Several significant new laws are poised to take effect in Missouri on October 1, impacting a range of areas including law enforcement practices, health care for home aides, and children’s online privacy.
Among the most notable changes is a law that prohibits police officers from pausing their body camera recordings during interactions with the public. Officers may only stop recording if they believe that continuing to do so could compromise an ongoing investigation.
In the realm of health care, a new requirement mandates home health aides to gather detailed background information about their patients. This information must be shared with team members assigned to the client and includes reporting any threats encountered during care. This legislation follows the tragic killing of visiting nurse Joyce Grayson in Willimantic in October 2023.
Another critical piece of legislation focuses on protecting children’s online privacy. The new law prohibits websites from storing data on minors for targeted advertising and other purposes. Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, a key proponent of this measure, emphasized its importance for safeguarding children from harmful online content such as illegal drugs and pornography.
“Our social media companies have failed in their responsibilities, and Congress has not passed a national data privacy law that effectively protects our youth,” Duff stated. “That’s why states like Missouri are stepping up.”
Local parents are also expressing support for these changes. Ashley Hilton, a mother of five, remarked, “Social media should not have access to children’s data. They are still learning to navigate life’s challenges, and we need to protect them.”
Additional laws include provisions requiring restitution from individuals who intentionally harm or kill police K9s and a statewide ban on dog racing.
As these new laws come into effect, they reflect Missouri’s commitment to enhancing public safety and protecting vulnerable populations. The legislative changes aim to create a safer environment for residents while addressing pressing issues related to privacy and law enforcement accountability.
With the implementation date approaching, state officials are urging citizens to familiarize themselves with these new regulations to ensure compliance and understand their rights under the updated laws.