Bill > HB479

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.

Government Affairs

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB479&year=2025&code=R