Bill > HB862

This bill modifies provisions related to minimum prison terms for felony offenders in Missouri, introducing several key changes to sentencing guidelines. Specifically, the bill adjusts the minimum prison terms an offender must serve based on their previous felony convictions: for offenders with one or two prior unrelated felony convictions, the minimum term is increased to fifty percent of their sentence, and for offenders with three or more prior unrelated felony convictions, the minimum term remains at eighty percent. The bill maintains the existing rule for dangerous felonies, which requires offenders to serve eighty-five percent of their sentence. Additionally, the bill expands the sentencing advisory commission's responsibilities, including studying sentencing practices, alternative sentences, and potential disparities in sentencing across different economic and social classes. The legislation also provides courts with more flexibility in imposing restorative justice methods, such as restitution, community service, and treatment programs, when suspending a sentence. Importantly, these changes will go into effect on July 1, 2026, and apply to offenders found guilty after August 28, 2025, giving the judicial system time to prepare for the new guidelines.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB862&year=2025&code=R