Missouri Governor signs bills aimed at protecting vulnerable citizens

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Gov. Mike Kehoe has signed three bills into law aimed at protecting Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens, including children and victims of abuse.

The bills, signed Tuesday, focus on safeguarding children, supporting families and combating human trafficking.

House Bill 121 establishes the “Safe Place for Newborns Fund” to install safety incubators for newborns, extends Missouri’s Safe Haven law and creates a fund to support adoption.

House Bill 737 modifies provisions related to child protection, ensuring federal benefits for foster care children and strengthening legal options for families.

Senate Bill 43 increases protections for children and vulnerable persons in legal proceedings, strengthens criminal provisions against sexual abuse and trafficking, and expands tax credits for organizations supporting children and youth.

Kehoe also signed two other bills, one banning foreign nationals from contributing to campaign committees for ballot measures and another modernizing court operations.