SPONSOR: Reed
This bill adds any offense classified as a hate offense to the offenses considered reportable to the central repository. The bill also adds gender identity to the list of motivations for the commission of a hate crime. The basic training for law enforcement officers first licensed after August 28, 2026, will include at least six hours of training related to hate offenses, and all peace officers will be required to receive three hours of training related to hate offenses within the continuing education three-year reporting period.
The bill adds the hiring of trained security personnel for large gatherings or holidays to the list of purposes for which money from the Supplemental Nonprofit Safety and Security Fund can be used.
The bill requires the Department of Public Safety to oversee a toll-free hate crime hotline and an online portal that must be staffed during business hours and dedicated to assisting people who have been targeted or affected by hate crimes. The bill outlines requirements of the hotline and of the Department. Prior to July 1, 2027, the Department must develop and implement a pilot hotline program in at least three counties, and the Department must implement the program statewide by January 1, 2029. By July 1, 2029, and every year thereafter, the Department must provide information to the Governor, the Senate, and the House of Representatives regarding hate crimes reported to the hotline during the prior year. The Department must also make the information publicly available on it's website while excluding personal identifying information. The bill allows the Director of Public Safety to create the rules and regulations necessary to implement the program.
The bill requires the State office of Homeland Security to coordinate with federal and local agencies to develop a program within the Department of Public Safety to monitor racially- motivated violent extremism in the State. The program will provide resources for community-based, counter-radicalized programs that educate young people on recognizing online hate recruitment techniques. By January 1, 2028, and every year thereafter, the State office of Homeland Security must issue an annual racially-motivated violent extremism threat assessment report to the Governor, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. The bill creates in the State Treasury the "Missouri Hate Crime Victim Assistance Fund", which will be administered by the Department of Social Services and money in the Fund will be used to provide mental health counseling, relocation support, and legal aid for victims and families affected by a hate offense.
Statutes affected: