Bill > HB2271

This bill establishes comprehensive legal restrictions on commercial services that produce academic work for students, defining numerous key terms and creating prohibitions on services that prepare, sell, or complete assigned tasks for learners with the intent that those tasks will be submitted as the learner's original work for educational credit. Specifically, the bill makes it illegal for any organization or individual to prepare, advertise, offer, or sell work products like term papers, essays, exam responses, or other assignments for a fee, with knowledge that the work will be submitted as a student's own work. The legislation applies to various educational contexts, including K-12 schools, higher education institutions, professional certification programs, and licensing exams. Violations can result in significant legal consequences, including civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation, potential misdemeanor or felony charges, and the possibility of civil lawsuits by affected educational sponsors. The bill also includes provisions protecting confidential exams and assignments, allows for tutorial and research assistance under certain conditions, and preserves the right of educational institutions and other parties to pursue legal action against entities engaging in academic dishonesty. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that contractual disclaimers cannot exempt service providers from liability under these provisions.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2271&year=2026&code=R