06/17/2026
New Missouri laws now into effect
House Bill 2637 ๏ฟผ
Cyber Crime Offeneses โ creates several new criminal offenses targeting digital harassment and exploitation.
Cyberharassment: Using digital or electronic technology to repeatedly contact someone with the intent to cause fear, alarm or undue stress - a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense, Class A misdemeanor for subsequent offenses.๏ฟผ
Cyberstalking: Using technology to intimidate, track or cause fear - a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense, Class E felony for subsequent offenses. Cyberstalking is also added as grounds for a protection order.
Unlawful vehicle tracking: Secretly placing an electronic tracking device on someoneโs vehicle without consent - a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense, Class E felony for repeat offenses. Exceptions include criminal investigations, voluntary insurance programs and parental use.
Disclosure of intimate digital depictions: Sharing or threatening to share intimate images to harass or harm someone - with penalties varying based on intent and circumstances.
Sadistic online exploitation: A new Class E felony targeting online coercion and manipulation of victims.
_____________________________________________
๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ
The law also overhauls Missouriโs parole eligibility structure, setting minimum percentages of a sentence that must be served before an offender can be considered for parole:
Felony Class Minimum Time Before Parole Eligibility
Class A 70%
Class B 50%
Class C (first offense, non-s*x) 30%
Class D (first offense, non-s*x) 20%
Class E (first offense, non-s*x) 15%
Dangerous felony 85%
Additional provisions:
Life sentences will be calculated as 30 years for parole purposes.
Sentences exceeding 75 years in aggregate will be calculated as 75 years.
Courts will now be required - not just permitted - to impose extended prison terms when certain conditions are met.
_____________________________________________
๐๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ญ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ฑ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฆ๐ฌ
The law increases penalties for some of Missouriโs most serious s*xual offenses:
R**e in the first degree is now classified as a Class A felony, with a minimum sentence of 10 years (up from 5).
Aggravated r**e in the first degree now carries life imprisonment without eligibility for parole.
Statutory r**e and so**my convictions involving children under 12 no longer carry any parole eligibility.
Endangering the welfare of a child now applies to children under 18 (up from 17).
_____________________________________________
๐๐๐ฑ ๐๐๐๐๐ง๐๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ฌ
The law now restructures Missouriโs s*x offender registry around a three-tier classification system, aligning with federal standards. Notable changes include:
Registered s*x offenders are prohibited from changing their names while on the registry.
New offenses added to the registry include grooming or enticement of a minor, possession of child s*xual abuse material and nonconsensual dissemination of private s*xual images involving minors.
Failing to register as a s*x offender for a third time is now a Class A felony.
_____________________________________________
๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ง๐ ๐
๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ง๐๐๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฏ๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ
HB 2637 also expands mental health protections for both those who serve Missouri communities and those who need care within them:
Peace officers and first responders may now satisfy mental health check-in requirements through department-established behavioral health programs.
The law establishes a new assisted outpatient treatment process for individuals with mental disorders who are unlikely to seek voluntary care, with court oversight and case management through certified community behavioral health clinics.
