SCS/SBs 1150 & 1043 - A person commits the offense of masked intimidation if the person intentionally harasses, intimidates, or threatens any other person while hiding or concealing their face with a mask, hood, or any other article or device for the purpose of concealing their identity and with the intent to place another person in reasonable fear for their physical safety. The offense is a class E felony unless it is a second or subsequent offense, in which case it is a class D felony. This offense shall also be considered a hate offense punishable as a class E felony when the state believes that the offense was knowingly motivated because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or disability of the victim. This act shall not apply to any person wearing a mask or otherwise covering one's face in certain cases, including for holidays, the occupation of the person, weather, artistic or theatrical production, emergencies, or religious purposes. Additionally, nothing in this act shall be construed to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment. This act is identical to provisions contained in SB 1421 (2026), and is similar to HB 2848 (2026). TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jamie Burger

Missouri bill criminalizes wearing masks while intimidating others, raising First Amendment concerns about anonymous protest participation and free assembly rights.

SCS Voted Do Pass (w/SCS SBs 1150 & 1043) Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee (5420S.03C)

Legislative bill overview

SB 1150 creates a new criminal offense in Missouri for "masked intimidation," making it illegal to wear a mask or disguise while engaging in intimidating conduct toward another person. The bill appears designed to target intimidation tactics used during protests, demonstrations, or other public gatherings where participants conceal their identities.

Why is this important

This legislation directly impacts First Amendment protections around anonymous speech and assembly rights, which are particularly relevant during protests and demonstrations. The law could affect how people participate in political activism, civil disobedience, and public demonstrations where mask-wearing has become common practice (especially post-2020).

Potential points of contention

First Amendment concerns: Courts have long protected anonymous speech and assembly; this law may conflict with established constitutional protections against compelled identification

Vague definitions: "Intimidation" and "masked" may be defined too broadly, potentially criminalizing lawful protest participation or even Halloween trick-or-treating

Selective enforcement risk: Laws targeting masked individuals could be applied inconsistently based on political viewpoint or group affiliation, raising equal protection concerns

Practical scope unclear: The bill's text is not yet publicly available, making it difficult to assess exact criminal standards and penalties involved