Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for March 4th, 2026

On February 10th, Harrison County Prosecutor Michael Wulff filed charges against Michael Frisbie (40) of Cainsville alleging Resisting Arrest (Felony). On February 22nd, Prosecutor Wulff filed an amended complaint with additional charges of Aggravated Fleeing (Felony), Burglary (Felony), Tampering with Motor Vehicle (Felony), and Property Damage (Felony). Bond was denied. In addition, as of February 27th, the defendant faces additional charges in Mercer County alleging Aggravated Fleeing (Felony), Assault (Felony), two counts Unlawful Possession of Firearm (Felony), and Receiving Stolen Property (Felony). Bond in these cases was denied as well. During a police chase involving the defendant, the Bethany Republican-Clipper reported that Harrison County Sheriff Trevor Place suffered serious injuries when he lost control of his vehicle.

On February 24th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Jacob Moen (25) of King City alleging DWI.

On February 24th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Richard Brooke (41) of Maryville alleging Harassment (Felony), Stalking, and Speeding. Bond was set at $5,000 cash or corporate surety posted by the defendant. Defendant may have no contact with the victim or be within 900 feet of their place of employment. Defendant must wear GPS monitoring. Defendant will be under house arrest and cannot leave except for court, verified employment, or to meet with counsel.

On February 25th, KTTN reported that ICE agents came to Milan, stopped several vehicles within city limits, including one near the Smithfield plant, and arrested three individuals. The Highway Patrol provided backup during a traffic stop after one occupant was allegedly non-combative.

On February 25th, Christopher Lynn (53) of Olathe (KS) pleaded guilty in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court to charges of Sexual Misconduct, Peace Disturbance, and Property Damage. He was placed on two years' probation by Judge Jay Hemenway.

On February 25th, Brett Penrose (34) of Racine (WI) pleaded guilty in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of DWI. He was placed on two years' probation by Judge Jay Hemenway. Defendant must pay $300 to the Law Enforcement Restitution Fund, complete SATOP, and complete 180 hours community service.

On February 26th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that two King City residents were seriously injured following a head-on collision on Route 169 near the King City limits.

On February 27th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Buddy Furgeson (54) of Maryville alleging Distribution of Controlled Substance in Protected Location (Felony), Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was denied.

On February 28th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Crystal Tanner (43) of Lock Springs (MO) and Ashley Casaretto (39) of Lock Springs (MO) alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond for both was set at $5,000 cash only. Defendants must wear a drug patch and have no contact with each other.

On March 1st, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Jamie Jones (55) of Gallatin alleging Burglary (Felony), Stealing (Felony), and Unlawful Entry into Vehicle (Felony). An affidavit from the Daviess County Sheriff’s Department alleges the defendant stole a small safe containing approximately $3,000 to $5,000 worth of collectible coins/money, jewelry, 1/8-ounce gold bar, foreign currency, ½ ounce of marijuana, bucket of miscellaneous batteries and an air BB pistol from his neighbor. Bond was set at $10,000 cash only. Defendant may have no contact with the victim.

On March 2nd, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Amanda Dehart (45) of Albany alleging Leaving the Scene (Felony) and No Valid License.

On March 2nd, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Joseph Steinhauser (62) of Atlanta (GA) alleging Leaving the Scene and Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident).

On March 3rd, Alexander Holmes (36) of Maryville was arrested in Nodaway County on a Brown County (KS) warrant for Statutory Rape (Felony).

Charges listed are merely allegations. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

 

Community Calendar for March 4th, 2026

Community Calendar items are free of charge. To submit, email us at express@grm.net. All events are subject to change or last-minute cancelation.

WEEKLY EVENTS

Mondays (except holidays) – Worth County Commissioners meet at 9 am.

Fridays – Bedford Jam, United Christian Presbyterian Church, 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Snacks and drinks available. Walk-ons are welcome. For information, call (712) 523-2282.

REGULAR ANNOUNCEMENTS

March 4^th – Willford STEM Event, The Venue, Bethany, 8 am.

March 4^th – North Nodaway Athletic Banquet, 5:30 pm.

March 5^th – North Nodaway and NEN Scholar Bowl at Mound City, 4:30 pm.

