Bill > HB2564

This bill creates a new criminal offense called "masked intimidation" in Missouri state law, which occurs when a person intentionally harasses, intimidates, or threatens another person or group while deliberately concealing their identity with a mask or face covering, with the purpose of causing the victim to fear for their physical safety. The offense is classified as a class E felony for a first offense, escalating to a class D felony for a second offense, and a class C felony for third or subsequent offenses. The bill provides detailed definitions for terms like "harass" (engaging in a pattern of conduct causing fear or emotional distress), "intimidate" (interfering with constitutional or legal rights through threats), and "threaten" (communicating a clear intention to cause imminent bodily harm). The law includes specific exemptions for wearing masks in various contexts, such as holidays, occupational safety, weather protection, artistic performances, emergency situations, health protection, and religious purposes. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that it should not be interpreted as infringing on First Amendment rights or constitutional protections, ensuring that legitimate forms of face covering remain legally permissible.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2564&year=2026&code=R