Missouri legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Missouri HB3184: Establishes provisions relating to adultery
Status: In committee, May 15, 2026
What the bill says
To amend chapters 537 and 568, RSMo, by adding thereto two new sections relating to adultery, with penalty provisions. Section A. Chapters 537 and 568, RSMo, are amended by adding thereto two new sections, to be known as sections 537.553 and 568.200, to read as follows: 537.553. 1. As used in this section, the term "adultery" means voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and an individual who is not that person's spouse. 2. A person may bring a civil action against any individual other than the person's spouse and (2) It can be proven that the individual's conduct caused emotiona.
From the introduced text:
To amend chapters 537 and 568, RSMo, by adding thereto two new sections relating to adultery, with penalty provisions. Section A. Chapters 537 and 568, RSMo, are amended by adding thereto two new sections, to be known as sections 537.553 and 568.200, to read as follows: 537.553. 1. As used in this section, the term "adultery" means voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and an individual who is not that person's spouse. 2. A person may bring a civil action against any individual other than the person's spouse and (2) It can be proven that the individual's conduct caused emotional, financial, or relational harm to the person's marriage. 3. The burden of proof in any action brought under this section shall be a preponderance of the evidence. Evidence that may be presented includes, but is not limited to, written or electronic communications, photographs or video, witness testimony, admissions, or evidence obtained through lawful investigations. 4. A prevailing plaintiff may recover: (1) Compensatory damages, including emotional distress, counseling costs, loss of consortium, and financial losses; (2) Punitive damages for willful or malicious conduct; (3) Attorney's fees and court costs; and 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 …