Criminal Justice (Victims' Rights)

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.

HB 2808 makes it a crime for a parent to knowingly permit, encourage, aid, or cause a minor (under 18) to commit a violation of state or federal law. If the minor commits a felony, the parent faces a Class A misdemeanor; if the minor commits a misdemeanor, the parent faces a Class C misdemeanor. Each separate act by the parent constitutes a distinct offense, and courts may order the parent to pay restitution to victims harmed by the minor's crime. This law directly affects parents whose actions directly facilitate a minor's criminal behavior, adding new penalties and victim compensation mechanisms.

HB 1814 creates a new offense called "grooming of a minor" in Missouri law, targeting adults (18+ years) who engage in a pattern of conduct - such as repeated sexual communications or acts - with minors (17 or younger) that a reasonable person would interpret as preparing them for sexual activity. The law classifies this as a class B felony (or class A if sexual conduct occurs), requiring a minimum 5-year prison sentence with no probation or parole eligibility. It includes exemptions for age-appropriate relationships (within 4 years), licensed professionals acting within their role, and family members providing standard care, provided no sexual intent is shown. The bill also mandates restitution for victims covering mental health, lost income, and relocation costs, and requires state guidance for the public and professionals on identifying and responding to grooming.

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.