Missouri HB1616: Establishes the "Independent Office of Corrections and Transparency" and provisions relating to department of corrections oversight

What the bill says

From the introduced text:

SECOND REGULAR SESSION HOUSE BILL NO. 1616 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALLEN. 4370H.02I JOSEPH ENGLER, Chief Clerk To repeal sections 217.025 and 217.165, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof fourteen new sections relating to the department of corrections. Section A. Sections 217.025 and 217.165, RSMo, are repealed and fourteen new sections enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as sections 217.025, 217.165, 218.010, 218.015, 218.017, 218.018, 218.019, 218.020, 218.035, 218.040, 218.050, 218.055, 218.060, and 218.065, to read as follows: 217.025. 1. The general supervision, management and control of the department of corrections shall be in the director of corrections, who shall be appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, which shall include a hearing on the appointment with opportunity for public comment. Thirty days prior to the appointment of a director by the governor, the names and email addresses of all applicants shall be made available to the public. Applicants shall be encouraged to meet with department of corrections employee collective bargaining units and agents. 2. The director shall be a person of recognized character and integrity, and have such education, training, proven executive ability and experience as will fit for the successful performance of the official duties of the director. The director shall have education, training and experience in …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Bill Allen (R, 017) · primary sponsor
• Collins, Kimberly-Ann (D, 077)
• Gregg Bush (D, 050)
• Johnson, Michael (D, 023)

Latest actions

1. February 26, 2026: Public Hearing Completed (H)
2. January 27, 2026: Public Hearing Scheduled, Bill not Heard (H)
3. January 8, 2026: Referred: Corrections and Public Institutions(H)
4. January 8, 2026: Read Second Time (H)
5. January 7, 2026: Read First Time (H)
6. December 1, 2025: Prefiled (H)

Common questions

What is HB1616?

HB1616 is a bill in the Missouri Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Establishes the "Independent Office of Corrections and Transparency" and provisions relating to department of corrections oversight.

What is the status of HB1616?

In committee as of February 26, 2026. Latest action: Public Hearing Completed (H) (February 26, 2026).

Who sponsored HB1616?

Bill Allen (R, 017), with 3 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB1616?

On the Missouri Legislature website: https://house.mo.gov/BillContent.aspx?bill=HB1616&year=2026&code=R