MO HB2120

Creates new section 452.398 allowing non-biological persons with established parent-child relationships to petition for custody or visitation rights under specific circumstances, including when a natural parent is deceased, unknown, unavailable for one year, has had parental rights terminated, or has not maintained an ongoing relationship for one year.

Requires petitioners to demonstrate an "ongoing relationship" of at least one year involving provision of basic needs, care, education, structure, discipline, and sustained psychological/emotional connection with the child.

Establishes that a natural parent's wishes receive a rebuttable presumption of acting in the child's best interests, which can be overcome by preponderance of evidence for visitation rights or by clear and convincing evidence for custody rights.

Amends section 453.005 to prohibit consideration of race, ethnicity, or color in adoption placement decisions and best interests determinations, while requiring compliance with federal Native American placement preferences under 25 U.S.C. Section 1915.

Protects military parents by prohibiting final custody orders for 90 days after deployment ends and prohibits considering military deployment as grounds for custody changes; similarly protects employed parents from custody orders based solely on employment-related separation.