March 5^th – NEN FFA at Mound City FFA Contest, 4:30 pm.

March 6^th – North Harrison and Gilman City FFA at Brunswick & Carrolton contests. Bus leaves at 5:30 am.

March 6^th – North Harrison Fifth Grade State Fair Presentation, 9:00 am.

March 6^th – Early dismissal at Gilman City, 12:39 pm.

March 6^th – Fish Fry Friday, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5 pm to 7:30 pm. Free will donation. To go orders are available; call (660) 582-7072. Fish, cheesy potatoes, baked beans, cole slaw, lettuce salad, rolls, and desserts.

March 6^th – Hawk Basketball vs. Rock Port, 6 pm at Gallatin. MSHSAA Quarterfinals.

March 6^th to 8^th – Worth County High School Play, The Addams Family. Dinner at 6 pm on March 6^th and 7^th. Cost is $20 for adults and $15 for kids. Admission $5 for the play. March 6^th & 7^th at 7 pm, March 8^th at 2 pm.

March 7^th – North Harrison Pops & Pie, 6:00 pm.

March 8^th – Daylight Savings Time begins. Set clocks forward one hour.

March 8^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to the American Cancer Society, Mosaic Hospice of Northwest Missouri, and 3 Oaks Hospice. $10 minimum donation per person. Children 6 and under are free.

March 8^th – Sheridan Christian Church Coffee Bar. Worship 9 am, Sunday School 10:15 am.

March 9^th – No school at NEN. Professional development.

March 9^th – NEN, Pattonsburg, Gilman City, North Harrison, Worth County, and North Nodaway FFA at Savannah FFA Contest, 7:30 am.

March 9^th – North Harrison and Pattonsburg Scholar Bowl at Pattonsburg with Princeton, 4:00 pm.

March 9^th – Worth County Scholar Bowl at St. Joseph Christian, 4 pm.

March 9^th – Worth County PTO, 6:15 pm.

March 10^th – NEN will host a Scholar Bowl meet at 4:30 pm.

March 10^th – North Nodaway Scholar Bowl at West Nodaway, 4:30 pm.

March 10^th – Literacy Night at North Nodaway Elementary, 5:30 pm.

March 11^th – Spring Immunization Clinic for current NEN 6^th, 7^th, 8^th, and 11^th graders.

March 11^th – Mary Seat 80^th Birthday Party, 2 pm to 4 pm, Grant City Golf Clubhouse.

March 11^th – North Nodaway Academic Showcase, 5:15 pm to 7:00 pm.

March 11^th – North Nodaway PTO, North Nodaway Cafeteria, 6:00 pm.

March 12^th – North Nodaway Parent/Teacher Conferences 1 pm.

March 12^th -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

March 13^th – North Nodaway High School Third Quarter Awards Assembly, 11am.

March 13^th to 15^th – The Rose Theatre in Maryville will perform their 2026 youth play, “George Washington Ate my Homework.” Performances will be on Friday, March 13th at 7 pm, Saturday, March 14th at 7 pm, and Sunday, March 15th at 2 pm. Tickets are $8 and are available on the Rose Theatre website. The theatre is located at 120 West 3rd in Maryville.

March 14^th – Household Hazardous Waste Collection, Nodaway County Maintenance Barn, 1516 East Halsey Street, Maryville, 8 am to 12 noon. Free and open to residents of Worth, Atchison, Gentry, Holt, and Nodaway Counties. No commercial or business waste. Examples include household chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, brake fluid, transmission fluids, batteries, waxes, compact fluorescent light bulbs and rubes, antifreeze, oil-based paint, and varnish. No latex paint accepted. Keep materials in the original container. Do not mix waste together.

March 14^th – Worth County Alumni Tournament, 9:30 am. $75/team. Men’s format will be 5x5 with a round robin and then a championship game. Must have at least three Worth County former students/athletes, past or present staff, or parent of a Worth County student or alumnus on the court. Women’s format will be open to all ladies. $5 per player. Format will depend on participation. Proceeds will go towards the weight room.

March 14^th – 39^th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 300 Block of North Market Street, Maryville, 3:17 pm. The 300 Block of North Market Street will be closed from 1 pm to 5 pm.

