Missouri HB2956: Establishes provisions relating to the refiling of dismissed cases

What the bill says

To amend chapter 544, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to the refiling of dismissed cases. Section A. Chapter 544, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 544.255, to read as follows: 544.255. 1. If a case is: (1) Set for preliminary hearing but is dismissed by the court prior to the hearing being held; or (2) Dismissed by a prosecuting attorney at any time, the case may be refiled by the prosecuting attorney. 2. If the case is dismissed by the court or the prosecuting attorney a second time, the prosecuting attorney is prohibited from refilin.

From the introduced text:

To amend chapter 544, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to the refiling of dismissed cases. Section A. Chapter 544, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 544.255, to read as follows: 544.255. 1. If a case is: (1) Set for preliminary hearing but is dismissed by the court prior to the hearing being held; or (2) Dismissed by a prosecuting attorney at any time, the case may be refiled by the prosecuting attorney. 2. If the case is dismissed by the court or the prosecuting attorney a second time, the prosecuting attorney is prohibited from refiling the case. ✔ 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 in bold-face type in the above bill is proposed language.

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Smith, David Tyson (R) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. May 15, 2026: Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
2. January 14, 2026: Read Second Time (H)
3. January 13, 2026: Introduced and Read First Time (H)