HB 1840 - Burger, Jamie
Modifies provisions relating to communication involving persons with disabilities
Bill Details
Sponsor
LR Number
4186S.07T
Title
SS#2 SCS HCS HB 1840
House Handler
Journal Page
Effective Date
Varies
Current Status
Delivered to Governor
Quick Links
Amendments
CURRENT BILL SUMMARY
SS#2/SCS/HCS/HB 1840 - This act repeals a provision of law limiting the total amount of grants provided through the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to organizations that provide services to deaf-blind individuals and families.
This provision is identical to HB 2408 (2026), SB 1787 (2026), and a provision in HCS/SS#3/SB 1062 (2026).
Under this act, the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing shall establish a statewide communication access services program to improve compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act for agencies and businesses by coordinating resources, filling service gaps, and assisting with costs related to accommodations. The Commission shall develop a statewide registry of service providers, establish training and equipment standards, maintain an informational website, provide training, conduct outreach, and submit an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly, as described in the act. The Commission shall also, subject to appropriation, finance requests for assistance in providing communication access services and administer scholarships for professional development, internships, and certification testing.
This provision is identical to SB 1637 (2026) and a provision in HCS/SS#3/SB 1062 (2026) and similar to SB 766 (2025).
This act establishes "Mason's Law". Beginning January 1, 2027, a Missouri resident with a health condition or disability that limits or impairs their ability to effectively communicate with law enforcement may apply to the Department of Revenue for a designation associated with their motor vehicle license plate number. The application for the designation shall be on a form developed by the Department and signed by a physician or psychologists, as described in the act, certifying that the applicant or the applicant's child, parent, or spouse has a physical or mental health condition that is likely to impair the ability to communicate effectively with law enforcement and that such impairment shall persist for at least five years. The Highway Patrol shall make an entry in the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System concerning the designation and such entry shall remain active for five years unless reactivated.
The Department of Public Safety shall issue guidance and education materials to all law enforcement agencies in this state to promote awareness of the designation established in this act.
This provision has a contingent effective date.
This provisions is substantially similar to HCS/HB 3175 (2026).
This act establishes "RJ's Law". This act establishes the "Purple Alert System" within the Department of Public Safety to aid in the identification and location of missing persons with developmental disabilities whose disappearance poses a credible threat of immediate danger or serious bodily harm to themselves and who are believed to be unable to return to safety without assistance. Before July 1, 2027, the Department shall, in cooperation with other state agencies and local law enforcement agencies, develop a training program and alert system that is compatible with existing alert systems in the state, including training for law enforcement officers to understand developmental disabilities and to respond effectively to a reported missing person emergency when the person has a developmental disability.
This provision is substantially similar to SB 1409 (2026).
SARAH HASKINS