Gov. Mike Kehoe signs bills targeting crime, child protection and divorce laws

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Mike Kehoe signed three bills into law Tuesday aimed at strengthening criminal penalties, protecting vulnerable individuals and updating family law provisions.

The measures include Senate Bill 888 and House Bills 1908 and 2273, approved during a bill signing ceremony at the Missouri State Capitol.

SB 888 modifies provisions related to the criminal justice system, including allowing greater record sharing among law enforcement and prosecutors, increasing penalties for certain sexual offenses and updating sentencing and parole transparency.

“Missouri must address the revolving door for repeat violent offenders — and that includes juveniles,” Kehoe said in a statement.

HB 1908 addresses family law by clarifying that pregnancy status cannot be used to prevent courts from granting a divorce or legal separation.

Kehoe said the measure ensures pregnancy is not used as a barrier for women seeking to leave unsafe situations.

HB 2273 focuses on protecting children and vulnerable individuals by increasing penalties for sex offenses involving minors and updating laws related to digitally altered explicit images. The bill also strengthens efforts to combat child sex trafficking.

“Missouri will not tolerate those who exploit or harm our most vulnerable — especially our children,” Kehoe said.