NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice

Priority: High (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)

HB255 - Rep. LaKeySha Bosley (D) - Establishes the "Missouri Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act"
Summary: This bill establishes the "Missouri Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act". Any hospital, clinic, or other health care facility that provides perinatal care, as defined in the bill, is required to implement an evidence-based implicit bias program for all health care providers involved in the perinatal care of patients within those facilities. The bill specifies what should be included in any implicit bias program.

This bill also requires the Department of Health and Senior Services to track data on severe maternal morbidity, as well as to track data on pregnancy-related deaths, and both should include, but not be limited to, the conditions specified in the bill. The data collected should be published at least once every three years after it has been aggregated by state regions and disaggregated by racial and ethnic identity.

Furthermore, the bill requires that information entered into the electronic death registration system include information indicating whether the decedent was pregnant at the time of death, or within a year prior to the death, if known.

The bill also requires hospitals to provide each patient, upon admission or as soon thereafter as reasonably practical, written information regarding the rights of the patient, as specified in the bill. If a hospital chooses to include this information along with existing notices to the patient regarding patient rights, any newly required information must be provided when the hospital exhausts its existing inventory of written materials and prints new written materials.

This bill is similar to HB 1599 (2024) and HB 2879 (2023).
Position: Support (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
01/09/2025 
H - Read Second Time
HB328 - Rep. Tim Taylor (R) - Changes the law regarding firearm concealed carry permits
Summary: COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass with HCS" by the Standing Committee on General Laws by a vote of 10 to 4.

The following is a summary of the House Committee Substitute for HB 328.

Currently, it is a crime to board a bus with a dangerous or deadly weapon or carry such a weapon in a terminal.

This bill allows a concealed carry permit holder to lawfully carry firearms on public transportation. Individuals with a permit can also carry a firearm while traveling by bus. This bill does not apply to property of Amtrak or any partnership in which Amtrak engages.

The bill expands the listed items that satisfy the requirement that an applicant for a concealed carry permit demonstrate knowledge of firearms safety training to include, for active duty military service members, receipt of a pistol marksmanship recognition.

Currently, an applicant is not eligible for a concealed carry permit or a Missouri lifetime or extended concealed carry permit if the applicant has pled guilty to, entered a plea of nolo contendere, or been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment of a term exceeding one year or has pled guilty to or entered a plea of nolo contendere to one or more misdemeanor offenses involving crimes of violence within a five-year period immediately preceding application for the permit. This bill removes the ban on eligibility for a concealed carry permit or a Missouri lifetime or extended concealed carry permit if the applicant has pled guilty to or entered a plea of nolo contendere for such crimes.

The bill lowers the age requirement from at least 19 to 18 years of age or older for concealed carry permits.

The bill repeals the prohibition on the concealed carrying of firearms in churches and other places of worship by a person with a valid concealed carry permit.

This bill is similar to HB 1708 (2024).

The following is a summary of the public testimony from the committee hearing. The testimony was based on the introduced version of the bill. PROPONENTS: Supporters say that this bill provides the base level of safety for our citizens. There are a lot of public spaces that leave people vulnerable. Supporters further say that otherwise law-abiding citizens should have the right to carry a gun in all public places. If someone is a legal gun owner, but then enters onto a public bus, the moment they get on the bus, they are in violation of criminal law. Supporters further point out that "gun free zones" often have the highest rates of gun deaths.

Testifying in person for the bill were Representative Taylor; Marcos Zelada-Rodas; Arnie Dienoff; Susan Myers; and Carl Smart.

OPPONENTS: Those who oppose the bill say that there is no evidence that the increase in the number of guns in one space results in less gun activity, like a gun fight. Gun violence can happen not just on a public bus, but also in the area in which they are depart the bus. Opponents further say that currently, each individual church can choose to allow concealed carry, but that this bill will essentially force all churches to accept guns on their premises. As a result, this bill would allow more rights to a casino or liquor store than to a church.

Testifying in person against the bill were Brian Kaylor, Word&Way; Missouri Public Transit Association; Monica Lee; Kansas City Area Transportation Authority; The City of St. Louis; City Utilities of Springfield; City of Kansas City, KC Chamber of Commerce, Civic Council of Greater Kansas City; and Anastasia Ross, Moms Demand Action.



Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Position: Oppose (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
03/06/2025 
H - Reported Do Pass as substituted - House-General Laws
HB363 - Rep. Justin Sparks (R) - Modifies and establishes provisions relating to the use of self-defense
Summary: Currently, a defendant in a criminal proceeding claiming self defense has the burden to prove he or she reasonably believed physical or deadly force was necessary to protect him or herself or a third person.

This bill provides that there will instead be a presumption of reasonableness that the defendant believed such force was necessary to defend him or herself or a third person. The defendant can raise a claim of self-defense during a pre-trial hearing in either a criminal or civil case, and shift the burden on the party seeking to overcome the immunity by proof of clear and convincing evidence.

The bill also specifies that a person who uses or threatens to use force in self-defense is immune from criminal prosecution and civil action for the use of such force, unless specified exceptions apply. A law enforcement agency may use standard procedures for investigating the use or threatened use of force, but the agency may not arrest the person for using or threatening to use force unless the agency determines that there is probable cause that the force that was used or threatened was unlawful.

Finally, the bill repeals provisions relating to civil remedies that are unaffected by criminal provisions of self-defense law.

This bill is the same as HB 2559 (2024) and HB 486 (2023).
Position: Oppose (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
01/09/2025 
H - Read Second Time
HB470 - Rep. Jo Doll (D) - Creates provisions relating to perinatal care
Summary: This bill requires health care professionals that provide maternity health care services to, through the use of a validated and evidence-based verbal screening tool, screen for mental disorders and mental illnesses in all pregnant women as early as possible at the onset of prenatal care and throughout the pregnancy. The Department of Health and Senior Services must establish guidelines for this purpose and make them available on its website.

Any pregnant woman found to have a mental disorder or mental illness will be provided or referred for treatment. The Department must establish a perinatal navigator program for the purpose of engaging pregnant women in early prenatal care and providing referral for wraparound services and home visiting programs in the local community.

