This act requires challenges to summary statements to be brought in the Cole County circuit court not later than the 22nd Tuesday prior to the General Election. If the statement is found to be sufficient and fair, the court shall order the statement to be placed on the ballot. If the statement is found to be insufficient or unfair, the circuit court may make suggested revisions but shall order the Secretary of State (SOS) to prepare a new summary statement that is sufficient and fair. The SOS can be ordered to write up to 3 revised summary statements and the court shall determine if they are sufficient and fair. If any of the revised statements are determined to be sufficient and fair, that summary statement shall appear on the ballot, subject to any appeals. If, after submission of a third revised summary statement, the court still finds it to be insufficient and unfair, the court shall write its own summary statement that is sufficient and fair and shall order it to appear on the ballot, subject to any appeals.

In the case of summary statements for statewide ballot measures appearing on the ballot at an election called by the Governor, whether at the primary election or at a special election, or at a special election called by the General Assembly in the case of a referendum petition, the courts shall expedite the process to bring a resolution of the matter prior to the printing of ballots. The court may shorten any time frame under this act to achieve this purpose.

Current law requires all actions challenging the ballot titles for statewide ballot measures to be fully and finally adjudicated not less than 56 days prior to the election at which it will appear on the ballot. This act extends that period to 70 days prior to the election.

The act increases the total word limitation on summary statements for ballot measures proposed by the General Assembly from 50 words to 100 words.

The act stipulates that once the SOS certifies the official ballot title, signatures may be collected, even if the ballot title is subject to an action in court challenging the sufficiency and fairness of the ballot title. If a court orders a change that alters the content of the official ballot title, then all signatures gathered before such change occurred shall not be invalidated based upon the fact that one or more signatures were gathered prior to the alteration of the official ballot title, regardless of whether those signatures were gathered on petition pages that displayed what was previously the official ballot title as certified by the SOS. Nothing in this provision shall prohibit the invalidation of a signature for a reason otherwise allowed by law.

Finally this act allows the Attorney General to appeal a preliminary injunction in which the state or state official is preliminarily enjoined from implementing, enforcing, or otherwise effectuating any provision of the Missouri Constitution or of any Missouri statute or regulation. The attorney general may appeal any preliminary injunction that existed prior to August 28, 2025. This provision is substantially similar to SB 730 (2025) and contains an emergency clause.

SCOTT SVAGERA

REPORTING OF IMMIGRATION STATUS OF CRIMINAL OFFENDERS (Section 43.505)

This act requires every law enforcement agency in the state to submit to the Department of Public Safety information pertaining to the immigration status of any criminal offender, indicating whether the offender is a citizen of the United States, is a lawfully present immigrant, or does not possess the information to show that he or she is a citizen of the United States or a lawfully present immigrant.

This provision is identical to SB 583 (2025).

FORFEITURE OF MOTOR VEHICLES IN SPRINGFIELD (Section 82.1000)

Currently, the city of Springfield may enact ordinances that authorize forfeiture of a motor vehicle operated by a person who has had his or her driver's license suspended or revoked for certain criminal offenses. This act adds offenses involving two or more violations of stunt driving or street takeover committed on separate occasions where in each violation the person was operating a vehicle and another person was injured or killed as well as the offense of aggravated fleeing a stop or detention of a motor vehicle.

SAINT LOUIS CITY POLICE FORCE (Sections 84.012 to 84.347 and Section 105.726)

No later than July 1, 2026, the Board of Police Commissioners ("Board") shall assume control of the municipal police department of St. Louis and no later than September 28, 2025, four commissioners shall be appointed by the Governor to the Board, as provided in the act, who shall serve together with Mayor of the City of St. Louis. The Governor shall also appoint a transition director to oversee the transition during the implementation period of August 28, 2025, to July 1, 2026. The municipal police department shall transfer title and ownership of all indebtedness and assets and accept liability as successor-in-interest for contractual obligations of the police department. The Board shall initially employ, without reduction in rank, salary, or benefits, all commissioned and civilian personnel of the municipal police department.

This act provides that the City of St. Louis may pass ordinances, including ordinances for preserving order and protecting the public; but no ordinances shall, in any manner, conflict or interfere with the powers or the exercise of the powers of the Board. Additionally, the mayor or any city officer shall not impede or hinder the Board. The mayor or any city officer shall be liable for a penalty of $1,000 for each and every offense to hinder the Board and shall forever be disqualified from holding or exercising any office of the city.

The Board is required to appoint and employ a permanent police force consisting of not less than 1,313 members. The Board may continue to employ as many non-commissioned police civilians as it deems necessary in order to perform the duties imposed on them, which shall include city marshals and park rangers.

The maximum number of officers of the police force in each rank shall be as follows:

• 76 officers at the rank of lieutenant and above;

• 200 officers at the rank of sergeant; and

• 1,037 officers at the rank of patrolman.

The salaries paid as of August 28, 2025, shall not be less than the annual salaries paid to each member before the enactment of this act. No additional compensation shall be given to any officer of the rank of lieutenant or above for overtime, court time, or stand-by court time.

Probationary patrolmen, patrolmen, and sergeants shall receive compensation for all hours of service in excess of the established regular working period, for all authorized overtime, and for employees who complete academic work at an accredited college or university up to a certain amount as provided in the act.

Additionally, the City shall appropriate a minimum 25% of its general revenue to fund the maintenance of the police force, excluding pension and retirement costs.

This act provides that until the Board adopts other investigative and disciplinary procedures, the police force shall follow the disciplinary and investigative procedures established by the Police Manual of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department that are consistent with law. The Board shall not adopt any disciplinary procedures that do not include the summary hearing Board procedures provided for currently in the Police Manual.

This act provides that reimbursements from the Legal Expense Fund to the Board for liability claims shall be on an equal share basis per claim up to a maximum of one million dollars per fiscal year.

This act repeals all provisions relating to the municipal police force established by the City of St. Louis.

This act contains an emergency clause for these provisions.

