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SB 1476

SB 1476 - This act defines "adult cabaret performance" in regards to provisions relating to restrictions on sexually oriented businesses. Additionally, this act creates the offense of engaging in an adult cabaret performance if such performance is on public property or in a location where the performance could be viewed by a person who is not an adult. Such offense shall be a class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a class E felony for any subsequent offense. This act is identical to SB 764 (2025), HB 722 (2025), HB 1650 (2024), HB 1849 (2024), HB 2300 (2024), and HCS/HBs 494 & 498 (2023), and contains provisions identical to SB 295 (2025), SB 949 (2024), and SB 693 (2023). TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Nicola

Missouri bill criminalizes adult cabaret performances, affecting entertainment venues and performers while raising First Amendment questions about regulatory scope.

Bill Combined w/(SCS SBs 1164 & 1476)
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Bill Summary · SB 1476

Legislative bill overview

SB 1476 creates legal restrictions and criminal penalties around adult cabaret performances in Missouri, establishing what constitutes such performances and making it an offense to engage in them under certain circumstances. The bill appears designed to regulate sexually explicit entertainment venues and performances in the state.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects adult entertainment businesses, performers, and venue operators in Missouri, potentially altering the legal landscape for a segment of the entertainment industry. It also raises questions about how Missouri balances public morality regulations with constitutional protections for free expression and adult behavior.

Potential points of contention

  • First Amendment concerns: Opponents may argue restrictions on adult performances conflict with free speech protections, particularly regarding non-obscene expressive conduct
  • Vague definitions: The bill's specific language defining "adult cabaret performance" could be challenged as overly broad or insufficiently clear about what conduct is prohibited
  • Economic impact: Businesses operating adult entertainment venues could face significant operational or financial consequences, raising fairness and takings clause questions
  • Enforcement disparities: Questions about how uniformly such restrictions would be enforced across different jurisdictions and against different performers
  • Worker implications: Performers and employees in affected venues may face employment disruption or criminal liability

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

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