April 13th, 2026 Local News
Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed three pieces of legislation into law Tuesday during a bill signing ceremony at the Missouri State Capitol, approving measures focused on public safety, family law, and the protection of children and vulnerable people.
One of the bills signed was Senate Bill 888, sponsored by Senator Nick Schroer and Representative Brad Christ. The legislation changes several parts of Missouri’s criminal justice system. According to the Governor’s Office, the law allows for expanded record sharing to help law enforcement and prosecutors better track cases and juvenile adjudication history. It also increases penalties for certain sexual criminal offenses and includes sentencing reforms aimed at improving transparency in parole eligibility calculations.
Governor Kehoe said the measure is intended to address repeat violent offenders and provide more tools for law enforcement and prosecutors.
The governor also signed House Bill 1908, sponsored by Representatives Cecelie Williams and Raychel Proudie, along with Senator Jill Carter. That bill changes provisions relating to divorce and legal separation by clarifying that pregnancy status cannot be used as a reason to prevent a court from granting a divorce or legal separation.
Kehoe said the legislation is designed to make sure pregnancy is never used as a barrier for women seeking a divorce, especially in unsafe situations.
Also signed was House Bill 2273, sponsored by Representative Ed Lewis and Senator Jill Carter. The law increases penalties for sex offenses involving minors, updates Missouri law involving the sharing or threatening to share digitally manipulated sexual images, and strengthens the state’s response to child sex trafficking.
Governor Kehoe said the legislation sends a strong message that Missouri will not tolerate crimes against children or other vulnerable individuals. The three measures were signed as part of the governor’s ongoing public safety and legislative agenda.