HB 1971 modifies Missouri's laws regarding privileged information in probation and parole cases. It requires court clerks to maintain permanent records of probation/parole applications and presentence investigations, and establishes that information gathered by probation officers is "privileged" - meaning it cannot be used in court except for lawful criminal matters. The bill includes an exception allowing presentence investigation reports to be shared with the state at a court's discretion if deemed necessary for the state's interests. This directly affects probation officers, courts, defendants, and the state in handling sensitive case information. The bill replaces Section 559.125 of Missouri law with these clarified provisions.
HB 2323 establishes Missouri's "Domestic Abuse Offender Registration and Accountability Act," requiring high-risk domestic abuse offenders (those with two prior convictions or a high-risk assessment) to register with the Department of Public Safety. Offenders must provide detailed personal, residential, employment, and vehicle information within 72 hours of conviction or release, update details within 10 days of changes, and maintain registration for five years post-sentence. The law mandates court hearings before registration orders, restricts database access to law enforcement for victim safety (not public disclosure), and requires victim notification before sharing offender data. Violations carry civil fines for first offenses and misdemeanor penalties for repeat failures, with biennial reports to the legislature on registry effectiveness.
SB 1103 (Missouri Senate Bill 1103) creates a new legal provision requiring courts to automatically issue lifetime protection orders at sentencing for defendants convicted of dangerous felonies (as defined in Section 556.061). These orders immediately restrict contact between the defendant and the victim and remain in effect for the defendant's lifetime unless the victim dies, the conviction is overturned, or the victim submits a written request for termination. The bill mandates that law enforcement agencies enter these orders into Missouri's MULES system within 24 hours and forward them to national databases (NCIC/NICS), including any child custody details specified in the order. This directly affects victims of dangerous felony convictions, convicted defendants, and law enforcement agencies responsible for implementing the orders.
HB 2344 protects tenants, landlords, and residents who contact law enforcement or emergency services to address abuse, crime, or emergencies. It prohibits local governments from penalizing these individuals through eviction, license revocation, fines, or other penalties for making such requests when done with a reasonable belief that intervention was necessary. The bill allows affected individuals to sue local governments for violations and seek remedies like court orders halting penalties, compensation for damages, and reinstatement of rental licenses. This directly affects people in housing situations who report safety concerns, ensuring they cannot be punished for seeking help.
SB 1109 replaces Missouri's existing public defender caseload rules with a new process allowing individual public defenders to request court conferences when caseloads threaten their ability to provide effective legal representation. If approved, the presiding judge must schedule a conference within 30 days and may order specific relief, such as appointing private counsel, modifying release conditions, or placing cases on a waiting list based on urgency. The bill requires the prosecutor and public defender to be notified of the conference and allows a 10-day window for an expedited appeal to higher court. It directly affects individual public defenders and defendants in cases where caseloads create representation challenges, focusing on addressing specific, immediate concerns rather than setting office-wide caseload limits.
HB 2193 creates a legal process for courts to issue emergency "extreme risk orders" restricting gun access when someone poses an immediate risk of harming themselves or others. Law enforcement can request an immediate court order (ex parte) without prior notice if there's an urgent danger, requiring the person to surrender all firearms within 24 hours. A full hearing must occur within 15 days, and if the risk is proven by a preponderance of evidence, a one-year order is issued. This directly affects individuals identified as high-risk by law enforcement, with special provisions for minors under 18, who are transferred to juvenile court.
SB 1309 modifies rules for admitting expert testimony in court. It requires experts to base opinions on reliable data and methods, and mandates that testimony must help the judge or jury understand evidence or resolve facts. The bill applies to most civil cases (like family law or probate) and criminal cases, but specifically prohibits experts from stating opinions about a defendant’s mental state in criminal trials. These changes aim to ensure expert testimony is both relevant and scientifically sound before being presented to a court.
HB 1633 restricts public access to arrest warrant records for certain serious offenses, including Class A/B felonies, dangerous felonies, and crimes against minors under 18. It requires that such records not be available online until the warrant is executed (person arrested) or a prosecutor files a motion showing public safety needs. Exceptions allow immediate access for law enforcement, attorneys, victims, and court personnel. The law also protects officials from liability for following these rules and directs courts to implement technical controls to enforce the changes.
HB 2186 changes how first-degree murder trials are conducted when the death penalty is an option. It requires a two-stage trial: first to determine guilt, then to decide punishment. If the defendant is found guilty of first-degree murder without a death penalty waiver, the second stage focuses solely on sentencing, with life imprisonment without parole mandated if the court finds intellectual disability, no aggravating circumstances, or sufficient mitigating evidence outweighing aggravation. This bill affects defendants charged with first-degree murder in cases where the death penalty is sought, applying only to offenses committed on or after August 28, 2001.
HB 2040 revises Missouri's criminal penalties for custody-related offenses. It creates two new offenses: "interference with custody" (a felony if a child is taken out of state) and "parental kidnapping" (a felony escalating to higher levels based on how long a child is detained). The bill requires courts to order defendants to pay restitution to legal custodians for reasonable expenses incurred in searching for or returning the child. It directly affects individuals who illegally remove, conceal, or take children from legal custody without court authorization. The law replaces outdated sections of Missouri law with these updated penalty structures and restitution requirements.