These provisions are similar to HB 494 (2024), HB 495 (2025), SCS/SB 808 (2024), in SCS/HCS/HB 1481 (2024), HCS/HB 702 (2023), SCS/SB 78 (2023), SB 280 (2023), and HCS/HB 2432 (2022) and are similar to SB 1012 (2022) and to provisions in HB 2432 (2022), HB 2671 (2022), and HB 1476 (2021).

PROHIBITION ON INJECTION SITES (Section 191.1005)

This act provides that no individual or entity shall knowingly open, lease, rent, use, maintain, manage, operate, or control a public or private facility, site, or building for the purpose of allowing individuals to self-administer preobtained controlled substances, the possession of which is criminally punishable and is not otherwise authorized by state law.

JUVENILE OFFICER RISK AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT (Section 211.141)

This act provides that juvenile officers in the risk and needs assessment of a child shall use a cumulative total of points assessed for all alleged offenses committed for determinations of detention by the court.

This provision is identical to a provision in SCS/SB 1115 (2024).

STUNT DRIVING (Sections 304.012 & 304.145)

This act prohibits stunt driving and participation in street takeovers, as such terms are defined in the act.

The act specifies criminal penalties and sentencing requirements, with enhanced penalties and sentencing requirements for repeat offenders.

This provision is identical to SB 560 (2025) and a provision in HB 495 (2025).

SUNSET ON ELECTRONIC MONITORING OF PERSONS IN VIOLATION OF PROTECTION ORDERS (Section 455.095)

Currently, the provision of law providing that a person found guilty of violating the conditions of a protection order can be sentenced with electronic monitoring or placed on probation with the condition of electronic monitoring shall sunset on August 28, 2024.

This act repeals the sunset provision.

This provision is identical to SB 603 (2025) and is similar to HCS#2/HB 495 (2025) and HB 1209 (2025).

CRIMINAL ACTIVITY FORFEITURE ACT (Section 513.605)

This act modifies the offenses included in the definition of "criminal activity" for purposes of the Criminal Activity Forfeiture Act. Specifically, it includes felony violations of the traffic laws of this state that involve the use of motor vehicle and offenses under the Missouri Criminal Street Gangs Prevention Act.

ELECTED OFFICIALS REMOVED BY QUO WARRANTO (Section 531.050)

This act provides that a public official who is removed by a quo warranto judgment or who resigns following the filing of a quo warranto proceeding may not be elected or appointed to the office from which he or she was removed or the action was brought.

This provision is substantially similar to a provision in HCS#2/HB 495 (2025) and is similar to a provision in HA to HCS/SS/SCS/SB 72 (2023) and in HA to HCS/SB 186 (2023).

DANGEROUS FELONY (Section 556.061)

This act adds the offenses of rioting when punished as a class A or B felony, bus hijacking when punished as a class A felony, and planting a bomb or explosive near a bus or terminal to the definition of "dangerous felony."

OFFENSE OF SEXUAL TRAFFICKING OF A CHILD (Sections 566.210 & 566.211)

This act provides that a person commits the offense of sexual trafficking of a child in the first degree when he or she knowingly conducts certain sexual acts, as provided in current law, with a person under the age of fourteen, rather than twelve. Additionally, the eligibility for probation or parole for the offense of sexual trafficking of a child in the first degree is not available unless the offender has served no less than thirty, rather than twenty-five, years of the sentence.

Furthermore, this act modifies the offense of sexual trafficking of a child in the second degree to provide that such offense is a felony punishable by imprisonment for a term no less than twenty, rather than ten, years.

These provisions are similar to provisions in HCS#2/HB 495 (2025) and HB 1142 (2025).

OFFENSE OF ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD IN THE FIRST DEGREE (Section 568.045)

Under current law, a person commits the offense of endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree if he or she unlawfully manufactures or possesses amphetamine, methamphetamine, or any of their analogues. This act adds fentanyl and carfentanil.

Additionally, this act provides that the offense of endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree if it involves fentanyl or carfentail is a class B felony. A person guilty of such offense shall not be eligible for conditional release or parole until he or she has served at least five years of imprisonment.

This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 60 (2025) and in the truly agreed to and finally passed SS#2/SCS/HCS#2/HB 495 (2025) and is similar to a provision in SB 143 (2025), in HB 1066 (2025), in SB 1368 (2024), in SCS/SB 1451 (2024), and in SS/SCS/HCS/HB 1659 (2024).

OFFENSE OF TRESPASS IN THE THIRD DEGREE (Section 569.151)

This act creates the offense of trespass in the third degree if he or she, either individually or as part of an organized campaign, enters a retail establishment with the primary purpose of disrupting commerce or causing danger to people or property.

This offense shall be a class B misdemeanor, unless committed as part of an organized campaign then such campaign shall pay a fine not to exceed $5,000.

This provision is identical to a provision in SB 318 (2025) and is similar to a provision in SB 1467 (2024) and SCS/HCS/HB 2700 (2024).

OFFENSE OF STEALING (Section 570.030)

This act provides that a person shall be guilty of the offense of stealing if he or she appropriates property as part of an organized retail theft and the value of the property is over $10,000. Such offense shall be a class B felony.

Additionally, this act provides that a person shall be guilty of the offense of stealing if he or she appropriates property as part of an organized retail theft and the value of the property is between $750 and $10,000. Such offense shall be a class C felony.

Upon written request of any prosecuting attorney or circuit attorney, the Attorney General shall have the authority to prosecute the offense of stealing involving retail theft and any other offenses that directly arise from or causally occur as a result of such offense. All costs and fees of a prosecution by the Attorney General shall be paid by the state.

This provision is similar to a provision in SB 318 (2025).

OFFENSE OF UNLAWFUL TRAFFIC INTERFERENCE (Section 574.045)

This act creates the offense of unlawful traffic interference, which a person commits if, with the intention to impede vehicular traffic, the person walks, stands, sits, kneels, lies, or places an object in such a manner as to block passage by a vehicle on any public roadway. The offense is an infraction for the first offense, a class A misdemeanor for a second, and a class E felony for any third or subsequent offense.