March 20^th – Hopkins Fire Department Fish Fry Fundraiser, Hopkins Community Building, 5 pm. Free will donation. Fish, chicken strips, French fries, hush puppies, beans, cole slaw, desserts.

March 21^st – Gentry & Worth County Cattlemen’s Banquet, Albany National Guard Armory. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Dinner served at 6:30 pm.

March 21st — Hopkins CBC Bingo, 6:30 pm, Hopkins Community Building.

March 22^nd – Ravenwood CBC Breakfast, 8 am to 12 noon.

March 22^nd – Hopkins Beef & Noodle Dinner, 11 am to 1 pm, Hopkins Community Building.

March 23^rd – North Nodaway will be hosting an FFA contest.  

March 24^th – Second Harvest Mobile Food Pantry, 10 am, Gilman City First Baptist Church. Free and open to the public regardless of income.

March 25^th – Second Harvest Mobile Food Pantry, 10 am, Pattonsburg City Hall. Free and open to the public regardless of income.

March 25^th – North Nodaway School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm.

March 26^th -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

March 28^th – Spring into Homesteading, 9 am to 3 pm, Ridgeway High School Gym.

March 28^th – Parnell Fire Department Hog Roast, 5:30 pm to 8 pm. Parnell Firehouse. Roasted hog, cheesy taters, salads, dessert, and beverages. Free will donation.

March 29^th – God’s Squad, Sheridan Christian Church, 6 pm. Teens spreading the gospel through drama and music.

April 9^th -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

April 19^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to fund scholarships.

April 22^nd – Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation 20^th Anniversary Celebration, Mozingo Event Center, 6 pm. Keynote Speaker: Ernesto Sirolli.

April 28^th – Blood Drive, 2 pm to 6 pm, North Harrison School Cafeteria. Sponsored by the North Harrison FBLA.

May 9^th – Downtown Maryville Spring into Fun, 12 noon to 5 pm. Main Street from 2^nd to 5^th Street, Market Street from 2^nd to 5^th Street, 3^rd Street from Vine to Buchanan, and 4^th Street from Vine to Buchanan will be closed from 9:30 am to 7 pm.

May 15^th to 17^th – Turkey Run Flea Market and Swap Meet. 33982 State Highway NN, Hopkins. May 15^th from 12 noon to 8 pm. May 16^th from 8 am to 8 pm. May 17^th from 9 am to 3 pm. Vendor space $15 by May 8^th, $20 afterwards. Electric hookups are $25 by May 8^th, $30 afterwards. Camper hookup $45 by May 8^th, $50 afterwards. Set up May 14^th after 6 pm or Friday after 8 am. For more information, call Adam Emery (660) 541-2984 or Sarah Emery (660) 853-0141.

May 23rd – North Nodaway R-VI Alumni Banquet will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the North Nodaway High School gymnasium. The banquet will honor the Class of 1976 on its 50-year reunion and recognize the 250th birthday of the United States. Cost is $17 per person plus $2 alumni dues. Reservations and payment are due by May 14. For reservations, contact Teresa DeMott (660-582-1086), Sue Florea (660-541-4108), or Joyce Hennegin (660-927-3682).

June 5^th to 6^th – Resound Fest, Miracle Hills Ranch, three miles south of Bethany. Free admission, community worship, and onsite camping.

June 20^th – Mike Henggeler Father’s Day Memorial Baseball Tournament, Stanberry ball fields, 8 am. Entry $150 per team; limit six teams for two divisions. First division – ages 9U to 12U. Second division – ages 13U to 16U. $150 per team. To enter, contact titletownevents@gmail.com. All proceeds will be donated directly to the Henggeler family.

June 21^st -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to the Heart of America Tractor Club.

July 19^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Post 464 veterans programs.

August 2^nd to 6^th – American Junior Golf Association Junior Golf Tournament, Mozingo Lake. A 54-hole championship for ages 12-19.

August 16^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Cameron Veterans Home.

September 20^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Sons of the American Legion Post 464.

October 18^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Post 464 membership.

