Missouri legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Missouri HB1778: Establishes the "Missouri Religious Freedom Protection Act"
Status: In committee, March 26, 2026
What the bill says
To amend chapter 1, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to the Missouri religious freedom protection act. Section A. Chapter 1, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as.
From the introduced text:
To amend chapter 1, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to the Missouri religious freedom protection act. Section A. Chapter 1, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 1.810, to read as follows: 1.810. 1. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Missouri Religious Freedom Protection Act". 2. As used in this section, the following terms mean: (1) "Place of worship", a building or grounds where activities of religious groups are conducted; (2) "Public official", any elected or appointed officer, employee, or agent of the state of Missouri or any political subdivision, board, commission, bureau, or other public body thereof. 3. No public official shall issue an order that has the effect of limiting or prohibiting religious groups from holding religious services or meetings. 4. No public official shall issue an order that has the effect of limiting or prohibiting places of worship from holding religious services or meetings. 5. The provisions of subsections 3 and 4 of this section shall not apply to religious groups using places of worship to knowingly commit or plan to commit acts of violence or harm. EXPLANATION -- Matter enclosed in bold-faced brackets [thus] in the above bill is not enacted and is intended to be omitted from the law. Matter …
Sponsors
- Cathy Loy (R, 163) · primary sponsor
- Josh Hurlbert (R, 008)
Latest actions
- : Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 7 NOES: 1 PRESENT: 1
- : Voted Do Pass (H)
- : Executive Session Completed (H)
- : Referred: Rules - Administrative(H)
- : Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 8 NOES: 4 PRESENT: 0
- : Voted Do Pass (H)
- : Executive Session Completed (H)
- : Public Hearing Completed (H)
- : Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
- : Read Second Time (H)
Votes
- Reported Do Pass (H) (March 26, 2026): 7 yea, 1 nay, passed
- Reported Do Pass (H) (February 18, 2026): 8 yea, 4 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is HB1778?
- HB1778 is a bill in the Missouri Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Establishes the "Missouri Religious Freedom Protection Act".
- What does HB1778 do?
- In its own words: To amend chapter 1, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to the Missouri religious freedom protection act. Section A. Chapter 1, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as.
- What is the status of HB1778?
- In committee as of March 26, 2026. Latest action: Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 7 NOES: 1 PRESENT: 1 (March 26, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1778?
- Cathy Loy (R, 163), with 1 co-sponsor.
- Where is the official record for HB1778?
- On the Missouri Legislature website: https://house.mo.gov/BillContent.aspx?bill=HB1778&year=2026&code=R
Source: official Missouri record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.