Missouri Appleseed is happy to announce four issues we have been championing are now signed into law! The new legislation will strengthen Missouri families by keeping them healthy, connected, and thriving.
1) The Missouri Incarceration Reimbursement Act was repealed, prohibiting the Missouri Attorney General from arbitrarily seizing people’s assets when they return home from incarceration.
Under the Missouri Incarceration Reimbursement Act (MIRA), the AG could sue people for the cost of their incarceration, taking away their money and property. MIRA prevented individuals from a fresh start in society. Repealing MIRA shields formerly incarcerated people’s assets, so they can smoothly transition into the community.
We thank Representative Tara Peters (R-Rolla) and Senator Stephen Webber (D-Columbia) for originally sponsoring the legislation during the 2025 session.
2) Jails can no longer restrain pregnant people in their third trimester, labor, and 48 hours postpartum, except under extraordinary circumstances.
By banning shackling, incarcerated women can safely carry their babies to term knowing their health is not in jeopardy. The new law stops the added stress from restraints while protecting pregnant people and their future children.
We thank Representative Chad Perkins (R-Bowling Green) and Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R-Arnold) for originally sponsoring the legislation during the 2025 session.
3) Jails are now required to provide prenatal care for incarcerated pregnant people, including health evaluations, prenatal vitamins, and proper nutrition.
Women in jail deserve adequate care to ensure their well-being during their pregnancy. A person who is incarcerated relies on the institution, and this legislation mandates and fulfills the healthcare needs throughout pregnancy.
Thank you again to Representative Chad Perkins and Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman for originally sponsoring the legislation during the 2025 session.
4) Jails must provide inmates with reasonable access to phone services and cannot charge more than 12 cents per minute for a domestic phone call.
Loved ones can contact each other without having to worry about the predatory phone call rates of the past. Before the bill was enacted, jails in the state were charging upward of a dollar a minute causing people to go into debt. Now, families can keep relationships intact through the phone rate cap. In addition, research shows that increased communication between loved ones reduces recidivism, so this legislation is also a win for public safety.
We thank Representative Michael Davis (R-Belton) and Senator Steven Roberts (D-St. Louis) for originally sponsoring the legislation during the 2025 session.
Missouri Appleseed is excited to see this important legislation passed and the positive impact it will have on Missourians. We will continue working on additional family-focused bills during the current legislative session and into the future.
This blog post was authored by SLU Law and Grassroots Advocacy student Katie Quinn.