November 15^th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. Proceeds to Ladies Auxiliary Unit 464.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roy Rinehart 1930-2026

Roy Lee Rinehart, age 95, son of Irvin and Effie Dale Rinehart, was born December 23, 1930, in Grant City, Missouri. He passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, at Liberty Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services for Roy and his late wife, Jean, will be held at Hidden Valley Funeral Home in Lawson, Missouri, on Thursday, March 12, 2026, with visitation from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by a combined Celebration of Life service.

Roy married Ellen Jean Brown on April 14, 1951, in Grant City, Missouri. Jean preceded him in death on December 7, 2024. They shared 73 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, education, and family.

From this union, four children were born: Mitzie Lea Wiley (Mike) of Gallatin, Missouri, Cheryl Ann Deardeuff Swearingin of Lathrop, Missouri, Rodney Lynn Rinehart (Johnna) of Maysville, Missouri, Paul Douglas Rinehart (Dawn) of Cameron, Missouri.

Roy is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Scott Wiley, Bob Wiley, Vince Wiley, Sarah McCleary, Adam Deardeuff, Seth Deardeuff, Ethan Deardeuff, Bo Rinehart, Tyler Rinehart, and Blake Rinehart; three step-grandchildren: Kaycee Crockett, Adam Swearingin, and Trevor Stark; 23 great-grandchildren; three step great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Roy graduated as Salutatorian of the Class of 1949 from Grant City High School. He attended Northwest Missouri State College, later returning to Grant City to teach at Fletchall Rural School during the 1950–1951 school year.

On June 24, 1952, Roy was drafted into the U.S. Army and served two years at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, from 1952 to 1954. After his service, he returned to college and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in August 1955.

Roy and Jean lived in Maryville, Missouri, where Roy taught at Pickering High School from 1955 to 1957. They later moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma, where Roy completed his Master of Science degree, which included a Principal’s Certificate, during the 1957–1958 school year.

The family returned to Grant City, Missouri, where Roy taught science and math at Worth County R-I from 1958 to 1964. During the summers, he attended classes at the University of Kansas and participated in a summer institute at Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

In 1964, Roy accepted the position of High School and Junior High Principal at Worth County R-I, serving until 1973. In 1973, the family moved to Maysville, Missouri, where Roy served as High School and Junior High Principal. In 1983, Roy and Jean moved to Hamilton, Missouri, where Roy became High School and Junior High Principal, a position he held until his retirement in 1985.

On December 6, 1999, Roy and Jean moved to Lawson, Missouri, to be near their daughter Cheryl.

Roy’s favorite pastimes included attending auctions, fishing, gardening, and collecting Zebco fishing rods and reels.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jean; his sisters Fern Aldeen Motsinger and Fay Arlene Rinehart; his brother James Wesley Rinehart; his brother-in-law Channing Motsinger; his sister-in-law Joan Rinehart; his sons-in-law Galen Deardeuff/Earl Swearingin and his grandson Jared Deardeuff.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to United Christian Presbyterian Church in Lawson, Missouri, and/or Kirk Cemetery, c/o Joy Miller, 12492 Highway T, Grant City, MO 64456.

Graveside services will be held at Kirk Cemetery in Allendale, Missouri, at a later date.

 

Hailey McClure Paces Gilman City Past Pirates 64-29

Gilman City rolled on through sectionals Monday as they beat Norborne 64-29 behind 17 points from Hailey McClure. The Hawks had four players in double figures and six in the scoring column in the win.

Hailey was on from the beginning when she went to the rack, drew a foul, and hit both free throws to put the Hawks up 2-0. Tenley Griffith got a steal and drive, Alli Burke hit a 3-pointer, and Avery Gregg converted a third-chance putback to make it 9-0.

But the game was not without a couple of scary moments. The first happened after Millea Miller hit a triple for the Pirates, and then Khloey Sperry got the wind knocked out of her while scrambling for a loose ball. She was out until the start of the second quarter, but the Hawks held their ground as Tenley Griffith connected again before Avi Leabo took advantage of a carom and scored to make it 11-5 after one.

Sperry came back for the second quarter and Alli Burke splashed a triple, Sperry turned a third-chance try into a free throw, Sperry got loose in transition and got a pass from Avery Gregg, and Avery went coast to coast to make it 19-5.

