Bill > HB2325

This bill establishes a new law that allows courts to impose an enhanced sentence for individuals convicted of a misdemeanor or felony who intentionally conceal their identity while committing the offense. The law defines "concealment" as actions taken to hide a person's identity and "intent to conceal" as purposefully avoiding identification during a crime. If the state proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the offender wore a mask, hood, disguise, or other clothing to hide their identity, the court may increase the offense class by one level, considering the specific circumstances of the offense and the person's prior record. The enhanced sentencing applies only to misdemeanors and felonies involving theft, assault, or property damage exceeding $500. Importantly, the law includes exemptions for people wearing face or body coverings for legitimate religious, medical, or occupational purposes, or in situations where concealment was incidental and not intended to aid in committing the offense. The court may consider evidence of intentional concealment during sentencing without requiring a separate jury determination, using such evidence to decide an appropriate sentence within statutory limits.

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https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2325&year=2026&code=R