Missouri · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 1218: Prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 1218 is a bill introduced in the Missouri Senate on December 1, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: Prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Primary sponsor: Patty Lewis (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (January 27, 2026): Second Read and Referred S Families, Seniors and Health Committee.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
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 1633 (2026), HB 3425 (2026), 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). SCOTT SVAGERA
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patty Lewis | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 7 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Second Read and Referred S Families, Seniors and Health Committee
- S First Read
- Prefiled