Gov. Mike Kehoe signed six bills into law Thursday, approving measures that increase penalties for some drunken driving offenses, require age verification on certain adult websites, expand support for military families and update public safety regulations.
One of the measures, House Bill 1740, was sponsored by Rep. Dave Griffith, R-Jefferson City, and handled in the Senate by Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, R-Jefferson City. The legislation establishes Bentley and Mason’s Law, allowing courts to require intoxicated drivers who cause the death of a parent or guardian to provide financial support for the victim’s children. The law also increases penalties for some DWI offenses, updates probation and parole provisions and establishes longer prison terms for certain fatal drunken driving convictions.
Kehoe also signed House Bill 1839, sponsored by Rep. Sherri Gallick, R-Belton, and Sen. Mike Henderson, R-Desloge. The law requires age verification on websites containing material considered harmful to minors. The Missouri attorney general will be authorized to seek civil penalties against websites that fail to comply.
Another bill signed Thursday, House Bill 2593, was sponsored by Rep. Bill Hardwick, R-Dixon, and Sen. Adam Schnelting, R-St. Charles County. The measure makes several changes to military affairs, including expanding eligibility for Missouri Military Family Relief Fund grants, creating new military medal and ribbon programs and authorizing the Missouri National Guard to provide cybersecurity assistance when requested by the Department of Public Safety.
Kehoe also approved Senate Bill 1421, sponsored by Sen. Nick Schroer, R-Defiance, and Rep. Mike Jones, R-Yukon. The legislation directs the Missouri Division of Fire Safety to create statewide fire safety standards for state-inspected facilities, including childcare centers, and updates provisions related to drug trafficking crimes.
Additional measures signed into law include Senate Bill 975, sponsored by Sen. Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, and Rep. Jeff Farnan, R-Stanberry, which modifies provisions relating to ambulance districts. Kehoe also signed Senate Bill 1572, sponsored by Sen. Mike Henderson, R-Desloge, and Rep. Barry Hovis, R-Whitewater, which makes changes to Missouri’s public employee retirement system.
Kehoe said the new laws are designed to strengthen public safety, support military service members and their families, and provide additional protections for Missouri residents.
Copyright © 2026 · Missourinet