from their city if the city fails to enforce laws against public camping, loitering, public intoxication, or other activities that create a public nuisance. Property owners can claim either documented costs spent to address these issues or the reduced property value caused by the city’s inaction, but compensation cannot exceed their prior year’s primary property taxes. Cities must respond to claims within 30 days; if rejected, owners can sue in court, with cities bearing the burden of proving their actions were lawful. This law creates a new legal remedy for property owners but does not replace existing legal options or apply to case-by-case prosecutorial decisions.
HB 3182 defines 14 new actions as class three election offenses, making them misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail or a $2,500 fine. It directly affects voters, election officials, and anyone involved in elections by prohibiting specific misconduct like offering money to influence voting, threatening voters, tampering with voting materials, or disclosing voter information. Key provisions include banning the use of force to compel voting, preventing voter registration when legally entitled, and restricting the sharing of election official personal information online. Violations like threatening election workers that cause injury could escalate to a class B felony. The bill aims to protect election integrity by clarifying and penalizing election-related misconduct.
HB 3389 makes it a serious criminal offense to threaten, harass, or intimidate a judicial officer or their family. It specifically prohibits actions like sharing personal information (e.g., home address, Social Security number), threats, stalking, or offering benefits to influence their work. The law covers judges, court staff, probation officers, and their spouses, children, or ancestors, with penalties rising to a more severe felony if injury or death occurs. This expands legal protections for court personnel facing harassment, particularly online targeting.
