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Bill > HB479


MO HB479

Creates new class three election offenses


summary

Introduced
01/08/2025
In Committee
01/30/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/16/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Creates new class three election offenses

AI Summary

This bill creates new class three election offenses by expanding the existing legal framework for election-related misconduct in Missouri. The bill adds several new prohibited actions, including threatening or harassing election officials, judges, challengers, watchers, or their family members; attempting to pressure or manipulate election officials to violate election laws; and disseminating personal identifying information of election workers with the intent to intimidate or harm them. The offenses are classified as misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $2,500, or both. The bill specifically criminalizes actions such as threatening violence to influence voting, bringing non-residents to vote illegally, vote buying, improperly accessing voting booths, revealing voter information, and interfering with a voter's rights. Notably, if any of these new harassment-related offenses result in death or bodily injury to an election official or their family member, the offense escalates to a class B felony, signaling a strong legislative intent to protect election workers and maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Referred: Elections(H) (on 01/30/2025)

bill text


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