Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed House Bill 2273 into law on April 7, 2026, which aims to protect children and support survivors of child trafficking and abuse. The law extends the time limit for survivors to report abuse, giving them 20 years after turning 21 to seek justice.

Key Changes

The new law is a significant change for families in Missouri, particularly for those affected by child trafficking. Previously, survivors had 10 years after turning 21 to report abuse. The extended time limit is expected to provide more opportunities for survivors to come forward and seek help.

Jill Harper, a lawyer at Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer, emphasizes that the new law is a positive step towards protecting survivors. However, she notes that these cases are often complex and require careful consideration. Harper also reminds everyone that “secret promises” or non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) do not apply in these cases, and Missouri law allows survivors to speak the truth.

The law firm of Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer is committed to helping local families understand the new child safety laws and their rights. With over 40 years of experience, the firm is dedicated to providing expert guidance and support to those affected by child abuse and trafficking.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.