This provision is similar to a provision in HB 1914 (2022), CCS#1/HCS/SS/SCS/SB 26 (2021), SB 66 (2021), HB 1441 (2021), SB 9 (First Extraordinary Session 2020), HB 35 (First Extraordinary Session 2020), HB 288 (2019), HB 1259 (2018), HB 2145 (2018).

OFFENSE OF RIOTING (Section 574.050)

This act modifies the offense of rioting to provide that a person commits the offense if a person knowingly assembles with six or more people and violates any criminal laws. This offense shall be a class D felony, rather than a class A misdemeanor, for the first offense and a class C felony for subsequent offenses. Additionally, if in the course of rioting, bodily injury or property damage in excess of five thousand dollars occurs, the offense is a class B felony. If in the course of rioting, bodily injury occurs to a law enforcement officer, fire fighter, paramedic, or other public safety official, the offense is a class A felony.

This act is similar to provisions in SB 1115 (2024) and SB 684 (2023).

OFFENSE OF FILING A NONCONSENSUAL COMMON LAW LIEN (Section 575.133)

This act provides that the second offense of filing a nonconsensual common law lien shall be a class A misdemeanor and any third or subsequent offense shall be a class E felony. Additionally, a person convicted of a third or subsequent offense shall be considered a persistent offender.

OFFENSE OF RESISTING ARREST (Section 575.150)

This act provides that any person guilty of a class E felony of resisting or interfering with arrest shall have his or her vehicle impounded and forfeited pursuant to law.

This provision is identical to a provision in HB 495 (2025) and SB 561 (2025).

OFFENSE OF OBSTRUCTING GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS (Section 576.030)

This act provides that the offense of obstructing government operations shall be a class A misdemeanor, rather than a class B misdemeanor, if the person threatens violence, force, or other physical interference or obstacle. The offense shall be a class E felony if the person uses violence, force, or other physical interference or obstacle.

OFFENSE OF TAMPERING WITH A WATER SUPPLY (SECTION 577.150)

This act provides that the offense of tampering with a water supply shall be a class E felony if the person poisons, defiles, or in any way corrupts a water supply used for domestic or municipal purposes.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR PEACE OFFICERS (Section 590.040)

This act provides that peace officers first licensed on or after August 28, 2025, shall receive at least nine hours in the initial academy training with three of those hours focused on racial profiling training, three hours focused on implicit bias training, and three hours focused on de-escalation training.

COMMITTEE ON SCHOOL SAFETY (Section 590.208)

This act establishes the "Committee on School Safety" within the Department of Public Safety with membership as provided in the act. The Committee shall at least quarterly evaluate and establish guidelines for school safety concerns, including plans to prevent school firearm violence. The Committee shall submit a report in writing to the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives after every meeting of the committee.

This provision is identical to a provision in HB 495 (2025) and SB 508 (2025).

SEVERABILITY (Section 1)

In the event that any section, provision, clause, phrase, or word of this act or the application of the act is declared invalid under the Constitution of the United States or the Constitution of the State of Missouri, the General Assembly intends for the severability of this act.

KATIE O'BRIEN

SCOTT SVAGERA

SCOTT SVAGERA

This act is identical to SB 1243 (2024), SB 723 (2023), and SB 1194 (2022) and substantially similar to HCS/HBs 1818 & 2345 (2024) and HB 1379 (2020).

SCOTT SVAGERA

KATIE O'BRIEN

• Initiative petitions seeking to amend the constitution to gather signatures equal to 8% of the legal voters in each of 2/3 of the Congressional districts; and

• Initiative petitions seeking to propose laws to gather signatures equal to 5% of the legal voters in 2/3 of the Congressional districts.

This constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, requires:

• Initiative petitions proposing constitutional amendments to gather signatures equal to 15% of the legal voters in all of the Congressional districts; and

• Initiative petitions proposing laws to gather signatures equal to 10% of the legal voters in all of the Congressional districts.

Furthermore, the amendment also modifies the process for approving initiatives. Currently, any initiated measure, whether a law or a constitutional amendment, takes effect when approved by a majority of the votes cast. This amendment stipulates that an initiative still must receive a simple majority but additionally the total number of votes in support can not be less than 35% of the total number of ballots cast in the election.

SCOTT SVAGERA

SCOTT SVAGERA

Currently, any constitutional amendment or new constitution takes effect when approved by a simple majority of the votes cast on the measure. This constitutional amendment requires any constitutional amendment or new constitution to be approved by both a simple majority of the votes cast on the measure statewide as well as a simple majority of the votes cast in a majority of the state House of Representatives districts.

The amendment creates new restrictions relating to the activity of foreign nationals and sources connected to foreign nationals, as those terms are defined in the act, with respect to proposing and advocating for or against proposed constitutions and constitutional amendments. Specifically, it shall be unlawful for:

1. A foreign national or a source connected to a foreign national to sponsor an initiative petition proposing a constitutional amendment;

2. A foreign national or a source connected to a foreign national to directly or indirectly make contributions or donations of money, or make an express or implied promise to make such contributions or donations, in connection with an election on a proposed constitution or constitutional amendment or contributions in support of or opposition to a proposed constitution or constitutional amendment;

3. A foreign national or a source connected to a foreign national to directly or indirectly make an expenditure, independent expenditure, or disbursement for an electioneering communication, whether print, broadcast, or digital media, or otherwise, related to a proposed constitution or constitutional amendment;

4. A foreign national or a source connected to a foreign national to directly or indirectly make a contribution to an individual or entity for the purpose of funding preliminary activity preceding the formation of a committee in support or opposition to proposed constitution or constitutional amendment; or

5. A person to solicit, accept, or receive, directly or indirectly, a contribution or donation from a foreign national or a source connected to a foreign national, in connection with a proposed constitution or constitutional amendment.

