MO HB831

Repeals and reenacts sections 556.061 and 568.060 of Missouri law relating to child abuse and neglect definitions and penalties.

Establishes abuse of a child as a class C felony with minimum one-year imprisonment, or class B felony with minimum five-year imprisonment if the injury causes serious emotional or physical injury or if the person has prior convictions.

Makes abuse of a child a class A felony if the child dies as a result of injuries sustained from conduct constituting abuse or neglect.

Classifies abuse involving serious emotional or physical injury to a child under age 14 resulting from sexual abuse or sexual exploitation as a class A felony requiring minimum 15-year imprisonment.

Includes emergency clause making the act effective immediately upon passage and approval to protect children.