Missouri legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Missouri HB2377: Modifies provisions relating to mental capacity to be tried or convicted
Status: In committee, May 15, 2026
What the bill says
From the introduced text:
SECOND REGULAR SESSION HOUSE BILL NO. 2377 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE COOK. 5638H.01I JOSEPH ENGLER, Chief Clerk To repeal section 552.020, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof one new section relating to mental capacity to be tried or convicted. Section A. Section 552.020, RSMo, is repealed and one new section enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as section 552.020, to read as follows: 552.020. 1. No person who as a result of mental disease or defect lacks capacity to understand the proceedings against him or her or to assist in his or her own defense shall be tried, convicted or sentenced for the commission of an offense so long as the incapacity endures. 2. Whenever any judge has reasonable cause to believe that the accused lacks mental fitness to proceed and the accused is charged with one or more nonviolent misdemeanors, the judge shall, upon his or her own motion or upon motion filed by the state or by or on behalf of the accused, by order of record, direct the director of the department of mental health to have the accused assessed by a qualified mental health professional as defined in section 632.005. The assessment shall determine the treatment needs of the accused and, as appropriate, refer the accused to community treatment services, which may …
Sponsors
- Bennie Cook (R, 143) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
- : Read Second Time (H)
- : Read First Time (H)
- : Prefiled (H)
Common questions
- What is HB2377?
- HB2377 is a bill in the Missouri Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Modifies provisions relating to mental capacity to be tried or convicted.
- What is the status of HB2377?
- In committee as of May 15, 2026. Latest action: Referred: Emerging Issues(H) (May 15, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB2377?
- Bennie Cook (R, 143).
- Where is the official record for HB2377?
- On the Missouri Legislature website: https://house.mo.gov/BillContent.aspx?bill=HB2377&year=2026&code=R
Source: official Missouri record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.