Missouri’s “Evie and Sophie’s Law” Now in Effect, Creates Tougher Penalties for Grooming Minors

A major change to Missouri’s child-protection laws is now in effect, giving prosecutors broader authority to pursue adults accused of grooming minors for sexual activity.

House Bill 2273 took effect Aug. 28 after being signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe in April. The legislation contains several changes involving crimes against children, including a provision known as “Evie and Sophie’s Law.” 

Under the new law, a minor is defined as anyone under 18. A person who is more than four years older than a minor can be charged with grooming or enticement if they knowingly attempt to persuade, solicit, coax, entice or lure the minor with the intent of preparing, conditioning or manipulating them into sexual conduct, a sexual performance or a commercial sex act.

That conduct does not have to result in a physical sexual act before charges can potentially be filed.

The change is significant because Missouri previously had an enticement of a child statute, but the new law expands that statute and explicitly incorporates grooming behavior. So I would not use the claim that Missouri law previously required police to “wait until a physical act occurred.” That goes farther than the actual statute supports.

Penalties range from 5 to 30 years

A conviction for grooming or enticement of a minor carries an authorized prison sentence of five to 30 years.

If the grooming or enticement results in the minor actually engaging in sexual conduct, a sexual performance or a commercial sex act, the minimum sentence increases to 10 years.

Those convicted are also subject to restrictions on parole and conditional release. In addition, the sentencing court is required to order restitution intended to compensate the victim for costs such as mental or physical rehabilitation, lost income, educational disruption, relocation or housing assistance.

The legislation also directs a statewide committee to develop guidance for the public on recognizing potential grooming and enticement, responding to suspected cases and providing treatment and services for victims. Training procedures for professionals investigating and prosecuting the crimes are also required.

HB 2273 goes beyond grooming. The larger child-protection package also increases penalties for certain sex crimes involving minors, strengthens laws involving child sex trafficking and makes other changes involving sexual exploitation and digitally manipulated sexual images.

Evie and Sophie’s Law officially became Missouri law on Aug. 28, 2026.