This bill is similar to HB 1915 (2024).
Position: Support (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
01/09/2025 
H - Read Second Time
HB595 - Rep. Chris Brown (R) - Prohibits local governments from requiring private property owners to accept Section 8 vouchers
Summary: HCS HBs 595 & 343 -- LOCAL GOVERNMENT ORDINANCES FOR RENTAL PROPERTY (Brown (16))

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Commerce

This bill specifies that no county or city can enact, maintain, or enforce any ordinance or resolution that:

(1) Prohibits landlords from refusing to lease or rent certain residential or commercial rental property to a person because the person's source of income includes aid from a federal or other housing assistance program.

(2) Restricts a landlord's ability to use or consider income- qualifying methods, credit reports, eviction or property damage history or criminal history, or to request such information in order to determine whether to rent or lease a property to a prospective tenant;

(3) Limits the amount of security deposit required from a tenant; or

(4) Requires tenants to automatically receive the right of first refusal.

This bill allows the county or city to enter into voluntary agreements with private persons to regulate the amount of rent charged for subsidized rental properties.
Position: Oppose (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
03/10/2025 
S - Voted Do Pass - Senate-Local Government, Elections, and Pensions
HB890 - Rep. Tiffany Price (D) - Creates provisions relating to health insurance reimbursement of doula services
Summary: This bill creates a registration process to allow health insurance reimbursement of doula services.

The bill defines the term "doula" as an individual who has been trained to provide physical, emotional, and educational support, but not medical or midwifery care, to pregnant and birthing women and their families before, during, and after childbirth.

The Department of Health and Senior Services is required to create the criteria for doula registration applications. In creating the criteria the Department must consult with relevant organizations that support access to community-based doula services, as specified in the bill.

The Department must review and approve doula registrations to allow for health insurance reimbursement of these services and maintain a statewide registry of approved doulas.

This bill does not require a person to register as a doula under these provisions if he or she does not want to be eligible for health insurance reimbursement.

This bill is similar to HB 1446 (2024).
Position: Support (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
01/15/2025 
H - Read Second Time
HB995 - Rep. Jeff Knight (R) - Modifies provisions governing lead in school drinking water
Summary: COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Conservation and Natural Resources by a vote of 10 to 0.

Currently there are two Missouri statutes that address lead contamination in school water.

This bill modifies the "Get the Lead Out of School Drinking Water Act" and the definitions of "drinking water outlet" and "remediation". A "drinking water outlet" now includes outlets that are used for cleaning cooking or eating utensils and "remediation" now excludes flushing and adds filtering the water.

The bill requires that lead filters met the standards set by the Department of Natural Resources and allow for the removal of a water outlet from service as an option if lead contamination is discovered.

This bill specifies that if all drinking water outlets in a school have test results of less than five parts per billion for lead, the school is only required to be tested every five years.

The bill repeals provisions regarding school districts serving students under first grade that were constructed before 1996.

PROPONENTS: Supporters say that this bill combines the two statutes currently in law relating to lead testing for water in schools and will provide clarity to those how have to implement the program.

Testifying in person for the bill were Representative Knight; Arnie C. Dienoff; and Ben Terrell, Department of Health & Senior Services.

OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.



Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Position: Support (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
03/13/2025 
H - Scheduled for Committee Hearing - 03/25/2025, 9:00 AM - House-Rules-Administrative, HR 4
HB1214 - Rep. Ben Baker (R) - Modifies provisions relating to the carrying of firearms on public transportation systems
Summary: Currently, a person is prohibited from carrying a weapon in or on any bus or train, or certain facilities, belonging to the public mass transportation system know as the Bi-State Development Agency, expect for law enforcement personnel.

This bill gives a person who is lawfully carrying a concealed firearm with a valid permit full access and use of any publicly funded transportation system and prevents such a person from being harassed or detained for carrying concealed firearms on the property, vehicles, or conveyances owned, contracted, or leased by such transportation systems that are accessible to the public. This will include portions of a public transportation system provided through a contract with a private entity but excludes any corporation that provides intercity passenger train service.

This bill is the same as SB 77 (2025).
Position: Oppose (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
02/13/2025 
H - Referred to committee - House-General Laws
HB1374 - Rep. Bennie Cook (R) - Modifies provisions relating to self-defense
Summary: Currently, a person may use deadly force against a person who unlawfully enters or attempts to unlawfully enter a dwelling, residence, or vehicle lawfully occupied by the person using deadly force. This bill specifies that a person may also use deadly force against a person who unlawfully enters a place of employment, retail establishment, or other place of business in which the individual using the force has a right to be.

Additionally, a person has no duty to retreat from a place of employment where the person is not unlawfully entering or remaining.

This bill is the same as HB 2907 and SB 783 (2024).
Position: Oppose (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
02/27/2025 
H - Referred to committee - House-Crime and Public Safety
SB77 - Sen. Adam Schnelting (R) - Modifies provisions relating to the carrying of firearms on public transit systems
Summary: SS/SB 77 - This act modifies provisions relating to weapons.

WEAPONS ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION (Sections 70.441, 571.107, 577.703, and 577.712)

Under current law, a person is prohibited from boarding a bus with a dangerous or deadly weapon or from carrying such a weapon into any bus terminal. In addition, weapons may not be carried on any facility or conveyance used for a public transportation system of the Bi-State Development Agency.

This act provides that a person carrying a concealed firearm who possesses a valid concealed carry permit or endorsement shall not be prohibited from accessing or using any public transportation system. The person may not be harassed or detained for carrying a concealed firearm on the property, vehicles, or conveyances owned, contracted, or leased by such systems that are accessible to the public.

These provisions are identical to SB 1166 (2024), SB 224 (2023), and to provisions in the perfected HB 282 (2023) and HB 1462 (2022) and similar to provisions in SB 804 (2022).

CARRYING OF WEAPONS BY ATTORNEY GENERAL AND STAFF (Section 571.030.2(10))

This act adds the Attorney General and staff of the Attorney General to an exception to the offense of unlawful use of a weapon.

CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT ELIGIBILITY (Sections 571.030, 571.101, 571.117, 571.205, 571.225)

This act lowers, from 19 to 18, the age at which a person may obtain a concealed carry permit, and makes a corresponding modification to a provision relating to the unlawful use of weapons.

