Criminal Justice in Missouri

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3276: Establishes the "Auto Theft Prevention Commission"

HB 3276 establishes Missouri's "Auto Theft Prevention Commission" to coordinate efforts against auto theft and related fraud. The commission, composed of 11 members including state agency directors and appointed representatives from law enforcement, insurance, and auto industries, will manage a grant program for local law enforcement agencies and task forces. These grants fund prevention activities like equipment purchases, specialized training, public awareness campaigns, and investigations into auto theft and insurance fraud. The commission must submit annual reports to the legislature and governor detailing its work and grant allocations.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3370: Modifies provisions relating to court-ordered treatment

HB 3370 requires courts to offer treatment court programs for first-time felony offenders with substance use disorders before they enter a plea. Upon completing the program, pending charges are dismissed (after paying associated costs), and the bill explicitly prohibits treatment courts from barring participants from medication-assisted treatment for opioid or substance misuse. It also establishes procedures for transferring participants between jurisdictions and ensures participation in medication-assisted treatment cannot violate program terms. The bill directly affects eligible offenders in criminal cases seeking substance use disorder treatment instead of traditional sentencing.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Sentencing Mental Health Substance Abuse

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3541: Modifies provisions relating to eligibility for parole

This bill would allow certain incarcerated individuals convicted of homicide to become eligible for parole after serving five years (instead of 15), if they meet strict criteria. Specifically, it applies to people who: (1) were victims of ongoing domestic violence or trafficking directly linked to their crime; (2) have no prior violent felony convictions; (3) have no legal recourse; and (4) can provide documented evidence (like medical records or police reports) of their victimization. The parole board must review these cases using specific guidelines, including the offender's prison record, rehabilitation efforts, and corroborated evidence of abuse, and must provide written reasons if parole is denied. The bill does not change current parole eligibility for others and is pending legislative action.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

died · Missouri · House Feb 4, 2026

HB 3189: Modifies and establishes provisions relating to sexual offenses

HB 3189, known as the "Evan's Voice Act," creates a new criminal offense for "grooming of a minor," defined as an adult aged 21 or older engaging in a pattern of conduct (like repeated sexualized communication) that a reasonable person would interpret as preparing a minor for sexual conduct. The law classifies this as a class C felony (or class B if sexual conduct occurs), requiring a mandatory minimum 5-year prison sentence with no probation, and mandates restitution for victims covering rehabilitation, lost income, and relocation costs. It also requires a state committee to provide public guidance on recognizing grooming and victim services, plus training for professionals on investigating and prosecuting such cases. The law explicitly excludes parents, guardians, or family members providing standard care without sexual intent from prosecution.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3192: Establishes the "Missouri Automatic License Plate Reader Regulation Act"

HB 3192 establishes regulations for law enforcement use of Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) systems in Missouri. It restricts ALPR use to specific purposes like criminal investigations, missing persons cases, and stolen vehicle alerts - banning general surveillance, immigration enforcement, or monitoring lawful activity. The bill requires law enforcement to destroy ALPR data within 30 days (unless tied to an active investigation or alert) and mandates annual reporting on system use, including scan counts, alerts, and outcomes. These rules directly affect all Missouri state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies operating ALPR systems.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✗ Immigration ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3194: Requires universal background checks for all sales or transfers of firearms

HB 3194 requires background checks for all private firearm sales or transfers (excluding licensed dealers), affecting individuals selling guns to others. Sellers must arrange checks through a central repository, with approval valid for 30 days before a transfer can occur. Exemptions include family gifts, antique firearms, temporary transfers at shooting ranges, and transfers by law enforcement. Violating the law is a class B misdemeanor, with licensed dealers’ violations reported to federal authorities.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

in committee · Missouri · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 3277: Allows the city of Northwoods to impose a sales tax for public safety purposes

HB 3277 authorizes cities meeting specific population and county size criteria (e.g., certain population ranges within defined counties) to impose a 0.5% sales tax for public safety, including funding police, fire, and emergency medical services. Before implementation, the city must seek voter approval through a referendum. All tax revenue must be deposited into a special fund and used exclusively for public safety purposes, with remaining funds after tax termination also dedicated to public safety. The bill applies to multiple qualifying cities across the state, not exclusively to one city like Northwoods.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Debt & Bonds Property Tax Sales Tax Policing Tags Local Government Public Safety

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3459: Establishes "Preston's Law" which establishes standards of conduct for law enforcement officers when conducting homicide investigations

HB 3459, known as "Preston's Law," requires law enforcement officers to interact with families of homicide victims using respect, empathy, and trauma-informed communication during investigations. The bill mandates that officers avoid victim-blaming or judgmental remarks, protect family privacy, and provide specific information within set timeframes - such as family verification within 24 hours, autopsy reports within 9-12 months, and victim resources within 48 hours. It also establishes annual training for officers on cultural sensitivity and family engagement, and creates a complaint process with the POST commission for violations, which may result in retraining or disciplinary action. The law directly affects law enforcement personnel conducting homicides and the families of homicide victims.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Violent Crime

in committee · Missouri · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 1642: Requires summer and day camps to be licensed and to have an emergency plan in place

SB 1642 establishes a program for nonprofit organizations to operate adult high schools in Missouri, requiring the Department of Social Services to authorize up to five schools in specific geographic locations based on county population criteria. Organizations must meet detailed requirements, including providing industry certification, partnering with postsecondary institutions, and addressing barriers like homelessness or criminal history for disadvantaged adults. The bill sets academic standards for diplomas equivalent to traditional high school diplomas (without distinguishing marks), allows flexible pacing and limited online instruction, and mandates partnerships to support workforce development. While a minor provision requires maintaining complaint records for summer camps and day camps, the bill's primary focus is on creating adult education programs, not camp licensing.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Curriculum K-12 Education

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3219: Creates the offense of operation of a video lottery terminal

HB 3219 creates a new class E felony offense for operating a video lottery terminal, defined as any device that uses electronic, mechanical, or digital means to accept payment and generate prizes based on symbols. The law applies to anyone operating such a terminal without being the owner, renter, or lessor, except for licensed excursion gambling boats. This bill directly affects businesses or individuals running unlicensed video lottery terminals by imposing criminal penalties. The key mechanism establishes a specific felony classification for unauthorized operation, with the exception for existing licensed boat operations.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

All criminal justice bills