Bill > HB1657

This bill establishes protections for primary residences owned by certain vulnerable populations, specifically seniors aged 62 or older receiving Social Security benefits and honorably discharged veterans receiving disability compensation. The bill prevents the attachment, execution, levy, garnishment, lien, or forced sale of a primary residence if mortgage, tax, insurance, or maintenance payments are made using protected income (Social Security or veterans' benefits). The protection applies even if protected funds are commingled with other funds, as long as documentation shows regular use for residence expenses. This exemption is additional to existing homestead protections and does not apply to property tax liens, voluntarily executed mortgages, or federally authorized offsets for child support, alimony, or criminal restitution. In civil proceedings, a court must hold a hearing if a debtor claims exemption, requiring the eligible person to provide proof of age, veteran status, and protected income. If the exemption is granted, the court must issue an order preventing any sale or enforcement against the residence. Creditors who knowingly violate these protections can be liable for actual and statutory damages (at least $2,500 per occurrence), attorney's fees, and court costs, with the attorney general empowered to bring civil actions for injunctive relief or penalties.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1657&year=2026&code=R