These provisions are identical to SB 700 (2025).

WEAPONS IN PLACES OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP (Sections 571.107 and 571.215)

This act repeals language specifying CCW permits do not allow a CCW holder to carry a weapon into a place of religious worship without the consent of the minister or religious organization that exercises control over the place of worship. (Sections 571.107.1(14) and 571.215.1(14)).

These provisions are identical to provisions in HB 328 (2025) and provisions in HCS/HB 1708 (2024).

FIREARM SAFETY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY CCW APPLICANTS (Section 571.111)

This act allows qualified firearm safety instructors to issue a certificate of firearms safety training course completion to CCW applicants who are active duty military, present proof the applicant received one of certain marksmanship qualifications, and have passed certain requirements of the standard 8-hour CCW course in a course not restricted by hours.

These provisions are identical to provisions in HB 328 (2025) and provisions in HCS/HB 1708 (2024).

ERIC VANDER WEERD

Position: Oppose (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
03/12/2025 
S - Placed on Informal Calendar
SB122 - Sen. Jason Bean (R) - Modifies provisions relating to self-defense
Summary: SB 122 - Under current law, a person may use deadly force against a person who unlawfully enters or attempts to unlawfully enter a dwelling, residence, or vehicle lawfully occupied by such person. This act adds that a person may also use deadly force against a person who unlawfully enters a place of employment, retail establishment, or other place of business in which the individual using such force has a right to be.

Additionally, a person has no duty to retreat from a place of employment where the person is not unlawfully entering or remaining.

This act is identical to SB 783 (2024), SB 1146 (2024), SB 262 (2023), SB 1134 (2022), and HB 2679 (2022).

KATIE O'BRIEN

Position: Oppose (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
01/23/2025 
S - Referred to committee - Senate-Transportation, Infrastructure, and Public Safety
SB147 - Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R) - Modifies provisions relating to public safety
Summary: SB 147 - This act modifies provisions relating to public safety.

POSSESSION OF FIREARM BY AN EMPLOYEE (Section 290.148)

This act provides that no employer shall discharge or otherwise terminate any employee on the basis of such employee having a firearm in the employee's vehicle.

Additionally, an employer shall not be civilly liable for any injuries or damages resulting from the use of firearms that are stored in compliance with this act.

This provision is identical to a provision in SB 1117 (2024) and HB 28 (2023).

PRESUMPTION OF REASONABLENESS (Section 563.031)

Under current law, a person may use deadly force against a person who unlawfully enters or attempts to unlawfully enter a dwelling, residence, or vehicle lawfully occupied by such person. This act adds that a person may also use deadly force against a person who unlawfully enters a place of employment, retail establishment, or other place of business in which the individual using such force has a right to be.

Additionally, under current law, the defendant has the burden to prove he or she reasonably believed physical or deadly force was necessary to protect him or herself or a third person.

This act provides that there shall be a presumption of reasonableness that the defendant believed such force was necessary to defend him or herself or a third person.

This provision is identical to a provision in SB 1117 (2024), SB 771 (2024), SB 43 (2023), SB 262 (2023), SB 1134 (2022), HB 2679 (2022), SB 104 (2022), and SB 666 (2022).

IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY (Section 563.085 & 563.016)

This act provides that a person who uses or threatens to use force in self-defense is immune from criminal prosecution and civil action for the use of such force, unless such force was used against a law enforcement officer who was acting in the performance of his or her official duties and the person reasonably knew or should have known that the person was a law enforcement officer.

Additionally, a law enforcement agency may use standard procedures for investigating the use or threatened use of force, but the agency may not arrest the person for using or threatening to use force unless the agency determines that there is probable cause that the force that was used or threatened was unlawful.

This act provides that the defendant can raise a claim of self-defense during a pre-trial hearing in either a criminal or civil case which shall shift the burden on the party seeking to overcome the immunity by proof of clear and convincing evidence.

Finally, this act repeals provisions relating to civil remedies that are unaffected by criminal provisions of self-defense law.

This provision is identical to a provision in SB 1117 (2024), SB 771 (2024), SB 43 (2023), SB 104 (2022), and SB 666 (2022).

FEDERAL AND STATE FIREARM LAWS (Sections 571.010 & 571.020)

This act repeals provisions relating to the definition of "rifle" and repeals provisions relating to references to federal law.

Additionally, this act provides that a person does not commit the offense of knowingly possessing or selling a firearm if he or she was acting lawfully according to any state law.

Finally, this act repeals the prohibition on the possession and selling of brass knuckles.

These provisions are identical to provisions in SB 1117 (2024), the perfected HCS/HB 301 (2023), and HB 1223 (2022).

UNLAWFUL USE OF CONCEALED WEAPONS (SECTION 571.030)

Under this act, unless a person is issued a valid concealed carry permit, a person commits the offense of unlawful use of a weapon if a person knowingly carries a concealed weapon into:

• Any public higher education institution without the consent of the governing body of the institution;

• Any public elementary or secondary school facility without the consent of a school officials or the district school board, unless the person is a designated school protection officer;

• Any school bus or on any premises of any school sponsored function, unless the weapon is possessed by an adult and is required in order to facilitate the school sanctioned firearm event;

• Any police, sheriff, or highway patrol station without the consent of the chief law enforcement officer of that station;

• Any jail, prison, or correctional institution;

• Any building that is solely occupied by a court, except certain certified law enforcement officers and any person who has a valid concealed carry permit and consent of the presiding judge;

• Any meeting, including committee meeting, of the General Assembly, unless the person carrying the firearm has a valid concealed carry permit;

• Any area of an airport that is controlled by a search of a person and their property;

• Anywhere carrying a firearm is prohibited by federal law;

• Any private property where the owner has posted certain signs stating the property is off-limits to concealed firearms; and

• Any arena or stadium with a seating capacity of five thousand or more that is managed or leased by a private entity.

This act repeals provisions prohibiting the possession of a concealed firearm in places of worship, any election precinct on any election day, and certain buildings owned or occupied by the state and federal government, or any political subdivision. This act also decriminalizes the offense of carrying a concealed weapon onto any private property without consent of the owner.

