Missouri legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Missouri HB2452: Establishes the offense of malicious prosecution of a journalist
Status: In committee, May 15, 2026
What the bill says
To amend chapter 575, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to the offense of malicious prosecution of a journalist, with a penalty provision. Section A. Chapter 575, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 575.245, to read as follows: 575.245. 1. A person commits the offense of malicious prosecution of a journalist if such person is an elected public official, assistant prosecuting attorney, or an assistant attorney general who: (1) Instigates or commences a criminal prosecution against a journalist without probable cause; (2) Continues the crimin.
From the introduced text:
To amend chapter 575, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to the offense of malicious prosecution of a journalist, with a penalty provision. Section A. Chapter 575, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 575.245, to read as follows: 575.245. 1. A person commits the offense of malicious prosecution of a journalist if such person is an elected public official, assistant prosecuting attorney, or an assistant attorney general who: (1) Instigates or commences a criminal prosecution against a journalist without probable cause; (2) Continues the criminal prosecution against the journalist; (3) Acts with malice against the journalist; (4) Acts with the knowledge that no offense was committed by the journalist; and (5) Causes damages to the journalist. 2. The offense of malicious prosecution of a journalist is a class E felony. 3. A person in violation of this section shall be liable for damages, which may include, but are not limited to, reputational damages. 4. For purposes of this section, the following terms mean: (1) "Doctrine of freedom of the press", the right to publish and disseminate information, thoughts, and opinions through newspapers, magazines, broadcast, online media bloggers, online influencers, podcasters, and other digital content creators; EXPLANATION -- Matter enclosed in bold-faced brackets [thus] in the above bill is not enacted …