Missouri 2026 Regular Session Status: In Committee 1 R cosponsors

HB 2708 — Modifies the offense of possession of unlawful items in a prison or jail

Last action — Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 7 NOES: 2 PRESENT: 1

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced January 06, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee vote, then a floor vote in the House.

Odds of enactment

Low chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a low chance of becoming law.

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A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Advancing 36% · moderate confidence

  • In Committee

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 1 sponsor

    1 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (1 R).

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 2 recorded votes so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

32 added · 31 removed

Plain-language change summary

The latest version of Bill HB 2708 includes changes in the wording used to define unauthorized electronic communication devices in correctional facilities. Specifically, the phrase "capable of being used" has replaced "used," which broadens the scope of what constitutes unauthorized devices to include those that can initiate or receive communication, even if they are not actively being used for that purpose. This change matters because it enhances security by addressing a wider range of potential contraband, helping prevent communication that could compromise safety within these facilities. Additionally, it ensures that the penalties for violations remain clear, maintaining the bill's emphasis on discipline and regulation.

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SECOND REGULAR SESSION HOUSE BILL NO.
SECOND REGULAR SESSION HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO.
2708 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE HOVIS.
2708 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY 6229H.02C JOSEPH ENGLER, Chief Clerk AN ACT To repeal section 221.111, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof one new section relating to the possession of unlawful items in a prison or jail, with penalty provisions.
6229H.01I JOSEPH ENGLER, Chief Clerk AN ACT To repeal section 221.111, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof one new section relating to the possession of unlawful items in a prison or jail, with penalty provisions.
(5) Any unauthorized portable electronic communication device that is used to initiate, receive, store, or view communication, information, images, or data.
(5) Any unauthorized portable electronic communication device that is capable of being used to initiate, receive, store, or view communication, information, images, or data.
Such electronic communication devices shall include, but not be limited to, cellular EXPLANATION — Matter enclosed in bold-faced brackets [thus] in the above bill is not enacted and is intended to be omitted from the law.
Such electronic communication devices shall include, but not be limited to, cellular telephones, portable telephones, text messaging devices, personal digital EXPLANATION — Matter enclosed in bold-faced brackets [thus] in the above bill is not enacted and is intended to be omitted from the law.
HB 2708 2 telephones, portable telephones, text messaging devices, personal digital assistants, pagers, broadband personal communication devices, electronic devices with mobile data access, and any substantially similar device that is used to initiate or receive communication or store and review information, videos, images, or data.
HCS HB 2708 2 assistants, pagers, broadband personal communication devices, electronic devices with mobile data access, and any substantially similar device that is capable of being used to initiate or receive communication or store and review information, videos, images, or data.
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Action History

  1. Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 7 NOES: 2 PRESENT: 1

  2. Voted Do Pass (H)

  3. Executive Session Completed (H)

  4. Referred: Rules - Administrative(H)

  5. HCS Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 7 NOES: 5 PRESENT: 0

  6. HCS Voted Do Pass (H)

  7. Executive Session Completed (H)

  8. Public Hearing Completed (H)

  9. Referred: Corrections and Public Institutions(H)

  10. Read Second Time (H)

  11. Read First Time (H)

  12. Prefiled (H)

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 198 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (198)

198 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 198 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Subjects

public-safety
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 2708?
HB 2708 is sponsored by Barry Hovis (Republican).
What is the current status of HB 2708?
This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced January 06, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track HB 2708?
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Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously

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