Finally, this act provides that the offense of unlawful use of a concealed weapon does not include the storage of a firearm in a vehicle, except where prohibited by federal law, so long as the firearm remains stored in the vehicle and is not at anytime brandished.

This provision is identical to a provision in SB 1117 (2024), SB 566 (2023), and HB 2666 (2023) and substantially similar to SB 752 (2022), SB 117 (2021), SB 663 (2020), SB 121 (2019), HB 258 (2019), HB 1936 (2018), and HB 630 (2017).

BUSINESS LIABILITY (Section 571.069)

This act provides that any business whose annual gross volume sales made is more than $500,000 that elects to prohibit the possession of firearms on its premises shall assume custodial responsibility for the safety of any person authorized to carry firearms while on the premises of the business. This includes the explicit duty to guard such persons against criminal or harmful acts committed by a third party, including trespassers, employees, customers, or other invitees of the business.

If a person authorized to carry a firearm suffers bodily injury, death, or property damage, the person shall have a cause of action against the business. The plaintiff shall be entitled to actual damages, attorney's fees, and other court costs if he or she proves by the preponderance of the evidence that the business's prohibition of firearms was the proximate cause of the damages. The plaintiff has two years from the date of the damage to bring a claim.

Finally, a business shall have immunity from liability if the business elects to allow invitees and employees to lawfully possess firearms on its premises.

This provision is identical to a provision in SB 1117 (2024) and substantially similar to SB 225 (2023) and HB 2538 (2023).

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONCEALED CARRY PERMITS (Sections 571.101, 571.104, 571.210, & 571.205)

Under current law, an applicant for a concealed carry permit shall submit his or her application to the sheriff of the county or city in which the applicant resides. Additionally, if the applicant changes residency he or she must notify the sheriff of his or her new residency within 30 days of the change of address.

This act repeals those provisions and provides that an applicant can submit his or her application to any sheriff in this state.

Finally, if a concealed carry permit expires during a declared state of emergency, the permit shall continue to be valid until the state of emergency has been rescinded.

This provision is identical to a provision in SB 1117 (2024).

CONCEALED CARRY PERMITS (SECTION 571.107 & 571.215)

This act repeals provisions that prohibit someone with a valid concealed carry permit from carrying a concealed weapon in the following locations:

• Any polling place on any election day;

• Any meeting of the governing body of a unit of local government or the General Assembly;

• Any establishment that serves intoxicating liquors;

• Any higher education institution;

• Any portion of a building that has a child care facility;

• Any riverboat gambling facility;

• Any gated amusement park;

• Any church or other place of religious worship; and

• Any hospital accessible to the public.

This provision is identical to a provision in SB 1117 (2024), SB 566 (2023), and HB 2666 (2023) and substantially similar to SB 752 (2022), SB 117 (2021), SB 663 (2020), SB 121 (2019), HB 258 (2019), HB 1936 (2018), and HB 630 (2017).

PUBLIC EMPLOYEES WITH CONCEALED CARRY PERMITS(SECTION 571.108 and 571.109)

This act prohibits the state or any county, municipality or other political subdivision from imposing any ordinance, rule, policy, contractual agreement, or employment agreement restricting an employee with a valid concealed carry permit from carrying a concealed weapon.

Additionally, no public higher education institution shall impose any contractual requirement upon any employee or student that generally prohibits or has the effect of generally prohibiting the lawful possession of firearms by such persons or impose any tax or fee on the lawful possession of firearms.

This provision is identical to a provision in SB 1117 (2024), SB 566 (2023), and HB 2666 (2023) and substantially similar to SB 752 (2022), SB 117 (2021), SB 663 (2020), SB 121 (2019), HB 258 (2019), HB 1936 (2018), and HB 630 (2017).

WEAPONS IN BUS TERMINALS (SECTIONS 577.703 & 577.712)

Finally, this act repeals the offense of possession and concealment of a dangerous or deadly weapon upon a bus and

repeals provisions that made it unlawful for someone to possess a deadly or dangerous weapon in a bus terminal.

This provision is identical to a provision in SB 1117 (2024), SB 566 (2023) and HB 2666 (2023) and substantially similar to SB 752 (2022), SB 117 (2021), SB 663 (2020), SB 121 (2019), HB 258 (2019), HB 1936 (2018), and HB 630 (2017).

KATIE O'BRIEN

Position: Oppose (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
02/10/2025 
S - Hearing Conducted - Senate-Transportation, Infrastructure, and Public Safety
SB260 - Sen. Barbara Washington (D) - Enacts provisions relating to health insurance coverage of maternity services
Summary: SB 260 - This act requires that certain health benefit plans providing coverage for maternity services shall provide coverage for health care services provided by a midwife, as defined in the act. The act further enacts provisions relating to cost-sharing requirements, requires reimbursement for services lawfully provided by midwives as well as physicians, and specifies that terminology in a health benefit plan subject to the act which is deemed to discriminate against midwifery or to inhibit reimbursement for midwifery services at the in-network rate shall be void and unenforceable. (Section 376.1755).

The act directs the Department of Health and Senior Services to promulgate rules for registration allowing a "doula", as defined in the act, to receive reimbursement for doula services. The act shall not be construed to prohibit any person from practicing as a doula, regardless of registration with the Department. (Section 376.1758).

This act is identical to SB 1238 (2024), SB 1222 (2024), SB 713 (2023), HB 900 (2023), and HB 1148 (2023).

ERIC VANDER WEERD

Position: Support (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
02/13/2025 
S - Referred to committee - Senate-Insurance and Banking
SB363 - Sen. Ben Brown (R) - Modifies provisions relating to self-defense
Summary: SB 363 - This act modifies provisions relating to the use of self-defense.

PRESUMPTION OF REASONABLENESS (Section 563.031)

Under current law, the defendant has the burden to prove he or she reasonably believed physical or deadly force was necessary to protect him or herself or a third person.

This act provides that there shall be a presumption of reasonableness that the defendant believed such force was necessary to defend him or herself or a third person.

This provisions is identical to a provision in SB 771 (2024) and SB 1117 (2024).

IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY (Section 563.085)

This act provides that a person who uses or threatens to use force in self-defense is immune from criminal prosecution and civil action for the use of such force, unless such force was used against a law enforcement officer who was acting in the performance of his or her official duties and the person reasonably knew or should have known that the person was a law enforcement officer.

Additionally, a law enforcement agency may use standard procedures for investigating the use or threatened use of force, but the agency may not arrest the person for using or threatening to use force unless the agency determines that there is probable cause that the force that was used or threatened was unlawful.

This act provides that the defendant can raise a claim of self-defense during a pre-trial hearing in either a criminal or civil case which shall shift the burden on the party seeking to overcome the immunity by proof of clear and convincing evidence.

Finally, this act repeals provisions relating to civil remedies that are unaffected by criminal provisions of self-defense law.

This provision is identical to a provision in SB 771 (2024), SB 1117 (2024), SB 43 (2023), SB 104 (2022), and SB 666 (2022).

KATIE O'BRIEN

Position: Oppose (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
02/17/2025 
S - Referred to committee - Senate-Transportation, Infrastructure, and Public Safety
SB376 - Sen. Barbara Washington (D) - Creates a health advocate program in the Department of Health and Senior Services
Summary: SB 376 - This act requires the Department of Health and Senior Services to establish a health advocate program for eligible pregnant patients who request a health advocate for the duration of their pregnancy in order to navigate the health care system and communicate with the health care professionals providing health care to the patient. The health advocate shall assess the needs of the patient, prepare a birthing plan, be present in the birthing room or on call during the birthing process, advocate for the patient, and document any conflict between the patient, health care professionals, and the patient's family members. The Department shall raise awareness about the program as described in the act. Finally, this act creates the "Health Advocate Program Fund".

This act is substantially similar to SB 1240 (2024), SB 715 (2023), and HB 1234 (2023).

SARAH HASKINS

Position: Support (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
02/17/2025 
S - Referred to committee - Senate-Families, Seniors and Health
SB507 - Sen. Nick Schroer (R) - Provides that counties and cities shall not enact, maintain, or enforce certain ordinances relating to landlords and tenants
Summary: SB 507 - This act provides that no county or city shall enact, maintain, or enforce any ordinance or resolution that:

(1) Prohibits landlords from refusing to lease or rent a privately-owned, single family or multiple-unit residential or commercial rental property to a person because his or her lawful source of income includes a federal housing assistance program funding;

(2) Prohibits landlords from using income-qualifying methods, credit scores, credit reports, or eviction or property damage history, or requesting such information to determine whether to rent or lease a property to a prospective tenant;

(3) Prohibits landlords from requesting criminal records from a prospective tenant;

(4) Limits the amount of money for a security deposit; or

(5) Requires tenants to automatically receive the right of first refusal.

This act is identical to HB 343 (2025) and is similar to SCS/HB 2385 (2024).

KATIE O'BRIEN

Position: Oppose (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
03/11/2025 
S - Voted Do Pass - Senate-General Laws
SB581 - Sen. Mike Henderson (R) - Repeals and modifies provisions relating to lead testing in schools
Summary: SB 581 - This act repeals and modifies provisions relating to lead testing in schools.

The act provides that a school may filter water to reduce lead levels when the water supply is the source of lead contamination. The act prohibits a school from using flushing practices to reduce lead levels as part of the school's remediation plan.

The act specifies that a filter used to reduce lead levels in a school's drinking water supply shall be installed in accordance with any relevant requirements set forth by the Department of Natural Resources.

The act adds removal of a drinking water outlet from service to the list of steps a school may take if testing shows that the building's plumbing is causing lead contamination.

The act repeals a provision exempting school buildings constructed after January 4, 2014, from the requirement to install, maintain, or replace filters.

Finally, the act repeals provisions relating to testing for lead in school buildings constructed before 1996.

OLIVIA SHANNON

Position: Support (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
03/13/2025 
S - Referred to committee - Senate-Education

Priority: Medium (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)

HB256 - Rep. LaKeySha Bosley (D) - Creates provisions relating to maternal care
Summary: This bill requires the Department of Health and Senior Services to establish a fetal and infant mortality review process in which all local public health agencies may voluntarily participate. A local public health agency that participates in the fetal and infant mortality review process established by the Department would annually investigate, track, and review at least 20% of the jurisdiction's cases of term infants who were born following labor with the outcome of intrapartum stillbirth, early neonatal death, or postneonatal death, focusing on demographic groups that are disproportionately impacted by infant death. A jurisdiction that has less than five deaths in a year must investigate at least one death. The Department must also provide grief counseling to surviving family members.

This bill creates the "Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Fund". The Fund will consist of money appropriated by the General Assembly, as well as gifts, contributions, grants, or bequests.

Currently, the Department has a "Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review Board" which collects data, consults with experts and analyzes cases regarding child mortality. The Board also examines racial and social disparities in maternal deaths. The Board compiles the data and creates a report that is sent to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Board also reports the findings to policy makers.

This bill adds additional duties regarding tracking and examining disparities experienced by lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and gender-nonconforming individuals and reporting findings, to the extent possible. This bill also requires the Board to consult with pertinent surviving family members or support people present with direct knowledge of, or involvement in, the event, including the patient in cases of severe maternal morbidity.

The bill also requires the Department to contract with programs that train certified nurse midwives and programs that train professional midwives in accordance with the global standards for midwifery education and the international definition of the term "midwife" as established by the International Confederation of Midwives in order to increase the number of students receiving quality education and training as a certified nurse midwife or as a professional midwife. This bill creates the "Midwifery Education Fund" to be used for these provisions.

This bill is similar to HB 1600 (2024) and HB 1192 (2023).
Position: Support (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
01/09/2025 
H - Read Second Time
HB315 - Rep. Bennie Cook (R) - Prohibits temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) benefit cards from being used at ATMs or to access cash, and limits the items that may be purchased with TANF benefits
Summary: This bill modifies the law regarding the use of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits via electronic benefit transfer (EBT) transaction. The bill adds pornography to the list of items that are prohibited from being purchased with TANF or SNAP benefits using an EBT card.

