Bill > HB3189

This bill, known as "Evie and Sophie's Law," establishes the offense of grooming of a minor, defining it as a pattern of conduct by someone 21 or older involving at least one overtly sexual act or communication directed at a minor to prepare them for sexual conduct, sexual performance, or a commercial sex act, with intent inferred from the context and nature of the actions, not just explicit statements or the defendant's reputation. The bill also revises penalties for patronizing prostitution, increasing them to a felony, and modifies the offense of nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images to include minors and vulnerable persons, with increased penalties and a private cause of action for victims. Additionally, it expands the list of offenses requiring registration under the sex offender registry to include grooming, nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images, and threatening the nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images, and adjusts reporting requirements for certain sex offenders. Finally, the bill increases the surcharge assessed in criminal cases to fund the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund and establishes specific restitution amounts for victims of nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images and threats thereof.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB3189&year=2026&code=R