Missouri Valor Alliance Applauds the Passage and Signing of House Bills 1740, 1839, and 2593
The Missouri Valor Alliance applauds the passage and signing of House Bills 1740, 1839, and 2593—three important measures that strengthen public safety and support the military service members who serve our state and nation.
HB 1740: Strengthening Accountability for Fatal DWI Offenses
House Bill 1740 strengthens Missouri law relating to driving while intoxicated and provides additional protections for families impacted by fatal DWI crashes. The legislation establishes a court-enforceable mechanism that places long-term financial responsibility on intoxicated drivers whose actions result in the death of a child’s parent or guardian. HB 1740 also strengthens penalties for certain DWI offenses resulting in death and establishes stronger minimum prison sentences for certain offenders.
These provisions strengthen accountability for individuals whose dangerous decisions result in the loss of life while providing additional support for children and families facing the lasting consequences of impaired driving.
HB 1839: Protecting Missouri Children Online
House Bill 1839 establishes age-verification requirements for adult websites containing sexual material that is harmful to minors. The new law requires covered websites to verify the age of users and authorizes the Missouri Attorney General to enforce the requirements through civil penalties against websites that fail to comply.
In the internet age, protecting Missouri children requires directly and proactively addressing online threats. HB 1839 creates stronger safeguards to prevent minors from accessing harmful sexual content and establishes accountability for websites that fail to follow Missouri law.
HB 2593: Supporting Service Members and Strengthening Cybersecurity Readiness
House Bill 2593 strengthens support for Missouri’s military families, expands recognition programs for service members, and enhances the Missouri National Guard’s ability to assist in responding to cybersecurity threats. The legislation updates provisions governing the Missouri Military Family Relief Fund and creates new medal, ribbon, and recognition programs honoring military service.
“Today we reaffirmed that our state’s commitment to those who serve remains a top priority.
This legislation represents a major victory for Missouri’s military community by expanding benefits for veterans, service members and their families.
The numerous provisions of this legislation along with the critical improvements to the Missouri Military Relief Fund will help ease the financial and personal burdens that our service members and their families face. “
– Senator Adam Schnelting, Sponsor, hb 2593
Senator Adam Schnelting, a sponsor of the bill, said the signing “reaffirmed that our state’s commitment to those who serve remains a top priority. This legislation represents a major victory for Missouri’s military community by expanding benefits for veterans, service members and their families. The numerous provisions of this legislation along with the critical improvements to the Missouri Military Relief Fund will help ease the financial and personal burdens that our service members and their families face.”
HB 2593 also establishes the Cybersecurity Mission Act, authorizing cybersecurity assistance from the Missouri National Guard upon the request of the Missouri Department of Public Safety. Cyber threats pose an increasing risk to our state. Strengthening Missouri’s ability to use the National Guard’s resources will help us better prepare for and respond to these evolving public safety challenges.
Advancing Public Safety Across Missouri
Public safety requires a comprehensive approach. It means holding dangerous offenders accountable and preparing for emerging threats. Missouri Valor Alliance commends Governor Mike Kehoe and the members of the Missouri General Assembly who worked to advance these important measures.
Missouri Valor Alliance will continue to support policies that strengthen public safety, stand with law enforcement officers and first responders, support veterans and military service members, and help make Missouri a safer place to live, work, and raise a family.
