Establishes the offense of tampering with an elected county official

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Peggy McGaugh

HB 3440 criminalizes disseminating an elected county official’s or family’s personal information to harass or influence, with penalties from misdemeanor to felony if harm occurs.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

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Summary of HB 3440 (2026) — Missouri

Purpose and intent

HB 3440 creates a new offense called “tampering with an elected county official.” The bill aims to protect county officials and their families from harassment, intimidation, or attempts to influence them by disseminating personal information. The offense targets conduct that is intended to influence an official in the performance of official duties.

Key provisions and changes

Offense established: It adds a new section to Chapter 578 (section 578.712) to define and prohibit the conduct.

Core conduct: A person commits the offense if, with the purpose of harassing, intimidating, or influencing the elected county official in the performance of official duties, they disseminate the official’s personal information or the official’s family’s personal information through any means (including the internet).

Definition of “personal information”: Includes home address, Social Security number, federal tax identification number, checking or savings account numbers, marital status, and the identity of a child under 18.

Penalties:

Class A misdemeanor for the base offense.
If the violation results in death or bodily injury to the elected county official or a member of the official’s family, the offense escalates to a Class B felony.

Who is affected

Targeted individuals: Elected county officials in Missouri and members of their immediate families.

Broad scope of conduct: Anyone who disseminates personal information with the stated purpose (harass, intimidate, or influence) could be charged if the elements are satisfied.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Referred to Emerging Issues (H) as of May 15, 2026.

Legislative history: Introduced and read first time on February 25, 2026; read second time on February 26, 2026; referred to committee subsequently.

Sponsorship: Primary sponsor is Representative McGaugh, with a co-sponsor noted as Peggy McGaugh.

Practical impact and considerations

The bill creates a new legal remedy to deter doxxing-like behavior aimed at county officials.

It provides a clear penalty framework (A misdemeanor generally, B felony if violence or death results).

It does not appear to create a private right of action beyond criminal enforcement; enforcement would be by state or local prosecutors.

The broad list of “personal information” underscores a focus on safeguarding sensitive data while recognizing typical public and private information in various contexts.

If you’d like, I can contrast HB 3440 with existing Missouri statutes on doxxing or harassment to highlight unique features or potential overlap.