Missouri Governor signs 31 Senate and House bills, including hands free law, vetoes one

Jun 27, 2023

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri Governor Mike Parson took action on remaining legislation passed during the 2023 legislative session. This includes 31 Senate and House Bills.

One particular legislative action was on Senate Bill 398. Parson signed the Siddens Bening Hands Free Law which prohibits hand-held cell phone use while driving.

Drivers in Missouri will not be able to hold their cell phone while they are driving, including manually typing, scrolling, or holding their cell phone.

The law does allow drivers to use hands-free cell phone features. This includes Bluetooth, talk-to-text and other talk and navigation functions.

AAA applauded the decision that Parson made on signing SB 398.

“AAA Missouri applauds the governor, state lawmakers, and advocates for their support of this measure that will improve safety for all road users,” said AAA Missouri Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations Angela Nelson. “This law is a practical, commonsense measure that will reduce the number of Missourians who senselessly lose their lives each year to distracted driving on our roadways.”

AAA summarized the law, stating it will take effect on August 28, 2023.

Under the new law, while the vehicle is in motion, drivers are prohibited from:

The new law does allow drivers to

AAA broke down the bill in a news release...

"The bill contains specific exemptions for drivers communicating in emergency situations, emergency first responders and other emergency roadside workers, and for-hire drivers. The “Siddens Bening Hands Free Law” will also make it illegal for school bus drivers to use an electronic communication device while the school is in motion or while loading or unloading passengers.

Under the penalty provisions, a first-time violation will result in a fine up to $150. Fine amounts increase, up to $500, for repeat convictions within a two-year period. Additional penalties can occur, misdemeanor or felony charges, if the distracted driver causes a crash that results in significant property damage, serious injury or death.

Penalty provisions will not be enacted until January 1, 2025 to allow adequate time for public education.

The passage of the Siddens Bening Hands Free Law is the successful culmination of a multi-year, collaborative effort from local, state, and national traffic safety-focused organizations, agencies, businesses, law makers, and advocates, including AAA Missouri, in the interest of addressing the growing public safety threat of cell phone-distracted driving."

AAA said Missouri will become the 28th state to require the hands-free phone use.

Other signed legislation by Parson is as follows...

"Today, we took action to close out all remaining bills from the 2023 session, and we appreciate all the Senators and Representatives who worked tirelessly, on behalf of their constituents, to get this legislation across the finish line," Governor Parson said. "These bills we are signing today ensure a safer, stronger, and more efficient Missouri, and we hope to celebrate these accomplishments with legislators and Missourians soon."

Gov. Parson did veto SB 189 which relates to public safety. Below are provisions Parson detailed that were included in the bill.

"SB 189 contains many public safety measures that we support and would like to sign into law, including Blair's Law, Max's Law, increased penalties for violent repeat offenders and gun crimes, and strengthening the public defender system," Governor Parson said. "However, in this case, these unintended consequences unfortunately outweigh the good. Missourians know I am a law and order Governor and that improving public safety is a cornerstone of our administration, but I cannot sign this bill with these provisions as they are currently written."

For more information on legislation visit senate.mo.gov. To view Governor Parson's veto letter for SB 189, please click here.

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