If a constitutional amendment is proposed by initiative petition, and the petition proponent, or committee associated with the proponent, knowingly violated the foreging restrictions governing foreign activity, the amendment shall be deemed void even if it received the requisite votes for approval.

Certain provisions in this constitutional amendment are similar to the introduced SJR 74 (2024), SJR 48 (2024), SJR 59 (2024), SJR 61 (2024), and a provision in SJR 83 (2024), SJR 28 (2023), SJR 33 (2023), provisions in SJR 2 (2023), SJR 10 (2023), SJR 17 (2023), HJR 18 (2023), and HCS/HJR 30 (2023).

SCOTT SVAGERA

HCS HBs 126 & 367 -- ELECTIONS (Veit)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Elections

The following is a summary of the House Committee Substitute for HBs 126 & 367.

The bill prohibits the contribution or expenditure of system funds by any public pension system to advocate, support, or oppose the passage or defeat of any ballot measure or the nomination or election of any candidate for public office. In addition, the system funds cannot be used to pay any debts or obligations of any committee supporting or opposing ballot measures or candidates.

Currently, election challengers can be physically present in polling locations until all ballots are cast on election day. This bill allows election challengers in first class counties and charter counties to be physically present while ballots are cast during the in-person absentee voting period.

The bill requires the chair of each county committee of each political party named on the ballot to designate election watchers four days before a watcher can enter a polling or counting location. Information is to be presented to and signed off by the local election authority. If an election authority determines that a watcher does not meet the statutory qualifications, the chair can designate a replacement watcher before 5:00 pm on the Monday before the election.

This bill allows election watchers in first class counties and charter counties to be physically present at in-person absentee voting locations while ballots are being counted or prepared for counting.

This bill allows a notice of election to be sent by email.

The bill moves the filing dates for a declaration of candidacy in certain political subdivisions and special districts back by one week, from the 17th Tuesday prior to the election until the 14th Tuesday prior to the election, to the 16th Tuesday prior to the election until the 13th Tuesday prior to the election.

Currently, voters can cast an absentee ballot by mail or in person at the office of the election authority if they will be unable to vote in person on election day for a number of specified reasons. Beginning two weeks prior to the date of the election, no excuse is needed if the voter is voting an absentee ballot in person at the office of the election authority. This bill extends the no-excuse in-person absentee voting period from two weeks to six weeks prior to the date of the election.

Currently, covered voters eligible to register to vote can vote in certain elections by submitting a Federal postcard application to apply to vote at their polling place. This bill changes this requirement from the polling place to the office of the election authority on election day.

Currently, interstate former residents and new residents can vote absentee for presidential and vice presidential electors. This bill allows them to vote for those electors at the office of the election authority on election day.

This bill provides that all lists of absentee ballot applications for people with permanent disabilities will be kept confidential and must not be posted or displayed in an area open to the general public nor shown to any unauthorized person.

Currently, a provisional ballot can be cast only in a state or Federal election. This bill allows a provisional ballot to be cast in any public election.

The bill provides that votes for write-in candidates must only be counted for candidates who have filed a declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate, even if no candidate has filed for that office.

This bill adds the following activities to class III election offenses:

(1) Threatening to harm or engaging in conduct reasonably calculated to harass an election official or a member of their family;

(2) Attempting to pressure an election official or member of their family to violate a provision of election law;

(3) Disseminating through any means the personal information of an election official or member of their family for the purpose of threatening to harm or attempting to pressure the official or member of their family to violate a provision of election law.

If a violation results in death or bodily injury to an election official or a member of their family, the offense is a class B felony.

Currently, officers, employees, or agents of certain governmental bodies are prohibited from making contributions or expenditures of public funds to advocate, support, or oppose the passage or defeat of any ballot measure or the nomination or election of any candidate for public office. This bill adds special districts and charter schools to this list of governmental bodies.

This bill reinstates the presidential preference primary election, to be held statewide on the first Tuesday in March of each presidential election year.

A person who files to be included on the presidential primary ballot is not prohibited from filing as a party candidate for nomination to another office.

Specific deadlines for administrative actions by local election authorities and the Secretary of State that are necessary to hold the presidential preference primary are specified in the bill.

The conduct of the presidential preference primary must conform as nearly as possible to that prescribed for the primary election for State officers.

All costs of the presidential preference primary, except for proportional costs for any political subdivision or special district holding an election on the same day, will be paid by the State.

The bill prohibits any person against whom a quo warranto action is initiated from serving as, being appointed to, or appearing on the ballot for the office that person held when that action was initiated.

HCS HBs 575 & 551 -- INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM PETITIONS (Banderman)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Elections

The following is a summary of the House Committee Substitute for HB 575.

This bill requires initiative and referendum petition signature pages to be printed on a form as specified by the Secretary of State. Signature page forms will be made available in electronic format (Sections 116.045 and 116.050, RSMo).

The bill requires petition circulators to be citizens of the United States, residents of Missouri or physically present in Missouri for at least 30 consecutive days prior to the collection of signatures, and prohibits them from being compensated based on the number of signatures collected. Circulator affidavits are updated to reflect these requirements (Sections 116.030, 116.040, 116.080).

Signatures will be recorded using black or dark ink. (Section 116.130)

Currently, any citizen can challenge the official ballot title or fiscal note for a Constitutional amendment, initiative petition, or referendum measure. This bill changes this to only allow any Missouri registered voter to make a challenge (Sections 116.190 and 116.200).

The bill requires final adjudication relating to a challenge of the official ballot title or fiscal note to occur at least eight weeks before the date of the election (Section 116.190).

Currently, the Secretary of State and Attorney General review initiative and referendum petitions for sufficiency as to form and approve or reject them on that basis. This bill changes this to require these officials to review initiative and referendum petitions for compliance with Section 116.050 and with Article III of the Missouri Constitution (Section 116.332).

The bill repeals the requirement that the Joint Committee on Legislative Research hold a hearing to take public comment on a proposed measure within 30 days of the Secretary of State issuing certification that the petition contains a sufficient number of valid signatures (Section 116.153).

