MO HB931

Repeals existing funeral protest statutes (sections 578.501-578.503) and replaces them with a new permitting system requiring demonstrators to obtain a Missouri funeral demonstration permit from the division of professional registration.

Creates a "Funeral Demonstration Zone" extending 250 feet from any funeral, funeral home, cemetery, crematorium, or funeral procession route, where demonstrations are prohibited two hours before through two hours after a funeral without a permit.

Establishes a $10,000 permit fee, with $25 going to the division of professional registration for administrative costs and the remaining $9,975 directed to a newly created "Family Funeral Victimization Fund" to compensate families affected by funeral protests.

Makes it unlawful to demonstrate in a funeral demonstration zone without a permit, establishing violations as a class A misdemeanor for first offenses and a class D felony for repeat offenses.

Creates the Family Funeral Victimization Fund as a dedicated fund managed by the state treasurer, with the director of professional registration to develop guidelines for distributing money annually to victimized families.