Bill > HB2569

This bill modifies the existing law regarding civilian review boards by establishing a framework for how local governments can create oversight entities for law enforcement. Under the proposed legislation, cities, counties, and city-not-within-a-county jurisdictions may establish civilian review boards with the authority to investigate allegations of police misconduct. Board members would not be paid but would receive reimbursement for expenses. The board's powers would be specifically limited to receiving, investigating, making findings, and recommending disciplinary action for complaints involving excessive force, abuse of authority, discourtesy, or offensive language related to protected characteristics like race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and disability. Importantly, the bill stipulates that findings cannot be based solely on unsworn complaints or prior unsubstantiated allegations. The bill also includes a special provision exempting cities with populations between 125,000 and 160,000 inhabitants, allowing them more flexibility in establishing and empowering their civilian review boards. This legislation aims to provide a structured approach to civilian oversight of law enforcement while setting clear boundaries on the scope and methods of such review boards.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2569&year=2026&code=R