A new batch of Missouri laws is now in effect, bringing changes that range from higher highway speed limits and age verification for pornography websites to armed school rangers and new protections for pregnant people seeking a divorce.
Most of the measures were approved by lawmakers during the 2026 legislative session and took effect Aug. 28. Here’s a quick look at some of the changes Missourians may notice.
Porn Sites Must Verify Users Are 18
Under House Bill 1839, pornography websites with more than one-third of their content considered harmful to minors must verify that Missouri users are at least 18 before allowing access.
The law strengthens an age-verification requirement the Missouri attorney general began implementing through a rule last year. While the measure passed easily, questions remain about how effectively Missouri can enforce the requirement against websites based outside the state.
Drunk Drivers Could Be Required to Pay Child Support
Under House Bill 1740, a drunken driver who causes the death of a parent or guardian can be ordered to provide financial support for the victim’s children.
Known as “Bentley and Mason’s Law,” the provision was championed by Cecilia Williams, who took custody of her two grandsons after their parents were killed by a drunk driver. The broader law also increases penalties for impaired driving and requires ignition-interlock breathalyzers following first-time offenses.
Pregnancy Can No Longer Delay a Divorce
House Bill 1908 prohibits Missouri courts from refusing to finalize a divorce or legal separation simply because one spouse is pregnant.
Previously, a judge could delay the final divorce decree during a pregnancy. The change received unanimous approval from Missouri lawmakers and removes what supporters said could become a significant barrier for pregnant people trying to leave a marriage.
Schools Must Adopt Antisemitism Policies
Under House Bill 2061, Missouri public schools must establish policies identifying prohibited antisemitic behavior and spell out penalties for violations.
The law uses the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. Supporters say it gives schools clearer guidance for addressing antisemitism, while some lawmakers have raised concerns that the definition could potentially discourage legitimate criticism of Israel or its government.
Schools Can Hire Armed Missouri Rangers
Senate Bill 905 allows Missouri public schools to hire specially trained armed “Missouri Rangers” to provide school security.
Rangers will receive training that includes responding to active shooters as well as implicit and racial bias. With authorization from a school or district, they can carry firearms on school property. Supporters say the program could particularly help rural schools located far from law enforcement, while opponents question whether adding more guns makes schools safer.
Rural Interstate Speed Limit Rises to 75 MPH
Missouri drivers can now legally travel faster on some highways.
The maximum speed limit on rural interstates and freeways increases from 70 mph to 75 mph under Senate Bill 1408. The higher limit does not mean every Missouri highway automatically becomes a 75-mph zone; it applies where the higher speed limit is authorized and posted.
Businesses Can Round Cash Purchases to the Nearest Nickel
Don’t have the exact pennies for a cash purchase? Missouri businesses now have another option.
House Bill 2819 allows businesses to round the final amount of a cash transaction to the nearest five cents. The change applies to cash purchases and is intended to address the declining availability and use of pennies.
Intoxicating Hemp Products Face New Restrictions
Missouri lawmakers also approved legislation restricting intoxicating hemp-derived products, including products containing substances such as delta-8 THC.
Unlike most of the laws taking effect Aug. 28, provisions affecting intoxicating hemp products took effect earlier and have their own implementation schedule.
“Born Alive” Abortion Law Comes Later
Another major law approved by lawmakers won’t take effect until July 2027.
Missouri’s controversial “born alive” law establishes criminal penalties for intentionally causing the death of an infant born alive following an attempted abortion. Because its effective date is still nearly a year away, it is not part of the group of laws that took effect Aug. 28.