But Norborne would not go quietly; they were in the Sectionals for a reason and they may have been playing their last game, given they have seven players on the roster, five of them seniors, and only one eighth grader listed on their junior high roster. They were following Mercer’s lead by faceguarding Avery Gregg and Khloey Sperry and daring someone else to beat them. And they lived and died by their press, which they were not afraid to use even after a missed shot.

Avi Leabo slashed and scored and then Kristin Waters stole the ensuing inbounds pass to cut it to 19-9. The teams traded blows for the rest of the quarter, leaving Gilman City ahead 26-16.

Leabo cut it to 26-18, and Norborne got the ball back with a chance to cut it to two possessions, but Khloey Sperry jumped a pass and scored, starting a big Hawk run. All of a sudden, with the Pirates swarming Gregg and Sperry every time they touched the ball, Hailey McClure realized it was her time to step up and score, and she did, slashing and scoring . Alli Burke pulled up and hit a 3-pointer in transition, McClure slashed and got to the line, making both tries, and then added a triple to make it 38-18.

Carleigh Ellis hit a 3-pointer to break the run, but then Avi Leabo clotheslined Tenley Griffith, who was fighting for a rebound, picking up her fourth foul. Griffith was shaken up on the play, but Paisley Taggart came in and Griffith came back later.

Hailey McClure knocked one down from the high post, Avery Gregg cashed in off a Khloey Sperry steal, and then Paisley Taggart stole an errant outlet pass and threw it in at the buzzer to make it 44-21.

Millea Miller picked up her fourth foul to start the fourth quarter for Norborne. As the foul trouble mounted for the Pirates, the Hawks found a lot more open lanes to the basket. Khloey Sperry made one of two after Norborne got to five fouls in just the first minute of the fourth quarter. Sperry cashed in off a Pasiley Taggart steal and Alli Burke made her second pullup three of the night to make it 50-21.

Norborne made one last stand as Kristin Waters cut inside and scored and Leabo came back and added a triple to make it 50-26. But Avery Gregg made one of two at the line, Alli Bruke got loose in transition against the press, Khloey Sperry drew a foul after a second-chance putback try and cashed in at the free throw line, Khloey Sperry aired one out to Hailey McClure for two, Khloey Sperry blocked a shot, rebounded it, and aired it out to Avery Gregg for two, and Paisley Taggart got a steal and fed Hailey McClure for two to make it 61-26.

The Hawks subbed freely at that point, but they kept pulling away as Avery Gregg made one more free throw before checking out and Hailey McClure got loose in transition again at the buzzer.

Hailey McClure had 17 points for the Hawks. Alli Burke had 14, Avery Gregg 13, Khloey Sperry 12, Tenley Griffith 6, and Paisley Taggart 2.

Khloey Sperry had 3 blocks and Alli Burke 1.

Tenley Griffith had 13 boards. Khloey Sperry had 9, Alli Burke 8, Hailey McClure and Avery Gregg 5, and Paisley Taggart 4.

Khloey Sperry had 5 assists. Alli Bruke and Avery Gregg had 3, Hailey McClure and Paisley Taggart 2, and Tenley Griffith 1.

Tenley Griffith had 9 tips. Khloey Sperry had 8, Paisley Taggart, Avery Gregg, and Hailey McClure had 5, and Alli Burke had 2.

Khloey Sperry had 6 steals. Paisley Taggart had 4, Tenley Griffith 3, Avery Gregg 2, and Alli Burke 1.

 

 

Bills in the Missouri Legislature for March 4th, 2026

House

Bentley’s Law — A bill being considered in the Missouri Legislature would require people convicted of DWI to pay child support if their drunk driving killed the parent or parents of a child. On April 13th, 2021, David Thurby (26) was involved in a fiery crash in Jefferson County that resulted in the deaths of Cordell Williams (30), Lacey Newton (25), and Cordell Williams II (4 months). Mr. Thurby was convicted of three counts of Involuntary Manslaughter in 2023. Six other states have passed similar laws. As a result, two children are orphaned and are being raised by their grandmother.

