Criminal Justice (Victims' Rights)

This bill's abstract states it "modifies provisions relating to the filing of false documents," but the provided context does not include specific details about the changes, affected parties, or key mechanisms. Without additional information on the exact provisions being modified or the scope of the changes, a substantive summary cannot be generated. The bill is currently prefiling and has not yet been introduced for debate. For a complete understanding, further details about the bill's text or committee reports would be needed.

SB 981 - This act modifies the requirements for filing a claim for compensation under the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund. Currently, the claim shall be filed no later than two years after the occurrence or the discovery of the crime eligible for compensation. This act provide that a claim shall be filed no later than two years after the later of: (1) The occurrence of the crime; (2) The discovery of the crime; (3) The filing of criminal charges; or (4) The conviction of the crime. This act provides that certain sexual offenses may be filed at any time. Currently, the amount of compensation excludes pain and suffering. This act provides that the compensation shall exclude pain and suffering for those claimants other than the victim of a crime. Furthermore, the surcharge for the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund shall be $10, instead of $7.50, in each court proceeding filed in all criminal cases and in juvenile court delinquency proceedings. Additionally, this act modifies payments upon a plea or finding of guilt for certain crimes as follows: (1) Class A or B felony: $100 from $68 (2) Class C, D, or E felony: $80 from $46 (3) Misdemeanors unless exempted: $40 from $10. TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

This bill updates laws protecting telecommunications infrastructure by expanding the definition of critical infrastructure facilities and creating new criminal offenses for damaging or stealing equipment. It makes it a felony to purposely or recklessly damage critical infrastructure that causes service interruptions, regardless of the damage value, and establishes penalties for unauthorized possession of copper, brass, aluminum, fiber, or other telecom materials. The law requires offenders to pay restitution and perform community service, while allowing prosecutors to charge under multiple applicable laws if conduct violates more than one provision. These changes directly affect individuals who might damage or steal telecom equipment and law enforcement agencies responsible for investigating such crimes.

HB 3213 expands the legal definition of "special victim" to include sports officials - such as referees, umpires, and linesmen - who are assaulted while performing their duties at any level of sporting event. To qualify, the official must be trained, certified, or registered by an organization that oversees sports official education. This change directly affects sports officials by granting them the same legal protections as other special victims (e.g., law enforcement or emergency personnel) in assault cases. The bill adds this category to existing definitions without altering penalties or procedures.

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.

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.

SB 1625 prevents leftover money in two specific state funds from being moved into the general state budget at the end of each two-year budget cycle. It applies to the Highway Patrol Academy Fund (used for training non-patrol peace officers) and the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund (funded by court surcharges and felony judgments). The bill requires that any remaining funds in these accounts must stay dedicated to their original purposes - such as academy operations or victim compensation services - rather than being redirected to general state spending. This ensures these funds continue supporting targeted programs without being absorbed into the broader state budget.

HB 2628, the "Assistance for Rape Emergencies (CARE) Act," requires hospitals and health care facilities to provide specific medical care to sexual assault victims. It mandates that facilities orally inform victims about emergency contraception, immediately provide it if requested, and offer sexually transmitted infection screening and treatment. The bill also requires forensic examinations using telehealth support (via a statewide network) when needed, with limited waivers allowed for technological hardships or network outages. These provisions directly affect hospitals, health care facilities, and individuals who are sexual assault victims seeking emergency care.

HB 2009 is Missouri's fiscal year 2026-2027 appropriations bill specifically funding the Department of Corrections. It allocates $7.5 million for the Office of the Director (including Family Support Services), $3.1 million for Professional Standards, $3.8 million for Offender Reentry, and other specific programs like community treatment services ($3 million) and restitution payments ($58,400). The bill allows limited budget flexibility (e.g., 10% between sections, 3% to other sections) but requires strict adherence to fund sources and purpose. It directly affects Corrections operations, staffing, facility maintenance, and specific initiatives like the foster care dog program funded through a trust fund.

HB 2694 modifies Missouri's rules for handling certain state funds at the end of each two-year legislative cycle (biennium). It prevents funds from being transferred to the general revenue fund, requiring them to stay dedicated to their intended purposes. Specifically, it ensures Highway Patrol Academy Fund money stays for academy operations only, and Crime Victims' Compensation Fund money must support victim services, forensic labs, and crime victim notification systems. The bill replaces outdated rules with these new restrictions to maintain funding stability for these specific programs.