The bill requires that upon a first violation of the prohibition against using TANF benefits via an EBT card in a prohibited establishment or to purchase prohibited items, a TANF recipient will be disqualified from receiving benefits for three months; upon a second violation, the recipient will be disqualified for six months; and upon any third or subsequent violation, the recipient will be disqualified for five years. An individual may resume participation in the program at the end of the disqualification period by applying again.

The bill prohibits a recipient of TANF or SNAP from using his or her EBT card at any automated teller machine, to receive cash back on a purchase, or to otherwise access the benefits as cash. If the Department of Social Services determines that a waiver is necessary for implementation of the prohibition, the Department will apply for a waiver from the Federal Department of Health and Human Services.

The bill also repeals provisions regarding pilot projects in certain counties to provide EBT cards to public assistance recipients.

This bill is the same as HB 1560 (2024) and HB 338(2023).
Position: Oppose (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
03/13/2025 
H - Reported Do Pass as substituted - House-Government Efficiency
HB400 - Rep. Phil Amato (R) - Modifies provisions relating to unlawful occupancy on private noncommercial property
Summary: Currently, property owners may file a verified petition in the relevant court to seek relief for removing "unlawful occupants" from property containing a residential dwelling.

This bill expands the petition's coverage to private noncommercial property.

This bill is similar to HCS HB 2896 (2024).
Position: Oppose (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
01/22/2025 
H - Referred to committee - House-Emerging Issues
HB842 - Rep. Tara Peters (R) - Requires MO HealthNet and health benefit plans providing for maternity benefits to cover a home blood pressure monitoring device for pregnant and postpartum women
Summary: This bill provides that MO HealthNet plans providing for maternity benefits must provide coverage for a home blood pressure monitoring device and home blood pressure monitoring device services, as defined in the bill, for pregnant and postpartum women.

Beginning January 1, 2026, all health benefit plans that provide maternity benefits are required to provide coverage for these services.

This bill is similar to SB 539 (2025).
Position: Support (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
02/25/2025 
H - Referred to committee - House-Health and Mental Health
SB39 - Sen. Barbara Washington (D) - Modifies the Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review Board
Summary: SB 39 - This act modifies the "Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review Board" within the Department of Health and Senior Services. Under this act, board membership shall include at least one member from each congressional district and membership shall be demographically diverse, including by race, ethnicity, sex, age, and rural and urban populations. Board members are increased from no more than 18 members to no more than 22 members.

Additionally, the board shall, in its study and review of maternal deaths, consider the level and timing of prenatal and postnatal care, approaches taken in this state and other states to reduce or eliminate racial inequities in maternal deaths, and the adequacy of data collected by the board. Data reported by the board shall be disaggregated by race, ethnicity, language, nationality, age, zip code, and level and timing of prenatal and postnatal care.

This act is identical to SCS/SBs 1357 & 888 (2024) and substantially similar to SCS/SBs 579 & 595 (2023).

SARAH HASKINS

Position: Support (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
01/16/2025 
S - Referred to committee - Senate-Government Efficiency
SB168 - Sen. Jamie Burger (R) - Modifies provisions relating to the removal of persons unlawfully occupying certain property through ex parte orders
Summary: SCS/SB 168 - This act modifies provisions relating to the removal of persons unlawfully occupying property with a residential dwelling through ex parte orders. Specifically, it applies such provisions to property containing a commercial vacant building or property exclusively consisting of vacant land. Additionally, hearings for the ex parte orders shall be held within twenty-four hours, rather than forty-eight hours, of the filing of the verified petition. Furthermore, this act includes procedures for verified petitions filed on evenings, holidays, or weekends.

A violation of an ex parte order for removal of persons unlawfully occupying property covered by this act shall be a class E felony, instead of class A misdemeanor. Additionally, this act provides that the offense of criminal mischief for unlawful detention, occupation, or trespass upon a residential dwelling, commercial vacant building, or vacant land shall be a class E felony, instead of class A misdemeanor.

This act is similar to the perfected HB 2896 (2024) and SS/HB 2062 (2024).

KATIE O'BRIEN

Position: Oppose (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
02/18/2025 
S - Voted Do Pass as substituted - Senate-General Laws
SB539 - Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern (D) - Requires MO HealthNet and health benefit plans providing for maternity benefits to cover a home blood pressure monitoring device and associated services for pregnant and postpartum women
Summary: SB 539 - This act provides that MO HealthNet and health benefit plans providing for maternity benefits shall provide coverage for a home blood pressure monitoring device and home blood pressure monitoring device services, as defined in the act, for pregnant and postpartum women.

This act is similar to SB 498 (2025).

ERIC VANDER WEERD

Position: Support (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
02/27/2025 
S - Referred to committee - Senate-Families, Seniors and Health

Priority: Low (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)

SB130 - Sen. Angela Mosley (D) - Establishes a "Restaurant Meals Program" as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Summary: SB 130 - This act requires the Department of Social Services to establish a "Restaurant Meals Program" as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Under this program, households containing certain elderly, disabled, or homeless individuals shall have the option, in accordance with federal law, to redeem their SNAP benefits at private establishments that contract with the Department to offer meals, including hot food and meals intended for immediate consumption, for eligible persons at concessional prices.

This act is identical to SB 973 (2024), SB 313 (2023), and the perfected SB 798 (2022).

SARAH HASKINS

Position: Support (NAACP: Health and Environmental Justice)
Last Action:
01/23/2025 
S - Referred to committee - Senate-Families, Seniors and Health

Priority: No priority selected.

HB737 - Rep. Melissa Schmidt (R) - Modifies provisions relating to the protection of children
Summary:

HCS HBs 737 & 486 -- PROTECTION OF CHILDREN (Schmidt)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Children and Families

MONEYS HELD BY CHILDREN'S DIVISION FOR A CHILD OR YOUTH (Section 210.560)

This bill specifies that in the case of benefits administered by the Railroad Retirement Board, the Social Security Administration, or the Veterans Administration, the Children's Division is required to determine whether a child or youth in custody of the Division is receiving or otherwise eligible to receive such benefits within 60 days after placement into custody.