This bill is similar to HB 1749 (2024) and HB 703 (2023).

Voter Registration - Documentary Proof of Citizenship

(Sections 115.013 to 115.160)

The act requires documentary proof of United States citizenship, as that term is defined in the act, in order to register to vote, provided that persons already registered to vote and those seeking to transfer voter registration within the state are not required to provide such proof.

Additionally, all information required to be provided on a voter registration form shall be personally provided by the person seeking to register.

Maintenance of Voter Registration Lists

(Sections 115.158, 115.195, and 115.221)

Currently, the Secretary of State (SOS) and election authorities are required to perform system maintenance on a regular basis. This act requires such maintenance to be performed on a quarterly basis.

The clerk of each circuit court in the state is required to prepare and transmit to the SOS a complete list of all persons who identify themselves as not being citizens of the United States when called to jury duty. This report shall be sent on a monthly basis.

If an election authority determines that a person who is not eligible to vote registered to vote or voted in an election, the election authority shall execute and deliver to the Attorney General, SOS, and the relevant prosecuting or circuit attorney an affidavit stating the relevant facts.

Referral of Violation of Election Laws

(Section 115.642)

Current law provides that if the SOS finds that reasonable grounds appear that the alleged election offense was committed, the SOS may issue a probable cause statement and refer the offense to the appropriate prosecuting attorney. This act permits referral to the appropriate prosecuting attorney or the Attorney General.

SCOTT SVAGERA

• Threatens or causes harm to such election official or members of such election official's family;

• Uses force, threats, or deception against or toward such election official or members of such election official's family;

• Attempts to induce, influence, or pressure an election official or members of an election official's family to violate Missouri election law;

• Engages in conduct reasonably calculated to harass or alarm such election official or such election official's family, including stalking;

• Disseminates through any means, including by posting on the internet, the personal information of an election official or any member of an election official's family.

The offense of tampering with an election official shall be a class one election offense, punished by imprisonment of not more than five years or by fine of not less than two thousand five hundred dollars but not more than ten thousand dollars or by both such imprisonment and fine. If a violation of this provision results in death or bodily injury to an election official or a member of the official's family, the offense shall be a class B felony.

This act is identical to a provision in SB 926 (2024), substantially similar to a provision in SCS/SB 346 (2023) and similar to a provision in HCS/HB 1525 (2024), a provision in HB 2052 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 2140 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 2895 (2024), and a provision in HCS/HB 2206 (2024).

SCOTT SVAGERA

VOTER REGISTRATION (Sections 115.013 through 115.221)

Current law permits an election authority to remove a registered voter's name from the list of registered voters on the precinct register on the ground that the voter has changed residence under certain circumstances. This act requires, rather than permits, such removal if:

• The voter confirms in writing that the voter has changed residence to a place outside the election authority's jurisdiction in which the voter is registered; or

• The voter fails to respond to a notice and has not engaged in voter activity, as that term is defined in the act, during the period beginning on the date of the notice and ending on the day after the date of the second general election that occurs after the date of the notice.

State agencies are required to provide information and data to the Secretary of State (SOS) that the SOS deems necessary to maintain the statewide voter registration database. Additionally, the clerk of each circuit court shall, on or before the 10th day of each month, prepare and transmit to the SOS a complete list of all persons who identify themselves as not being citizens of the United States during their qualification to serve as a juror during the preceding calendar month in that county.

The SOS is required to enter into agreements to share information or data that is in the possession of the SOS with other states or groups of states, as the SOS considers necessary, to maintain the statewide voter registration database. The SOS shall ensure that any information or data provided to the SOS that is confidential remains confidential while in the possession of the SOS.

Each election authority is required to investigate the qualifications of any person who has not engaged in voter activity within the preceding two calendar years. Furthermore, if the election authority determines that a registered voter has not engaged in voter activity within the two preceding calendar years, the election authority must include such registered voter in any canvass.

The act additionally reorganizes and consolidates various provisions relating to voter registration list maintenance throughout the various election laws.

These provisions are substantially similar to SB 1025 (2024), SB 44 (2023), provisions in SB 695 (2022), SB 1065 (2022), and SB 137 (2021).

OFFICE OF ELECTION CRIMES AND SECURITY (Section 115.642)

This act creates the Office of Election Crimes and Security within the Secretary of State's office. The SOS is responsible for appointing a director and investigators for the Office. The Office is given the following responsibilities and authority:

• The Office shall respond to notifications and complaints alleging a violation of state election laws;

• The Office shall review notices and reports of alleged violations of state election law and conduct investigations as deemed necessary;

• The Office shall initiate independent inquiries and conduct investigations into alleged violations of state election law; and

• The Office shall oversee a voter fraud hotline.

The Office is given subpoena power in the course of investigating complaints pursuant to this act. If any person refuses to comply with a subpoena issued pursuant to this act, the Secretary of State may seek to enforce the subpoena before a court of competent jurisdiction. The court may issue an order requiring the person to produce the documents relating to the matter under investigation or in question. Any person who fails to comply with the order may be held in contempt of court. Any investigator conducting an investigation into an alleged violation of this act shall not be restricted from entering any polling place or office of election authority under investigation.

If, during the course of an investigation, the Office determines that there may be a violation of any criminal law or state election law, the Office shall submit its findings and investigation to the Attorney General and respective prosecuting attorney for further investigation or prosecution. The Attorney General is specifically given investigative authority and concurrent jurisdiction to prosecute any election offense.

The Office is responsible for preparing and delivering a report, not later than January 15th of each year, to the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President Pro Tem of the Senate disclosing the details of complaints filed with the Office.

This provision is substantially similar to SB 724 (2024) and HB 1833 (2024) and similar to SB 350 (2023).

FEDERAL ELECTION COMMUNICATIONS (Section 115.1500)

Any state agency, whether that agency is involved in elections or not, or any person, group, or entity charged by the state to administer any official election occurring within the state, who receives or responds to a communication, as defined in the act, with the United States Department of Justice or any other federal executive branch agency related to new or existing voting or election laws, shall provide notice to the Governor and General Assembly of this communication within five business days.

