MO HB748

Creates new crime of absconding without paying rent, classified as a class A misdemeanor for tenants who intentionally leave residential property without paying all current and past rent owed

Provides defense if tenant has provided security deposit equal to or exceeding the amount owed for rent and property damage

Provides defense if tenant pays all rent owed within five days of vacating or provides landlord with written forwarding address within that timeframe

Requires state to prove beyond reasonable doubt that defense conditions do not exist when defenses are raised at trial

Does not apply if tenant has already been subject to civil judgment for punitive damages related to unpaid rent