The Division is to apply for benefits on behalf of the child or youth, if such child or youth is deemed to be eligible. If benefits are already being received before placement into the Division's custody or the Division applies for benefits on behalf of the child, the Division is responsible for identifying a representative payee and must apply to become such if no other suitable candidate is available.

Any moneys received by the Division and in the account of a child or youth are prohibited from being expended by the Division for certain services or care. However, this bill provides that the Division may use the benefits administered by the Railroad Retirement Board, the Social Security Administration, or the Veterans Administration for the child's or youth's unmet needs, as are defined in the bill, beyond what the Division is required or agrees to pay.

The bill additionally grants the Department of Social Services the ability to enter into contracts to apply for benefits on behalf of a child or youth and to establish accounts on behalf of the child or youth.

PLACEMENT OF A CHILD (Section 211.221)

Currently, when placing a child in the custody of an individual or a private agency or institution, the court must, whenever practicable, select either a person, or an agency or institution governed by persons of the same religious faith as that of the parents of the child, or in case of a difference in the religious faith of the parents, then of the religious faith of the child or if the religious faith of the child is not ascertainable, then of the faith of either of the parents. This bill requires the Children's Division, within the Department of Social Services, or any child-placing agency contracting with the State to provide foster care services to follow the same procedure. ABUSE OR NEGLECT OF A CHILD (Section 210.110, 568.060, and 578.421)

As specified in this bill, a person does not commit the offense of abuse or neglect of a child by virtue of the sole fact that the person allows the child to engage in independent activities without adult supervision, and that the person is a parent or guardian to the child, provided that:

(1) Independent activities are appropriate based on the child's age, maturity, and physical and mental abilities; and

(2) The lack of adult supervision does not constitute conduct that is so grossly negligent as to endanger the child's health or safety.

As defined in the bill, "independent activities" include traveling to or from school or nearby locations, either by bicycle or on foot; playing outdoors; or remaining at home for a reasonable period of time without adult supervision.

This bill also modifies the term "neglect" to provide that it is not neglectful for a person to allow a child to engage in independent activities without adult supervision, provided that such activities are appropriate, based on the child's age, maturity, and physical and mental capabilities, and that the lack of adult supervision does not constitute negligent conduct.
Position: No position selected.
Last Action:
03/13/2025 
H - Referred to committee - House-Fiscal Review
HB807 - Rep. Phil Amato (R) - Establishes the division of maternal and child resources within the department of social services and the "Save MO Babies Act" to help assist persons in the adoption of children
Summary: This bill establishes the "Save MO Babies Act", establishing within the Department of Social Services the Division of Maternal and Child Resources, which has the purpose of coordinating and applying for services for expecting mothers who wish to place their baby for adoption and placing such babies for adoption with fit and proper adoptive parents. Additional powers, duties, and functions as they relate to the Division's purpose are specified in the bill. Relevant sections of existing law governing the Department's Family Support and Children's Divisions are updated to include the Division of Maternal and Child Resources.

The Division is required to establish a "Missouri Adoptive Resources Services System" for the entire state, the function of which is to promote the safe and healthy birth of children in the state through the utilization of existing resources; coordinate community resources and provide assistance or services to expecting mothers identified to be at risk for seeking abortion services; and prevent abortions through the adoption of children by fit and proper adoptive parents.

The Division is required to make and maintain a central registry of each expecting mother who is at risk for seeking an abortion and a central registry of each prospective adoptive parent who has successfully completed certain screenings, background checks, home studies, and other investigations to ensure the fit of the prospective parent to adopt a child. The registries must be made available to the party or parties of the other registry. Additionally, the Division must maintain mechanisms as necessary to facilitate introductions between an expecting mother and prospective adoptive parent; facilitate certain adoptive proceedings; assist an expecting mother at risk for seeking an abortion in applying for existing services and resources; collaborate with the community to identify such comprehensive services; maintain a record containing such services provided to an expecting mother and all adoptive proceedings for a child born to an expecting mother who is seeking services; and, when available or appropriate, contract for the provision of services through children's services providers and agencies in the community.

This bill provides that it is the policy of this state and its agencies to implement a system to reduce the number of preventable abortions in the State by assisting expecting mothers in accessing resources as well as facilitating the adoption of a child who would have otherwise been aborted. The Division is required to establish an evaluation tool and a response and evaluation team. The tool is required to include metrics supporting best practices for case management and service provision, though providers can propose different metrics for evaluation under a case-by-case basis. The team's membership is composed of three staff members of the Division with certain skills and experience; two staff members of either the Department of Social Services or the Children's Division, to be appointed by the Director of the Department; four experts with experience in medical, social work, legal, or other relevant areas, appointed by the Governor; and one juvenile or family court judge, appointed by the Missouri Supreme Court.

The response and evaluation team is required to review the evaluation tool and its metrics to determine the need for adjustments or whether there are issues affecting the quality of such tools; develop and execute provider evaluations of cases managed by the Division and service providers contracted with the State to provide case management services; and develop a system for reviewing and working with certain providers who show signs of performance weakness to ensure technical assistance and services are offered.

The Division is required to enter into and implement contracts with qualified children's services providers and agencies to provide a system of service delivery for expecting mothers, fathers, and children. Payment to the services providers must be made based on the reasonable costs of services, including those costs necessary to execute the contract. The Division is also required to consider immediate actions that are in the best interests of expecting mothers, fathers, and children that include, but are not limited to, placing agencies on corrective plans, halting new referrals, transferring cases, or terminating provider contracts.

By July 1, 2026, the Division must have in effect rules to implement the provisions of this bill, including plans and dates.

Certain private contractors, who in their capacities as children's services providers and agencies receive state moneys from the Division or Department, have qualified immunity from civil liability for providing such services to the same extent that the Division has qualified immunity.

The Division can share records, information, and findings with federal, state, or local child welfare agency personnel and law enforcement agencies, including those outside of this state, in the performance of the Division's duties. Acceptable information that can be shared is specified in the bill. The Division is required to ensure the confidentiality of all reports and records made under the provisions of this bill, and must establish guidelines to ensure any disclosure of information concerning any participant in the system is made only to those with a right to such information. The bill specifies which persons have access to investigation records contained in the central registry.