This provision is substantially similar to a provision in SB 235 (2023).

IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDERAL ELECTION GUIDANCE (Section 115.1505)

Any person, group, or entity charged by the state of Missouri to administer any official election occurring within the state who intends to implement any new federal election guidance, as that term is defined in the act, shall provide notice to the General Assembly of its intent to do so at least 30 days before implementing the guidance. Furthermore, all new federal election guidance shall be approved by concurrent resolution approved by a majority of each house of the General Assembly before it is implemented. It shall be presumed that the General Assembly has approved the implementation of the new federal election guidance if the General Assembly fails to vote on a concurrent resolution within 30 days from when notice is provided.

A violation of this provision shall result in a fine in the amount of $5,000 to be levied every 30 days until the implemented guidance is formally withdrawn.

This provision is substantially similar to a provision in SB 235 (2023).

FEDERAL ELECTION FUNDS (Section 115.1510)

Any person, group, or entity charged by the state to administer any official election occurring within Missouri who intends to accept or disperse federal election funds, as that term is defined in the act, shall provide notice to the General Assembly of its intent to do so at least 30 days before accepting the funds. If funds have already been accepted, then notice must be provided to the General Assembly 30 days before the funds are dispersed. Furthermore, all new federal election funds shall be approved by concurrent resolution approved by a majority of each house of the General Assembly before they may be accepted or dispersed by any person, group, or entity charged by the state to administer any official election occurring within the state.

It shall be presumed that the General Assembly has approved the acceptance and dispersal of new federal election funds if the General Assembly fails to vote on a concurrent resolution within 30 days from when notice is provided.

A violation of this provision shall result in a fine in the amount of the new federal election funds accepted or dispersed in violation of this provision plus an additional $1,000.

The act repeals certain provisions relating to the administration of election funds. (Sections 115.074 and 115.078)

This provision is identical to a provision in SB 235 (2023).

This act is effective January 1, 2026.

SCOTT SVAGERA

NOTICES OF ELECTION (Section 115.125)

The act allows a notice of election to be sent by email.

This provision is identical to a provision in SB 926 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 1525 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 2140 (2024), and a provision in HCS/HB 2895 (2024).

CANDIDATE FILING DEADLINES - LOCAL OFFICES (Section 115.127)

Under current law, the period for filing a declaration of candidacy in certain political subdivisions and special districts is from 8:00 a.m. on the 17th Tuesday prior to the election until 5:00 p.m. on the 14th Tuesday prior to the election. This act changes that period to 8:00 a.m. on the 16th Tuesday prior to the election until 5:00 p.m. on the 13th Tuesday prior to the election, unless the 13th Tuesday prior to an election falls on a holiday, then the closing of filing shall be at 5:00 p.m. on the next day that is not a holiday.

This provision is identical to SB 774 (2024), a provision in SB 926 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 1525 (2024), HB 1604 (2024), a provision in SCS/HB 2084 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 2140 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 2206 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 2895 (2024), a provision in SCS/SB 346 (2023), and CCS/HS/HCS/SS#2/SCS/SB 96 (2023) and substantially similar to HB 2225 (2024), HCS/HB 1214 (2023), provisions in the perfected HCS/HBs 267 & 347 (2023), and HCS/HB 783 (2023).

ABSENTEE VOTING (Sections 115.277 and 115.284)

The act allows eligible covered voters to vote absentee by submitting a federal postcard application at the office of the election authority on election day even though the person is not registered. Interstate former residents and new residents may vote by absentee ballot at the office of the election authority on election day for the offices for which such voters are entitled to vote. This provision is identical to a provision in SB 926 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 1525 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 2140 (2024), and a provision in HCS/HB 2895 (2024).

The act provides that all lists of absentee ballot applications for persons with permanent disabilities shall be kept confidential. Such lists of applications shall not be posted or displayed in an area open to the general public, nor shall such lists of applications be shown to any unauthorized person.

This provision is identical to provisions in to a provision in SB 926 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 1525 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 2140 (2024), and a provision in HCS/HB 2895 (2024), substantially similar to a provision in SCS/SB 346 (2023), and similar to a provision in the perfected HCS/HBs 267 & 347 (2023), a provision in HCS/HB 783 (2023), and a provision in CCS/HS/HCS/SS#2/SCS/SB 96 (2023).

CASTING PROVISIONAL BALLOTS (Section 115.430)

The act expands a provision of law governing the casting and counting of provisional ballots to all public elections, rather than just particular primary or general elections.

This provision is identical to provisions in HCS/HB 1525 (2024), HB 2052 (2024), HCS/HB 2140 (2024), HCS/HB 2895 (2024), SCS/SB 346 (2023), the perfected HCS/HBs 267 & 347 (2023), and a provision in HCS/HB 783 (2023).

WRITE-IN CANDIDATES - REPEAL OF EXEMPTION FOR ELECTIONS WITHOUT PARTY CANDIDATES (Section 115.453)

Current law provides that votes for write-in candidates are only counted for candidates who have filed a declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate. Current law also provides an exemption to this requirement in instances where no candidate has filed for the office in question. This act repeals the exemption so that write-in candidates are only counted when a declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate has been filed with the proper election authority.

ELECTION OFFENSE - ELECTIONEERING (Section 115.637)

This act expands the election offense of exit polling, surveying, sampling, electioneering, distributing election literature, posting signs or placing vehicles bearing signs with respect to any candidate or question to be voted on at an election within 50 feet of the door to a polling place, rather than 25 feet as provided in current law, provided that candidates may be up to 25 feet from the door at any time at which they are not seeking to vote. Violation of this provision is punishable by imprisonment of not more than 1 year or by a fine of not more than $2,500 or by both such imprisonment and fine.

