MO HB302

Amends Missouri law to make it a class B misdemeanor for a defendant to willfully refuse to vacate and surrender possession of leased premises after a judgment has been entered in a rent and possession case.

Establishes that the criminal penalty applies only after ten days from the date of judgment have passed without the judgment being set aside or an application for trial de novo being filed.

Requires the court clerk to mail notice to the defendant at their last known address informing them of the judgment and their ten-day window to file a motion to set aside the judgment or application for trial de novo.

Maintains existing service procedures for rent and possession cases, including personal service, posting and mailing methods, and allows service through alias summons within a maximum of twenty-one business days from issuance.

Prevents monetary judgments against defendants in default when service is conducted by posting and mailing rather than personal service.