Missouri legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Missouri HB2322: Establishes the "Youthful Offender Sentencing Reform and Accountability Act"
Status: In committee, May 15, 2026
What the bill says
To amend chapter 557, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to sentencing of offenders under twenty years of age. Section A. Chapter 557, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 557.052, to read as follows: 557.052. 1. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Youthful Offender Sentencing Reform and Accountability Act". 2. As used in this section, the following terms mean: (1) "Exceptional circumstances", cases involving multiple victims, acts of extreme cruelty, or evidence of adult-level planning or premeditation; (2) "Life without par.
From the introduced text:
To amend chapter 557, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to sentencing of offenders under twenty years of age. Section A. Chapter 557, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 557.052, to read as follows: 557.052. 1. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Youthful Offender Sentencing Reform and Accountability Act". 2. As used in this section, the following terms mean: (1) "Exceptional circumstances", cases involving multiple victims, acts of extreme cruelty, or evidence of adult-level planning or premeditation; (2) "Life without parole", a sentence that precludes eligibility for release on parole during the natural life of the person; (3) "Offender under twenty", any individual who was under twenty years of age at the time of the commission of the offense. 3. (1) A court shall not impose a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole on an offender under twenty years of age except upon a finding, supported by clear and convincing evidence, that exceptional circumstances exist. (2) In all other cases, such offender shall be eligible for parole consideration after serving not more than twenty-five years of confinement unless a shorter period is provided by law. (3) The sentencing court shall consider factors of youth, maturity, background, and rehabilitation potential when determining the …