TAMPERING WITH AN ELECTION OFFICIAL (Section 115.638)

The act creates the offense of tampering with an election official. A person commits the offense of tampering with an election official if, with the purpose to harass or intimidate an election official in the performance of such official's official duties, such person:

• Threatens or causes harm to such election official or members of such election official's family;

• Uses force, threats, or deception against or toward such election official or members of such election official's family;

• Attempts to induce, influence, or pressure an election official or members of an election official's family to violate Missouri election law;

• Engages in conduct reasonably calculated to harass or alarm such election official or such election official's family, including stalking;

• Disseminates through any means, including by posting on the internet, the personal information of an election official or any member of an election official's family.

The offense of tampering with an election official shall be a class one election offense, punished by imprisonment of not more than five years or by fine of not less than two thousand five hundred dollars but not more than ten thousand dollars or by both such imprisonment and fine. If a violation of this provision results in death or bodily injury to an election official or a member of the official's family, the offense shall be a class B felony.

This provision is identical to a provision in SB 926 (2024), substantially similar to a provision in SCS/SB 346 (2023) and similar to a provision in HCS/HB 1525 (2024), a provision in HB 2052 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 2140 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 2895 (2024), and a provision in HCS/HB 2206 (2024).

SCOTT SVAGERA

CLOSED PRIMARIES

Under current law, at each primary election voters are entitled to pick any ballot among the various established political parties, regardless of their political party affiliation or unaffiliation. This act stipulates that voters are only entitled to cast a ballot in the primary of the political party with which they are affiliated, according to their voter registration.

The act permits voters to change political party affiliation at any time, provided that changes made less than 23 weeks prior to the primary election will not take effect until after such election has taken place. Any person who has not previously registered to vote in Missouri and who registers to vote after the last day to change party affiliation but before the last day to register to vote may vote in the primary election if the person chooses a political party affiliation or unaffiliation upon registering to vote.

Any person registered to vote prior to the effective date of this act shall be considered to be unaffiliated with a political party unless the person votes in the primary election held in August 2026, in which case the election authority must change the person's voter registration to reflect that the ballot chosen by the person is the political party with which the person is affiliated.

The act requires that any person who files a declaration of candidacy as a party candidate for nomination or election to any office must be affiliated with that political party no later than twenty-three weeks prior to the last Tuesday in February (the opening of candidate filing) immediately preceding the primary election in question. Likewise, any person running as an independent candidate or as the candidate for a new party shall be registered as unaffiliated as of the same deadline.

Current law allows party nominating committees of any established political party to select a party candidate under certain situations. This act requires any candidate selected by the committee to be affiliated with such party.

These provisions are substantially similar to SB 1140 (2024), HB 1410 (2024), SB 392 (2023), SB 240 (2023), HB 31 (2023), SB 907 (2022), SB 154 (2021), HB 1450 (2022), SB 571 (2020), HB 1258 (2020), HB 1639 (2020), SB 109 (2019), and HCS/HBs 26 & 922 (2019).

PARTISAN LOCAL ELECTIONS

This act also modifies provisions relating to the conduct of local elections. Current law provides that municipal offices are elected on a nonpartisan basis. This act requires all candidates for offices in cities, towns, villages, and townships to declare a political party affiliation when filing for office. This provision is identical to SB 202 (2023), HB 1203 (2023), and SB 1049 (2022) and similar to HB 1640 (2022) and SB 414 (2021).

SCOTT SVAGERA

Additionally, this act provides that a person shall be guilty of the offense of unlawful posting of certain information over the internet when the person posts personal information of an employee of an election authority or personal information of his or her family members.

This act is identical to SB 1235 (2024) and SB 643 (2023).

KATIE O'BRIEN

PRECINCT CODES (Sections 115.008 and 115.283)

The act requires the Secretary of State (SOS) to establish a unique identification coding system for all precincts in the state resulting in unique identification codes for each precinct in the state. Such system shall be based upon the Federal Information Processing Standards codes issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Election authorities shall be responsible for implementing the unique identification coding system for all precincts within its jurisdiction in compliance with the format set out by the SOS. Additionally, all statements that are attached to an absentee ballot envelope shall contain the precinct code that corresponds to the voter's voting address.

VOTER REGISTRATION LIST PUBLISHED (Section 115.157)

The act requires the SOS to publish a voter registration list on the Secretary's website containing only the following information for each person registered to vote as of the 4th Wednesday prior to the election: unique voter identification numbers, voters' names, year of birth, addresses, townships or wards, and precincts. Such list shall be published not later than the 3rd Wednesday prior to the election.

ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEM STANDARDS (Section 115.225)

The act modifies the standards for electronic voting systems to be approved by the SOS. Specifically, electronic voting systems must be developed, owned, and maintained by a business entity registered in the United States and owned by United States citizens. If the business entity is publicly held, the board of directors and the majority stockholders shall be United States citizens. The business entity shall not be a subsidiary of any multinational firm and shall have its principal place of business located within the United States.

Additionally, any software, or hardware containing software or firmware, used in an electronic voting system in this state shall have the full corresponding source code, as that term is defined in the act, of the software or firmware made publicly available by the SOS at no cost, upon request of any resident or citizen of this state. The full corresponding source code provided shall exactly match the code necessary to recreate any object code currently being used or deployed by the state or any of its political subdivisions for election tabulation purposes. Additionally, the full corresponding source code for any software or firmware used for election tabulation purposes in prior elections shall be retained by the SOS and made available upon request for a period of 10 years after the certification of the results of the relevant election.

These provisions are effective January 1, 2030.

These provisions are similar to SB 816 (2024).

DELIVERY OF VOTE ABSTRACTS (Section 115.507)

Current law requires verification boards to deliver to the Secretary of State the abstract of votes given in its jurisdiction by polling place or precinct for each primary and general election. This act requires the abstract to include both regular votes and absentee votes aggregated together and additionally requires reporting to be based solely by precinct.

SCOTT SVAGERA

The Secretary of State shall prepare materials regarding voter registration to be distributed at each voter registration activity conducted pursuant to the provisions of the act.

Each school district and charter school shall file a report regarding voter registration activities with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education by December 31 of each year.

