Missouri legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Missouri HB3459: Establishes "Preston's Law" which establishes standards of conduct for law enforcement officers when conducting homicide investigations
Status: In committee, May 15, 2026
What the bill says
To amend chapter 590, RSMo, by adding thereto six new sections relating to homicide investigations, with penalty provisions and a delayed effective date. Section A. Chapter 590, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto six new sections, to be known as sections 590.1200, 590.1202, 590.1204, 590.1206, 590.1208, and 590.1210, to read as follows: 590.1200. 1. The provisions of sections 589.1200 to 589.1210 shall be known and may be referred to as "Preston's Law". 2. For purposes of sections 589.1200 to 589.1210, the following terms mean: (1) "Family", the next-of-kin of the deceased and any individual d.
From the introduced text:
To amend chapter 590, RSMo, by adding thereto six new sections relating to homicide investigations, with penalty provisions and a delayed effective date. Section A. Chapter 590, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto six new sections, to be known as sections 590.1200, 590.1202, 590.1204, 590.1206, 590.1208, and 590.1210, to read as follows: 590.1200. 1. The provisions of sections 589.1200 to 589.1210 shall be known and may be referred to as "Preston's Law". 2. For purposes of sections 589.1200 to 589.1210, the following terms mean: (1) "Family", the next-of-kin of the deceased and any individual designated in writing by the next-of-kin; (2) "Homicide scene", any location where a deceased person is discovered or where law enforcement is conducting an active homicide investigation; (3) "Next-of-kin", as such term is defined under section 194.119; (4) "Trauma-informed conduct", behavior demonstrating empathy, respect, and awareness of the emotional impact of violent loss; (5) "Victim information", any nonprivileged factual information regarding the deceased or the investigation that may be lawfully disclosed. 3. All peace officers and law enforcement personnel responding to or investigating a homicide shall treat family members with integrity, respect, compassion, empathy, and professionalism. 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 …