Bill > HB160

This bill establishes a new criminal offense in Missouri law called "use of a minor to commit a crime" which applies to adults (18 years or older) who intentionally involve a person under 18 years old in criminal activities or use a minor to help avoid detection or arrest for a crime. The severity of the offense increases with repeated violations: a first offense is classified as a class E felony, a second offense becomes a class D felony, and third or subsequent offenses are considered class C felonies. The bill defines "use" broadly to include employing, hiring, persuading, inducing, enticing, or coercing a minor, and explicitly defines a "minor" as anyone under 18 years of age. This legislation aims to protect minors from being manipulated or drawn into criminal activities by adults and provides escalating legal consequences for such actions.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB160&year=2025&code=R