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SB1218 • 2026

Prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity

Prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity

Labor
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Lewis, Patty; House handler: N/A
Last action
2026-01-27
Official status
Second Read and Referred S Families, Seniors and Health Committee
Effective date
2026-08-28

Plain English Breakdown

The plain English breakdown is still being put together. The official documents below are already here.

Bill History

  1. 2026-01-27 S239

    Second Read and Referred S Families, Seniors and Health Committee

  2. 2026-01-07 S71

    S First Read

  3. 2025-12-01 Missouri House of Representatives and Missouri Senate

    Prefiled

Official Summary Text

The following summaries of this bill are available:

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Introduced

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SB 1218 - This act prohibits discrimination under the Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA) based upon a person's sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Such discrimination includes unlawful housing practices, denial of loans or other financial assistance, denial of membership into an organization relating to the selling or renting of dwellings, unlawful employment practices, and denial of the right to use public accommodations. Discrimination is defined to include any unfair treatment based on a person's presumed or assumed race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age as it relates to employment, disability, or familial status as it relates to housing, regardless of whether the presumption or assumption as to such characteristic is correct.

The act modifies the standard for proving discriminatory claims pursuant to the MHRA. Currently, a protected criterion must be the motivating factor in any adverse decision or action. This act changes that to a motivating factor.

The act changes which employers are subject to the MHRA. Currently, corporations and associations owned or operated by religious or sectarian organizations are exempt from the MHRA. This act only exempts corporations and associations owned and operated by religious or sectarian organizations. Additionally, the act repeals an exemption for individuals employed an employer.

This act is identical to SB 608 (2025) and substantially similar to certain provisions in SB 732 (2025), HB 1460 (2025), SB 787 (2024), HB 2478 (2024), SB 60 (2023), HB 384 (2023), HB 574 (2023), SB 711 (2022), HB 1760 (2022), HB 2580 (2022), SB 81 (2021) HB 275 (2021), HB 984 (2021), HB 1527 (2020), SB 954 (2020), HB 1763 (2020), SB 172 (2019), HB 208 (2019), SB 753 (2018), HCS/HBs 1360 & 2100 (2018), HB 1782 (2018), SB 338 (2017), HB 485 (2017), SB 653 (2016), SB 237 (2015), SB 962 (2014), SB 96 (2013) and SB 798 (2012), and similar to HB 1737 (2022), HB 407 (2015), SB 757 (2014), SS/HCS/HB 320 (2013), SB 239 (2011), SB 626 (2010), SB 109 (2009), SB 824 (2008), SB 266 (2007), SB 452 (2001), and SB 622 (2000).
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