Bill > HB2551

This bill introduces several significant changes to Missouri's laws regarding sexual offenses, with a particular focus on protecting minors. The bill creates a new offense called "grooming of a minor," which is defined as an adult engaging in a pattern of conduct intended to prepare, condition, or manipulate a minor for sexual conduct. The offense is classified as a class B felony, escalating to a class A felony if sexual conduct occurs, and includes mandatory minimum sentencing of five years. The bill also requires courts to order restitution to victims, covering mental and physical rehabilitation, lost income, and other support. Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws related to sexual offenses, including expanding definitions of child pornography, creating new offenses around non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images, and updating sex offender registration requirements to include these new offenses. The legislation also mandates that the Department of Public Safety develop guidance for identifying, responding to, and treating instances of grooming, with the goal of providing comprehensive protection for minors from sexual exploitation.

Health and Social Services

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2551&year=2026&code=R