OLIVIA SHANNON

This act is substantially similar to SB 1120 (2024), SB 1480 (2024), HCS/HB 1525 (2024), HB 2618 (2024), HCS/HB 2895 (2024), SB 602 (2023), HB 267 (2023), HB 347 (2023), HB 738 (2023) and certain provisions in CCS/HS/HCS/SS#2/SCS/SB 96 (2023).

SCOTT SVAGERA

Only the office of the election authority is permitted to contact voters pursuant to this act.

Voters have until the close of polls on election day to supply missing information on the absentee ballot envelope. If a voter fails to supply the missing information prior to that time, the absentee ballot shall be rejected.

Current law permits election authorities to prepare absentee ballots for tabulation not earlier than the fifth day prior to the election. This act repeals the five day limitation and permits preparation of absentee ballots for tabulation upon receipt.

The act repeals a provision stipulating that absentee ballots that are received by an LEA in person are deemed cast when received prior to election day and absentee ballots that are received through a common carrier are deemed cast when received prior to the closing of polls. Furthermore, the repealed provision provides that absentee ballots received by the LEA through a common carrier such as the United States Postal Service are required to be received prior to the time fixed by law for the closing of polls on election day.

This act is substantially similar to SB 210 (2023), HB 1184 (2023) and similar to SB 149 (2023), HB 864 (2023), SB 900 (2022), and SB 266 (2021).

SCOTT SVAGERA

SCOTT SVAGERA

OLIVIA SHANNON

This act is substantially similar to HB 1883 (2024).

SCOTT SVAGERA

In addition to any civil penalties provided by law, a person identified in a disclaimer required by law as paying for, sponsoring, or approving any media covered by this act that is required to contain the disclaimer prescribed in this act and who fails to include the required disclaimer is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

SCOTT SVAGERA

(1) Communication in a legislative, executive, judicial, administrative, or other governmental proceeding;

(2) Communication on an issue under consideration or review in a legislative, executive, judicial, administrative, or other governmental proceeding; or

(3) Exercise of the right of freedom of speech or of the press, the right to assemble or petition, or the right of association, guaranteed by the United States Constitution or the Missouri Constitution, on a matter of public concern.

However, this act shall not apply to a cause of action asserted:

(1) Against a governmental unit, as described in the act, or an employee or agent of a governmental unit acting in an official capacity;

(2) By a governmental unit or an employee or agent of a governmental unit acting in an official capacity to enforce a law to protect against an imminent threat to public health or safety; or

(3) Against a person primarily engaged in the business of selling or leasing goods or services if the cause of action arises out of a communication related to the sale or lease of such goods or services.

No later than 60 days after a party is served with a complaint, cross-claim, counterclaim, third-party claim, or other pleading that asserts a cause of action covered by this act, or at a later time upon a showing of good cause, a party may file a special motion to dismiss. The court shall hear and rule on such motion no later than 60 days after the filing of the motion, unless the court orders a later hearing to allow for limited discovery or upon good cause. However, this act provides that the court shall hear and rule on the motion for dismissal no later than 60 days after the order allowing for discovery.

This act provides that all other proceedings between the moving party and the responding party in the action, including discovery and any pending hearings or motions, shall be stayed upon the filing of the special motion to dismiss. Additionally, this act provides that the court may stay, upon motion by the moving party, a hearing or motion involving another party or discovery by another party if a ruling on such hearing or motion or discovery relates to a legal or factual issue.

Any stay pursuant to this act shall remain in effect until the entry of an order ruling on the special motion to dismiss and the expiration of the time to appeal the order. A moving party may appeal an order denying the special motion to dismiss in whole or in part within 21 days of such order. If a party appeals an order ruling on a special motion to dismiss, this act provides that all proceedings between all parties shall be stayed until the conclusion of the appeal.

The court may allow discovery if a party shows that specific information is necessary to establish whether a party has satisfied or failed to satisfy the requirements of this act and such information is not reasonably available without discovery. Additionally, a motion for costs and expenses, voluntary dismissal, or a motion to sever shall not be stayed. During a stay, the court upon good cause may hear and rule on any motions unrelated to the special motion to dismiss and any motions seeking a special or preliminary injunction to protect against an imminent threat to public health or safety.

In ruling on a special motion to dismiss, this act provides that the court shall consider the parties' pleadings, the motion, any replies and responses to the motion, and any evidence that could be considered in a ruling on a motion for summary judgment. The court shall dismiss the cause of action with prejudice if:

(1) The moving party has established that the cause of action is covered by this act;

(2) The responding party has failed to establish that this act does not apply to the cause of action; and

(3) Either the responding party failed to establish a prima facie case as to each essential element of the cause of action, or the moving party has established that the responding party failed to state a cause of action upon which relief can be granted or that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.

A voluntary dismissal without prejudice of a cause of action that is subject to a special motion to dismiss pursuant to this act shall not affect the moving party's right to obtain a ruling on the motion and seek costs, reasonable attorneys' fees, and reasonable litigation expenses. Additionally, if the moving party prevails on the motion, this act provides that such costs, fees, and expenses shall be awarded to the moving party. A voluntary dismissal with prejudice of a cause of action that is subject to a special motion to dismiss establishes that the moving party prevailed on the motion. The responding party shall be entitled to such costs, fees, and expenses if the responding party prevails on the motion and the court finds that the motion was frivolous or filed solely with the intent to delay the proceeding.

Finally, this act applies to causes of action filed or asserted on or after August 28, 2025.

This act is identical to SB 1293 (2024) and is substantially similar to provisions in SB 352 (2025), in HB 83 (2025), in SCS/SB 897 (2024), HB 1785 (2024), in SCS/HCS/HB 2064 & HCS#2/HB 1886 (2024), in CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SB 72 (2023), SB 432 (2023), HB 750 (2023), SB 1219 (2022), in HCS/SS#2/SCS/SB 968 (2022), HB 2624 (2022), and HB 1151 (2021).

KATIE O'BRIEN