Bill > HB2498

This bill modifies provisions related to the certification of juveniles to be tried as adults, primarily by expanding the types of offenses that can trigger fingerprinting and potential transfer to adult court. Specifically, it lowers the age for mandatory fingerprinting when taken into custody for certain offenses to under eighteen, and includes offenses that would be a Class A or B felony, a felony under chapter 566 (related to sexual offenses), or two felony offenses committed within 180 days of each other, if committed by an adult. The bill also clarifies that the juvenile officer shall consult with the prosecuting attorney regarding offenses where a child could be certified as an adult, and grants prosecuting attorneys access to more case information, including juvenile detention assessment forms. Additionally, it allows for appeals by the juvenile officer, prosecuting attorney, or attorney general in certain juvenile court decisions, particularly those related to transfer hearings. The bill also updates the requirements for law enforcement agencies to submit fingerprints and other identifying information to the central repository, a statewide database for criminal history records, and clarifies when juveniles can be fingerprinted or photographed.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2498&year=2026&code=R