This week we saw a number of so-called "safety" bills moving forward through the legislative process. For Black and Brown folks in Missouri, "safety" means finally being able to relax in our own backyards. In 2017, Missouri NAACP issued a travel warning for our State. This was an unprecedented but serious move to warn folks about the conditions they are likely to encounter when visiting Missouri. It came after the murder of Tory Sanders at the hands of the law enforcement officers he asked for help, the murder of Michael Brown just over 2 minutes after encountering Darren Wilson while walking down the street in his hometown, and the passage of legislation giving complete immunity to the individuals who racially discriminate in the workplace. In the years since, the Missouri NAACP's belief that the State of Missouri was not a welcoming place for Black and Brown people has been confirmed by examples such as the repeated introduction of legislation eliminating diversity programs, the shooting of Ralph Yarl when he approached the wrong door trying to pick up his little sister, and the numerous examples of young black men dying under suspicious circumstances without investigation or prosecution.

For us "safety" means being able to drive down the street without fear of being pulled over on a pretext just so the police can search our cars. It means knowing that when if we are shot and killed under the guise of "self-defense" the prosecutors will do a thorough investigation and file charges when warranted regardless of who the shooter is. It means going to work and being treated with dignity. These are not lofty goals, they are the least we should expect - equitable treatment under the law and the freedom to live without fear.

Actions Last Week

Clean Slate Act: This bill would automatically remove a limited number of misdemeanors and felonies from a person's criminal record after a set amount of time. The House version also removes a loophole from the law that allows judges to impose the death penalty when the jury is divided on the appropriate sentence.

• SB854 and 1494 - Hearing on 02/18/2026
• HB2747 - Voted Out of House Committees 02/19/2026

Removal of Safety Inspection Requirement: This bill eliminates the requirement for safety inspections for motor vehicles. It could reduce the number of pretext stops that happen to Black drivers.

• HB1838 - Third Read in the House and Delivered to the Senate

Shoot First Act: This bill creates a presumption that any killing is done in self defense and prevents the arrest or detention of the shooter until after the prosecutor shows probable cause that the shooting was NOT in self-defense.

• HB2176 (Also contains other provisions) - Voted Out of House Committee 02/18/2026

Please keep an eye on the tracking list at the top of this page. If you want to testify or visit the Capitol, send an email to sharon@jonesadvocacy.com to let us know so we can support your visit.