HB 1643, 1717 — Legalizes psilocybin for mental health treatment purposes and allows it to be prescribed by licensed physicians. (Rep. Matthew Overcast, Rep. Richard West)

HB 1792 — Establishes a two-year pilot program through the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education to teach media literacy and critical thinking. DESE would select 5-7 school districts to integrate media literacy skills into classroom instruction and report back to lawmakers. Students would learn to analyze news content, recognize bias, understand digital citizenship, and identify misinformation.

HB 1905, 2097 — Authorizes the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to make an agriculture education pilot project into a statewide program. Participation by schools would be voluntary and not required. Schools would implement it at their own expense or from existing streams of funding. (Rep. John Martin, Rep. Adrian Plank)

HB 2034 — Requires the Mo HealthNet program, health carriers, and other health benefit plans to cover at least three devices for multiple uses. (Rep. Carolyn Caton)

HB 2167 — Allows Attorney General appointed investigators to make arrests and collaborate with other law enforcement agencies. Also extends the power to House and Senate security guards. Such officers would have to go through the same training any other Peace Officers go through. (Rep. Dolan David)

HB 2202 — Makes hunting and fishing permits free for military personnel and disabled veterans. Dependents would get the same benefit. (Rep. Don Mayhew)

HB 2874 — Prevents air ambulance companies from selling memberships to recipients of Medicaid. Life flights are already covered by Mo HealthNet. (Rep. Bill Allen)

HB 3362, 3364 — Requires permits for certain levels of utility use and subjects large-load customers like data centers to different payment rules. Requires large water customers which use over 2 million gallons of freshwater or 80% or more of the available water capacity of a given locality to get a permit from the DNR. Customers above the large loan threshold would be required to pay an increased rate. If permit holders far exceed the minimum use for a permit, they would be required to cover the costs to build additional infrastructure. (Rep. Collin Wellenkamp, Rep. Mike Costlow)

Senate

SB 854, 1494 — Automates record expungement for eligible nonviolent offenders. Currently, eligible defendants must petition the court. The new bill would automatically expunge certain low-level offenses after a period of one to three years. (Sen. Brian Williams, Sen. Nick Schroer)

SB 859 — Declares that AI systems are not considered people. All harm caused by an AI would be considered the responsibility of the owner or user of that system. (Sen. Mike Moon)

SB 889 — Investigators who handle cases of child abuse, elder abuse, or domestic abuse will receive training to identify signs of animal abuse under this bill. Animal control officers and others who investigate animal cruelty would be trained to recognize warning signs of abuse against people. If an investigator uncovers evidence of a different type of abuse while responding to a case, they would be required to report it. (Sen. Tracy McCreery)

SB 928 — Expands the definition of Stalking to allow police to act based on victims’ fears rather than wait until a violent or dangerous act occurs. (Sen. Patty Lewis)

SB 1012 — Requires a disclaimer for any use of AI in political advertisements. Makes it a Class A Misdemeanor if such a disclaimer is missing. (Sen. Joe Nicola)

SB 1043, 1150 — Establishes the offense of Masked Intimidation. A person can be charged if they use their face covering to conceal their identity while harassing, threatening, or intimidating another person or group. A person cannot be charged if the covering in question is used for religious, medical, celebratory, occupational, or weather-related reasons. The law cannot be construed to diminish or infringe on First Amendment rights. According to FBI statistics, 44.2% of hate crimes in Missouri in 2021 were classified as intimidation. (Sen. Barbara Washington)

SB 1094 — Modifies legal notices for all elections. County clerks would have the option of mailing a legal notice to each registered voter in the jurisdiction. If they do that, they only have to public election notices once. Currently, counties publish ballots in local papers twice. In the case of any bond election, if the election is not contested within 30 days after the official announcement of the election results, then all conditions of the state election law will be deemed to be satisfied. (Sen. Cindy Crawford)

SB 1617 — Prohibits state funds from going to “low-earning” degrees. It would apply to fields where graduates from a college do not earn more than someone with only a high school diploma in the same field. (Sen. Rick Brattin)

Federal

Homes for American Families Act. Prohibits large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums. Empowers the Justice Department with enforcement authority for civil violations and prioritized antitrust review for purchases of residential real estate by large institutional investors. (Sen. Josh Hawley, Sen. Jeff Merkley)