HB 281 Summary

• Replaces the term "abuse" with "domestic violence" throughout domestic violence statutes to standardize terminology across Missouri law.

• Expands the definition of who may petition for protection orders by changing "adult" to "person," allowing minors and others to seek relief under sections 455.010 to 455.085.

• Adds language allowing courts to deny ex parte orders and dismiss petitions if the petitioner is not authorized to seek relief, and requires courts to determine if a respondent under 17 years of age meets jurisdictional grounds before issuing orders.

• Clarifies law enforcement response procedures by requiring mandatory arrest for domestic violence violations and establishing that service of protection orders takes priority over other non-emergency actions.

• Creates three new degrees of domestic assault crimes (first, second, and third degree) with felony and misdemeanor penalties ranging from Class A misdemeanor to Class A felony depending on severity and prior convictions.