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HB 2552

Establishes the offense of false imprisonment

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Miller

Missouri would criminalize knowingly restraining someone unlawfully in a way that substantially interferes with liberty, with enhanced penalties if moved out of state or involving

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#crimesandpunishment #criminalprocedure
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Bill Summary · HB 2552

Overview

HB 2552 proposes to create a new Missouri offense: false imprisonment. The bill defines the crime, establishes penalty levels, sets conditions for related offenses (assault in the third degree), and outlines specific presumptions of proof and scenarios involving vehicles and occupied buildings. It also clarifies conduct that constitutes “interfere substantially” and “willful blocking” of a person’s rights-of-way.

Main purpose and intent

  • Establish a distinct criminal offense for knowingly restraining or impeding another person’s movement unlawfully and without consent, where the restraint substantively interferes with the person’s liberty.
  • Attach enhanced penalties when the restraint extends beyond state borders (class E felony) or when aggravating circumstances apply (e.g., assault in the third degree, or use of a motor vehicle/building in certain felonious acts).

Key provisions and changes

  1. Definition and offense

    • A person commits false imprisonment by knowingly restraining or impeding another’s movement unlawfully and without consent in a manner that substantially interferes with liberty.
    • Penalties:
      • Base offense: Class A misdemeanor.
      • If the person unlawfully restrained is removed from Missouri, the offense becomes a Class E felony.

  2. Related offense (assault)

    • If physical contact is initiated during the false imprisonment, the offender also commits assault in the third degree (per existing §565.054).

  3. Presumptions of proof / burden shifting

    • A person is presumed to have met the burden of proof and is presumed to have caused the defender to fear for his or her life if:
      • The restrained individual attempts to retreat and the offender is within 7 feet and behaving aggressively/threatening; or
      • The restrained individual is within 75 feet and the offender is throwing objects capable of bodily harm.

  4. Enhanced scenarios involving dangerous settings

    • If the offense occurs on an occupied motor vehicle and the action constitutes a felony, occupants are presumed to fear for their lives.
    • If the offense occurs in an occupied building and the action constitutes a felony, occupants are presumed to fear for their lives.

  5. Definitions of key terms

    • “Interfere substantially”: includes willful blocking of a person’s right-of-way.
    • “Willful blocking”: includes gripping/holding, moving to block, or participating in a group blocking rights-of-way (e.g., sidewalks, roadways). A person with the right-of-way is not obliged to escape or retreat.

Who/what is affected

  • Individuals who knowingly restrain or impede another person unlawfully and without consent in ways that substantially interfere with liberty.
  • Victims of false imprisonment would be subject to Missouri criminal penalties, with heightened consequences if the restraint involves removal from the state.
  • Offenders engaging in restraint in or near motor vehicles or occupied buildings face presumptive safety/credibility considerations for the victims.
  • Potentially affected parties include bystanders or groups involved in blocking rights-of-way, as defined by “willful blocking.”

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Referred to Emerging Issues (H) as of May 15, 2026.
  • History: Read first time (H) and read second time (H) in January 2026; prefiled in December 2025.
  • Enactment would add new Section 565.131 to Chapter 565, RSMo.
  • Effective date not specified in the text provided; typical implementation would follow passage and any required rulemaking.

Summary

HB 2552 creates the offense of false imprisonment in Missouri, punishable as a Class A misdemeanor, with Class E felony penalties if the restrained person is removed from the state. The bill couples false imprisonment with possible assault in the third degree when physical contact occurs and establishes presumptions of proof in certain proximity scenarios. It also introduces safety-based presumptions when the offense occurs on an occupied motor vehicle or in an occupied building, treating such acts as creating a fear for life among occupants. The definitions of “interfere substantially” and “willful blocking” focus on blocking rights-of-way and can include group activities.

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

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