Immigration in Missouri

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3301: Establishes provisions relating to immigration enforcement

HB 3301, known as the "Missouri Values Act," restricts Missouri law enforcement agencies from using state resources for federal immigration enforcement. It prohibits local police and jails from detaining individuals based on immigration hold requests, checking immigration status, sharing personal information (like home addresses), or transferring people to immigration authorities without a federal judicial warrant or probable cause determination. The bill allows limited exceptions, such as sharing criminal history via MULES or participating in joint task forces where immigration enforcement isn't the primary purpose. It directly affects all Missouri law enforcement agencies, including city and county police departments and sheriff's offices.

Topics ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3159: Establishes provisions to provide for legal representation for undocumented minors in immigration matters

HB 3159 requires Missouri's Department of Social Services to provide free legal counsel to undocumented minors under 18 in immigration matters. It directly affects immigrant children identified as unaccompanied or without guardians, covering both state court proceedings and federal immigration cases like asylum or T-Visa applications. Key provisions mandate counsel be appointed when a child is designated as an "immigrant child" (defined as under 18 without lawful status or parental support), and specify that legal services must be provided by qualified nonprofits or public defenders with experience in immigration cases. The bill ensures ongoing representation until case resolution, even if the child turns 18 during proceedings.

Topics ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Immigrant Services Refugees & Asylum

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3243: Establishes provisions regarding placement of a child if a child's parent or legal guardian has been subject to a federal enforcement action

HB 3243 requires Missouri state agencies and schools to notify the Children's Division within 24 hours if a child's parent or legal guardian faces federal immigration enforcement (like detention or deportation). The Children's Division must then assess the child's safety, needs, and placement options, prioritizing relatives or known caregivers when safe and appropriate. Schools must maintain educational stability for affected children, and the bill explicitly prohibits state agencies from asking about immigration status or interfering with federal enforcement. This law aims to protect children's well-being during parental immigration actions while aligning with existing child welfare standards.

Topics ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3542: Establishes the "Community Safety and Law Enforcement Integrity Act"

HB 3542, the "Community Safety and Law Enforcement Integrity Act," prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from using public funds, personnel, or facilities to assist federal immigration enforcement or entering into immigration enforcement agreements with the federal government. It requires immediate termination of existing agreements and imposes civil penalties of $25,000 per violation, with funds going to public schools. The bill directly affects county sheriffs, local police departments, and state agencies by restricting their cooperation with federal immigration authorities, while also requiring ICE agents to display identification and obtain warrants for home entries during operations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3148: Allows persons who are permanent residents of the United States who have been honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces to serve as law enforcement officers in this state

HB 3148 repeals Missouri's previous requirement that law enforcement officers must be U.S. citizens, replacing it with a provision allowing certain permanent residents to serve. The bill specifically permits individuals who are lawful permanent residents of the U.S. and have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces to work as police officers, turnkeys, or police officers in Missouri. This change directly affects military veterans with permanent residency status who were previously barred from these roles due to citizenship requirements. The key mechanism is the updated eligibility criterion in section 84.120(2), which expands the qualifying group beyond U.S. citizens alone.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Immigration ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Citizenship & Naturalization

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HCR 37: Condemns abuses by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, affirms the constitutional and human rights of all people within the United States, and recognizes the essential social and economic contributions of migrants to the nation

HCR 37 is a symbolic resolution condemning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices it claims include unlawful detentions, racial profiling, and family separations. It affirms that all people in the U.S. - regardless of immigration status - have constitutional rights and recognizes migrants' vital economic contributions, including in agriculture, healthcare, and other key sectors. The resolution does not change laws but directs Missouri’s Congressional delegation and an ICE official to receive a copy of this non-binding statement. It addresses concerns that ICE actions have caused harm, discouraged community engagement, and violated due process protections.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies Tags Civil Liberties

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 1926: Creates provisions relating to the disclosure of patients' citizenship or immigration status

HB 1926 prohibits health care professionals in Missouri from documenting or disclosing a patient's citizenship or immigration status in medical records, except when assessing eligibility for social or community services. It specifically bans sharing this information with law enforcement agencies under any circumstances. The bill establishes that licensing boards must investigate violations, imposing one-year license suspensions for intentional disclosures and probation for accidental ones. This law directly affects doctors, nurses, and other licensed health care providers who handle patient records across Missouri.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Probation & Parole Citizenship & Naturalization Driver Licenses & IDs

in committee · Missouri · Senate Jan 15, 2026

SB 1157: Establishes provisions relating to the issuance of professional and occupational licenses to certain individuals with federal employment authorizations

SB 1157 - This act provides that a person has demonstrated lawful presence for eligibility of a professional or occupational license if the person submits certain documents relating to employment authorization issued by certain federal agencies, as described in the act. A professional or occupational license issued to a person demonstrating lawful presence under this act shall be valid only for the period of time during which the employment authorization is valid. This act is identical to HB 2522 (2026) and SB 738 (2025). KATIE O'BRIEN

Topics ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Work Authorization Tags Licensing

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2518: Creates provisions relating to professional licenses issued to DACA recipients

HB 2518 ensures DACA recipients who meet all educational and professional requirements for a licensed occupation in the state can obtain a license on the same terms as U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. It prohibits oversight bodies (like licensing boards) from considering immigration status when reviewing applications, requiring evaluations to be based solely on qualifications, education, and competency. The bill directly affects DACA recipients seeking professions requiring state licenses (e.g., healthcare, law, trades) and mandates that their licenses carry identical rights, renewability, and validity periods as those issued to citizens. The law takes effect for all applications submitted on or after August 28, 2026.

Topics ✓ Immigration ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics DACA & Dreamers Driver Licenses & IDs Work Authorization Professional Licensing Tags Licensing

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2524: Modifies existing provisions and creates new provisions regarding cooperation with federal authorities on immigration matters and training for law enforcement agencies

HB 2524 prohibits Missouri local governments and law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement in ways that involve racial profiling or violate constitutional rights. It requires annual training for law enforcement on constitutional rights and allows local entities to share immigration status information with federal authorities (like ICE) only when there is a documented public safety concern. The bill also blocks state funding for local agencies that restrict such cooperation or violate these rules, while exempting agencies administering federal benefit programs. It directly affects local law enforcement, government entities, and public employees handling immigration-related information.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

All immigration bills