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Bill Summary · HB 2376

Bill Summary: HB 2376 (Missouri, 2026)

Purpose and Intent

HB 2376 establishes the offense of solicitation when conducted on an interstate highway or in a public right-of-way. The bill aims to prohibit soliciting on these roadways and rights-of-way, creating a criminal offense to deter unsafe, disruptive, or illegal solicitation activities in high-traffic public areas.

Key Provisions

  • New offense created: Solicitation on an interstate highway or in a public right-of-way becomes unlawful under Missouri law.
  • Scope of prohibited areas: The prohibition covers solicitation activities specifically on interstate highways and within public rights-of-way, which typically include areas adjacent to roadways, sidewalks, medians, and other designated corridors used for transportation access.
  • Penalties and enforcement: The bill outlines penalties for violations (exact fines, incarceration terms, and any potential graduated sanctions) and designates enforcement responsibilities for law enforcement agencies. Details such as misdemeanor vs. felony classification, fines, and jail time would be specified in the bill text.
  • Definitions: Key terms such as “solicitation,” “interstate highway,” and “public right-of-way” are defined to remove ambiguity and ensure consistent application.
  • Exceptions or defenses: Possible carve-outs (for example, lawful charitable solicitation conducted with permits, or official traffic-control activities) may be included; the text would specify any exemptions or affirmative defenses.
  • Relation to existing statutes: The bill would amend or add to current Missouri criminal or traffic statutes, clarifying how this offense interacts with other lawful activities and with traffic safety regulations.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Individuals: Persons who engage in solicitation on interstate highways or in public rights-of-way could face criminal charges.
  • Law enforcement: Agencies would enforce the new offense, issue citations, and pursue prosecutions.
  • Public safety and transportation: By restricting solicitation in high-traffic areas, the bill aims to reduce distractions and safety risks to motorists and pedestrians.
  • Potential organizations/groups: Charitable or political groups engaging in solicitation would need to review compliance, permits, and any exemptions provided in the final text.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Pre-filing and readings: The bill was prefiled in December 2025 and underwent the standard legislative process in early 2026.
  • Committee referral: On May 15, 2026, HB 2376 was referred to the Emerging Issues (H) committee, indicating potential consideration of broad or novel topics with cross-cutting implications.
  • Legislative timeline: After referral, the bill would proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, passage by the Missouri House of Representatives, and onward to the Senate, subject to session schedules and votes.
  • Sponsors: Co-sponsor is Brad Christ, signaling support and formal sponsorship within the House.

Practical Considerations

  • The bill’s success depends on the specificity of its definitions, the clarity of penalties, and the balance between public safety needs and legitimate solicitation activities.
  • If enacted, enforcement could impact individuals who solicit on busy roadways, potentially reducing hazards but also necessitating guidance for permissible activities (e.g., permitted charitable solicitations with authorization).

Note: The summary above reflects the general nature of the bill based on its title and action history. The exact statutory language, definitions, penalties, exemptions, and procedural provisions will be detailed in the enacted text.

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

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