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HB 3148

Allows persons who are permanent residents of the United States who have been honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces to serve as law enforcement officers in this state

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marlon Anderson and 1 co-sponsor

Missouri would allow lawful permanent residents with an honorable U.S. military discharge to become police officers, in addition to U.S. citizens.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 3148

Summary of HB 3148 (Missouri, 2026 Session)

Main purpose and intent

  • The bill expands eligibility for joining Missouri law enforcement by allowing certain non-citizens to serve as police officers.
  • Specifically, it permits lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who have been honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces to be employed or appointed as police officers in Missouri.
  • The change applies to sections governing citizenship requirements for police employment and licensure.

Key provisions and changes

  1. 84.120 (police appointment standards)

    • Current language generally requires United States citizenship; the bill revises to allow either U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency with an honorable U.S. military discharge.
    • Adds that applicants must still meet other qualifications (e.g., character, ability to read/write English, physical and mental fitness).
    • Retains board authority to oversee disciplinary matters and potential hearings, with provisions relating to hearing officers and delegation of responsibilities.

  2. 84.570 (police recruitment, appointment, and rules)

    • Mirrors 84.120’s citizenship modification by permitting either U.S. citizenship or permanent residency with honorable discharge.
    • Reinforces age and employment standards (e.g., no minimum age set at 21 in current language; the board retains control over employment conditions).
    • Requires periodic open competitive examinations and establishes rules for temporary employment, hours, and leaves.

  3. 590.030 (peace officer licensing and training)

    • Allows the director of the Missouri POST Commission to set minimum standards for basic training and licensure.
    • Specifically clarifies that licensure requirements may be satisfied by credentials from other states, jurisdictions, including federal and military law enforcement.
    • Establishes licensure processes, continuing education requirements, and background-check/Rap Back enrollment obligations.
    • Addresses license expiration if a person leaves active peace officer duties for five consecutive years, with potential relicensing and retraining as conditions.
    • Maintains enrollment in Rap Back programs by agencies and officers.

Who would be affected

  • Law enforcement agencies in Missouri and their applicant pools.
  • Non-citizen individuals who are lawful permanent residents and have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces, who wish to become police officers in Missouri.
  • The Missouri POST Commission and local police boards, which would administer hiring standards, hearings, licensure, and ongoing compliance.
  • Applicants currently requiring U.S. citizenship as a condition of employment would see changes allowing permanent residents to qualify.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill repeals and replaces three existing sections with new wording reflecting the citizenship accommodation.
  • It includes standard legislative processes: referral to Emerging Issues (H) for consideration, passage through readings, and sponsor/supporters noted.
  • Implementing provisions would dovetail with existing POST licensure timelines, background checks, and Rap Back enrollment, with ongoing adherence to rules promulgated by the Missouri POST Commission.
  • No specific effective date is included in the text provided; typically, if enacted, the bill would specify an effective date or apply upon passage.

Notable details and context

  • The amendment aligns citizenship requirements with military service by recognizing honorable discharge of permanent residents as sufficient for eligibility.
  • The bill preserves other eligibility criteria (e.g., reading/writing English, character, physical/mental fitness) and retains board discretion over disciplinary processes, including hearings and use of hearing officers.
  • The bill’s language emphasizes continued reliance on licensure standards, competitive examinations, and ongoing professional requirements for peace officers.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with the current law to highlight all exact textual differences.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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