Missouri legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Missouri HB3159: Establishes provisions to provide for legal representation for undocumented minors in immigration matters
Status: In committee, May 15, 2026
What the bill says
To amend chapter 660, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to legal services for undocumented minors. Section A. Chapter 660, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 660.760, to read as follows: 660.760. 1. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Children's Due Process Protection Act". 2. Subject to appropriation, the department of social services shall provide legal counsel to every immigrant child under the age of eighteen residing in the state of Missouri. 3. Children shall be appointed counsel as follows: (1) Access to counsel sha.
From the introduced text:
To amend chapter 660, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to legal services for undocumented minors. Section A. Chapter 660, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 660.760, to read as follows: 660.760. 1. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Children's Due Process Protection Act". 2. Subject to appropriation, the department of social services shall provide legal counsel to every immigrant child under the age of eighteen residing in the state of Missouri. 3. Children shall be appointed counsel as follows: (1) Access to counsel shall begin at the time an immigrant child is designated as unaccompanied by a federal or state agency or identified as such by an immigration attorney; (2) Access to counsel may apply in state court proceedings or to submitting an affirmative filing for purposes of obtaining any order necessary for or relevant to immigration remedies, federal immigration proceedings, any related appearances or matters, and any appeals arising from those proceedings before the United States Department of Homeland Security, the United States Department of Justice, or in federal court; (3) Access to counsel shall not be provided if the immigrant child has independent counsel; and EXPLANATION -- Matter enclosed in bold-faced brackets [thus] in the above bill is not enacted and is …