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Read. Follow. Verify.Missouri bill creates new criminal offense of masked intimidation
Last action · March 25, 2026: Bill Combined w/SCS SBs 1150 & 1043Sponsor: Barbara Washington
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What This Bill Would Do
Missouri Senate Bill 1043 establishes the criminal offense of masked intimidation for individuals who intentionally harass, intimidate, or threaten others while concealing their face to hide their identity and induce fear of physical harm. A first offense is classified as a , a second offense as a class D felony, and any subsequent offense as a class C felony. The legislation provides specific exemptions for costumes, occupational safety, weather protection, theatrical productions, emergency equipment, health precautions, and religious garb.
Residents face felony prosecution for intentionally threatening or harassing others while wearing facial concealment, with penalties escalating from a class E to a class C felony for repeat convictions.
- Senate Bill 1043 was introduced during the 2026 Second Regular Session of the 103rd General Assembly by Senator Barbara Washington. context
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Individuals in Missouri
Individuals face new criminal felony liabilities and penalties for intentionally intimidating or harassing others while concealing their face.
Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors
Law enforcement and prosecutors are empowered to investigate, arrest, and charge individuals under the newly created class E, D, or C felony offense.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What constitutes the offense of masked intimidation under SB 1043?
Are everyday face coverings like medical masks or religious garments exempted?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
5 actions- Mar 25, 2026SenateBill Combined w/SCS SBs 1150 & 1043
- Feb 25, 2026SenateHearing Conducted S Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee
- Jan 15, 2026SenateFloorSecond Read and Referred S Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee
- Jan 7, 2026SenateIntroducedS First Read
- Dec 1, 2025SenatePrefiled
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. The text on record is the 5730S.01I - Introduced version. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Creation of Masked Intimidation Offense
The bill introduces a distinct felony category specifically punishing harassment and intimidation committed while facial identity is concealed.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.senate.mo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy75Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz45Current news / social attention level
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