WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2804

Requires law enforcement officers to complete annual autism sensitivity training

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Yolanda Young

Missouri HB 2804 mandes one hour of annual autism sensitivity training for all peace officers, added to existing POST continuing education requirements.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#disabilities #lawenforcementofficersandagencies
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2804

Overview

Missouri House Bill 2804 (2026) would require annual autism sensitivity training for all peace officers as part of the state’s continuing education requirements. The measure updates the existing continuing education framework administered by the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission and establishes funding and implementation provisions.

Primary purpose and intent

  • Establish a mandatory annual autism sensitivity component for all peace officers.
  • Enhance officers’ ability to identify signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to interact effectively with individuals with ASD.
  • Integrate the training into the routinely required law enforcement continuing education, rather than adding a separate requirement.

Key provisions

  1. Continuing education requirements (Section 590.050)

    • The POST Commission must establish continuing education requirements for all peace officers.
    • Traffic stops: Officers must complete three hours of training within the three-year law enforcement continuing education reporting period focusing on prohibitions against racial profiling, promoting understanding of racial and cultural differences, and using noncombative methods in diverse environments.
    • Autism sensitivity: All peace officers must complete one hour of continuing education each year on autism sensitivity, including identifying signs of ASD and strategies for effective interaction. This training can be completed virtually and must be included within the annual continuing education hours (not in addition to them).

  2. Regulation of providers (Section 590.050, subsections)

    • The director of the POST Commission shall license continuing education providers and has authority to probate, suspend, or revoke licenses, with a written notice of action.
    • Appeals from a licensing decision follow procedures in Chapter 536.

  3. Funding and administration (Section 590.050, subsections)

    • Costs of continuing law enforcement education will be partially reimbursed from the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission Fund (Section 590.178), subject to fund availability.
    • Funds may not be used to train individuals who are not actively commissioned or employed by a county or municipal agency.

  4. Professional development authority (Section 590.050, subsection 4)

    • The director may engage in activities to promote professionalism through training and education, including providing specialized training via the Department of Public Safety.

Who is affected

  • All peace officers who are actively commissioned or employed by county or municipal law enforcement agencies in Missouri.
  • POST Commission-registered continuing education providers (who may be licensed, and potentially regulated/sanctioned for non-compliance).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill outlines a three-year cycle for the three-hour racial profiling training associated with traffic stops, aligned with the existing continuing education reporting period.
  • The autism sensitivity training is annual, countable toward the officer’s regular continuing education hours.
  • Implementation would be overseen by the POST Commission, with licensing and enforcement authority over training providers.
  • Funding for the training is contingent on the availability of funds in the POST Commission Fund.

Practical considerations

  • The autism training is designed to be deliverable virtually, increasing accessibility for law enforcement agencies with varying training capacities.
  • By embedding autism sensitivity into existing continuing education, the bill aims to minimize additional time burdens while standardizing recognition and interaction with ASD in policing contexts.
  • The racial profiling and cultural competency component remains part of the broader three-hour traffic-stop training within the three-year period, signaling a continued emphasis on bias-free policing.

Summary

HB 2804 would mandate one hour of annual autism sensitivity training for Missouri peace officers, added to existing POST continuing education requirements, and would license and regulate providers delivering this training. It also maintains a three-hour triannual training on racial profiling and cultural competency for traffic stops. Funding for the training would come from the POST Fund, subject to availability, with restrictions on use for non-commissioned individuals. The bill includes standard administrative processes for licensing, appeals, and professional development activities.

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

Sign in to ask a question.