A person who violates the provisions of this bill relating to the disclosure of information, or who permits or encourages the unauthorized dissemination of such information contained in the system or central registry, is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

This bill requires the Division to create and maintain a database of expecting mothers and prospective adoptive parents for the purposes of identifying children who may be suitable for adopting, and a database of attorneys who are licensed and in good standing with the Missouri Supreme Court, who agree to provide legal services in conjunction with the adoption of children identified through the system under the provisions of this bill.

Any employee of the Division who purposefully, knowingly, and willfully violates the Division's policies or promulgated rules, or any state law directly relating to the activities of the Division must be dismissed if the violation directly results in serious physical injury or the death of an expecting mother, father, or child. However, the employee's good faith efforts to follow the Division's policies or promulgated rules, or relevant state laws, must be a mitigating factor in determining whether an employee of or private contractor with the Division is dismissed.

The bill allows the Division of Maternal and Child Resources to place a minor for adoption.

This bill is the same as HB 887 and HB 1022 (2025).
Position: No position selected.
Last Action:
02/18/2025 
H - Public hearing completed - House-Children and Families
HB1103 - Rep. Don Mayhew (R) - Establishes the division of maternal and child resources within the department of social services and the "Save MO Babies Act" to help assist persons in the adoption of children
Summary: This bill establishes the "Save MO Babies Act", establishing within the Department of Social Services the Division of Maternal and Child Resources, which has the purpose of coordinating and applying for services for expecting mothers who wish to place their baby for adoption and placing such babies for adoption with fit and proper adoptive parents. Additional powers, duties, and functions as they relate to the Division's purpose are specified in the bill. Relevant sections of existing law governing the Department's Family Support and Children's Divisions are updated to include the Division of Maternal and Child Resources.

The Division is required to establish a "Missouri Adoptive Resources Services System" for the entire State, the function of which is to promote the safe and healthy birth of children in the State through the utilization of existing resources; coordinate community resources and provide assistance or services to expecting mothers identified to be at risk for seeking abortion services; and prevent abortions through the adoption of children by fit and proper adoptive parents.

The Division is required to make and maintain a central registry of each expecting mother who is at risk for seeking an abortion and a central registry of each prospective adoptive parent who has successfully completed certain screenings, background checks, home studies, and other investigations to ensure the fit of the prospective parent to adopt a child. The registries must be made available to the party or parties of the other registry. Additionally, the Division must maintain mechanisms as necessary to facilitate introductions between an expecting mother and prospective adoptive parent; facilitate certain adoptive proceedings; assist an expecting mother who is at risk for seeking an abortion in applying for existing services and resources; collaborate with the community to identify such comprehensive services; maintain a record containing such services provided to an expecting mother and all adoptive proceedings for a child born to an expecting mother who is seeking services; and, when available or appropriate, contract for the provision of services through children's services providers and agencies in the community.

This bill provides that it is the policy of this State and its agencies to implement a system to reduce the number of preventable abortions in the State by assisting expecting mothers in accessing resources as well as facilitating the adoption of a child who would have otherwise been aborted. The Division is required to establish an evaluation tool and a response and evaluation team. The tool is required to include metrics supporting best practices for case management and service provision, though providers can propose different metrics for evaluation under a case-by-case basis and must be evaluated by the response and evaluation team. The standards and metrics developed through the tool must be used to evaluate competitive bids for future contracts. The team's membership is composed of three staff members of the Division with certain skills and experience; two staff members of either the Department of Social Services or the Children's Division, to be appointed by the Director of the Department; four experts with experience in medical, social work, legal, or other relevant areas, appointed by the Governor; and one juvenile or family court judge, appointed by the Missouri Supreme Court.

The response and evaluation team is required to review the evaluation tool and its metrics on a semiannual basis to determine the need for adjustments or whether there are issues affecting the quality of such tools; develop and execute provider evaluations of cases managed by the Division and service providers contracted with the State to provide case management services; and develop a system for reviewing and working with certain providers who show signs of performance weakness to ensure technical assistance and services are offered.

The Division is required to enter into and implement contracts with qualified children's services providers and agencies to provide a system of service delivery for expecting mothers, fathers, and children. Payment to the Children's Services providers and agencies must be made based on the reasonable costs of services, including those costs necessary to execute the contract. The Division is also required to consider immediate actions that are in the best interests of expecting mothers, fathers, and children that include, but are not limited to, placing agencies on corrective plans, halting new referrals, transferring cases, or terminating provider contracts.

By July 1, 2026, the Division must have in effect rules to implement the provisions of this bill, including plans and dates.

Certain private contractors, who in their capacities as children's services providers and agencies receive state moneys from the Division or Department, have qualified immunity from civil liability for providing such services to the same extent that the Division has qualified immunity.

The Division can share records, information, and findings with Federal, State, or local child welfare agency personnel and law enforcement agencies, including those outside of this State, in the performance of the Division's duties. Acceptable information that can be shared is specified in the bill.

The Division is required to ensure the confidentiality of all reports and records made under the provisions of this bill, and must establish guidelines to ensure any disclosure of information concerning any participant in the system is made only to those with a right to such information. The bill specifies which persons have access to investigation records contained in the central registry.

A person who violates the provisions of this bill relating to the disclosure of information, or who permits or encourages the unauthorized dissemination of such information contained in the system or central registry, is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

This bill requires the Division to create and maintain a database of expecting mothers and prospective adoptive parents for the purposes of identifying children who may be suitable for adopting, and a database of attorneys who are licensed and in good standing with the Missouri Supreme Court, who agree to provide legal services in conjunction with the adoption of children identified through the system under the provisions of this bill.

Any employee of the Division who purposefully, knowingly, and willfully violates the Division's policies or promulgated rules, or any state law directly relating to the activities of the Division must be dismissed if the violation directly results in serious physical injury or the death of an expecting mother, father, or child. However, the employee's good faith efforts to follow the Division's policies or promulgated rules, or relevant state laws, must be a mitigating factor in determining whether an employee of or private contractor with the Division is dismissed.

The bill allows the Division of Maternal and Child Resources to place a minor for adoption.

This bill is the same as HB 807 (2025).
Position: No position selected.
Last Action:
01/30/2025 
H - Read Second Time
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