Bill > HB401

This bill modifies the statute of limitations for prosecuting child abuse or neglect cases in Missouri. Currently, the standard time limitations for criminal prosecutions are outlined in section 556.036 of Missouri law. This bill creates a new provision that specifically extends the prosecution window for child abuse or neglect offenses (under section 568.060) to twenty years from the date the offense was committed, regardless of the typical statute of limitations. This means that prosecutors would have up to two decades to bring charges in cases involving abuse or neglect of a child under 18 years old, which is a significant extension compared to standard criminal time limits. The change likely aims to provide more opportunities for victims to seek justice, acknowledging that many children may not be able to report abuse immediately or may need time to process and disclose traumatic experiences.