Missouri legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Missouri HB2254: Establishes provisions relating to postconviction relief to set aside a sentence of death
Status: In committee, April 21, 2026
What the bill says
From the amended text:
SECOND REGULAR SESSION HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 2254 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY 4956H.02C JOSEPH ENGLER, Chief Clerk To repeal section 547.370, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof one new section relating to postconviction relief. Section A. Section 547.370, RSMo, is repealed and one new section enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as section 547.370, to read as follows: 547.370. 1. [When a motion is filed as provided in section 547.360 to set aside a sentence of death, the court shall] Whenever the death penalty is imposed in any case, the circuit court shall, at the time it imposes sentence and judgment, find on the record whether the [movant] defendant is indigent. If the [movant] defendant is indigent, the court shall, without delay, cause to be appointed two counsel to represent the [movant] defendant in the preparation and litigation of the defendant's motion under Missouri supreme court rule 24.035 or 29.15. If [movant] the defendant seeks to reject the appointment of counsel, the court shall find on the record, after a hearing, if necessary, whether the [movant] defendant is able to competently decide whether to accept or reject the appointment and whether the [movant] defendant rejected the offer with the understanding of its legal consequences. Unless the [movant] defendant is so competent and understands the legal consequences, …
Sponsors
- Barry Hovis (R, 146) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 9 NOES: 2 PRESENT: 0
- : Voted Do Pass (H)
- : Executive Session Completed (H)
- : Referred: Rules - Legislative(H)
- : HCS Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 8 NOES: 5 PRESENT: 0
- : HCS Voted Do Pass (H)
- : Executive Session Completed (H)
- : Public Hearing Completed (H)
- : Referred: Judiciary(H)
- : Read Second Time (H)
Votes
- Reported Do Pass (H) (April 21, 2026): 9 yea, 2 nay, passed
- HCS Reported Do Pass (H) (March 9, 2026): 8 yea, 5 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is HB2254?
- HB2254 is a bill in the Missouri Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Establishes provisions relating to postconviction relief to set aside a sentence of death.
- What is the status of HB2254?
- In committee as of April 21, 2026. Latest action: Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 9 NOES: 2 PRESENT: 0 (April 21, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB2254?
- Barry Hovis (R, 146).
- Where is the official record for HB2254?
- On the Missouri Legislature website: https://house.mo.gov/BillContent.aspx?bill=HB2254&year=2026&code=R
Source: official Missouri record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.