Bill > HB3243

This bill, known as the "MO Families First Act," establishes procedures for placing children when a parent or legal guardian faces a "federal enforcement action," which refers to any arrest, detention, removal, or deportation initiated by federal law enforcement or immigration authorities. If a state agency or educational institution learns of such an action affecting a parent or guardian of a child receiving services through a "state system" (which includes public schools, child care facilities, foster care, and state-funded programs), they must notify the Missouri Children's Division within 24 hours. The Division will then assess the child's safety, well-being, caregiver availability, immediate needs, and educational continuity, prioritizing placement with relatives or known caregivers if it's in the child's best interest, while also considering sibling relationships, community ties, and cultural connections. Schools will work to maintain educational stability for affected children, and the Division will provide information on guardianship options and connect families with legal assistance. The bill explicitly states it will not interfere with federal immigration enforcement, require inquiries into immigration status, create private lawsuits against the state, or alter existing child abuse reporting requirements.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB3243&year=2026&code=R