Missouri House Advances Bill to Expand Mandatory Abuse Reporting

The proposed legislation aims to create an early warning system by linking reporting requirements across different types of abuse.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:49pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of a social worker's desk, with scattered papers and a computer monitor, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the serious and sensitive nature of abuse investigations.The proposed legislation aims to strengthen reporting systems and investigations for abuse cases across different demographics.Olivette Today

The Missouri House of Representatives granted first approval to House Bill 2292, a measure designed to strengthen reporting systems and investigations for animal, child, and elder abuse cases. Sponsored by Representative Holly Jones, R-Eureka, the bill seeks to expand the list of mandated reporters to ensure that signs of abuse are identified across different demographics.

Why it matters

The bill is intended to create an early warning system by linking the reporting requirements for different types of abuse, as abuse involving animals, children, and vulnerable adults is often connected. Requiring cross-reporting between law enforcement and agencies could improve enforcement and lead to earlier intervention.

The details

House Bill 2292 would require animal control officers and animal humane investigators to serve as mandated reporters for all instances of child abuse, abuse of the elderly, and abuse of vulnerable individuals. The bill also introduces reciprocal reporting requirements, where social workers, school counselors, teachers, and Child Protective Services workers would be required to report instances of animal abuse. To support these expanded mandates, the bill requires additional training for Child Protective Services workers and animal control officers, and allows trained animal abuse investigators from the Missouri Animal Control Association to provide investigative support to local agencies.

  • The Missouri House of Representatives granted first approval to House Bill 2292 on April 2, 2026.
  • Senate Bill 899, a similar measure sponsored by Senator Tracy McCreery, D-Olivette, previously passed out of the Senate Committee on Families, Senior and Health on March 27, 2026.

The players

Representative Holly Jones

A Republican representative from Eureka, Missouri who sponsored House Bill 2292.

Senator Tracy McCreery

A Democratic senator from Olivette, Missouri who sponsored a similar bill, Senate Bill 899.

Missouri Animal Control Association

An organization that would provide trained animal abuse investigators to support local agencies under House Bill 2292.

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What they’re saying

“Abuse involving animals, children, and vulnerable adults is often connected, and that requiring law enforcement to cross-report would improve enforcement.”

— Representative Holly Jones, Sponsor of House Bill 2292

What’s next

The Missouri House of Representatives will continue to consider House Bill 2292, and the Senate will consider the similar Senate Bill 899, as the legislative session progresses.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation aims to create a more comprehensive system for identifying and addressing different forms of abuse by expanding mandatory reporting requirements and improving coordination between law enforcement and social service agencies.