Missouri Senate Bill 775 Takes Effect: Restrictions on Explicit Visual Material in Schools
On August 28, 2022, Missouri Senate Bill 775 went into effect, creating a new criminal offense related to providing explicit sexual material to students in K–12 public and private schools.
Missouri Revised Statute §573.550 prohibits certain school-affiliated individuals from providing “explicit sexual material” to a student. Under the statute, a violation is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
SB 775 was part of a broader omnibus bill addressing sex crimes and crimes against minors, which also included the Sexual Assault Survivors Bill of Rights. The section titled “Offense of Providing Explicit Sexual Material to a Student” was introduced by State Senator Rick Brattin (R-Greenwood).
Scope of the Law
The statute applies specifically to visual depictions. It defines “explicit sexual material” as:
Any pictorial, three-dimensional, or visual depiction, including photography, film, video, picture, or computer-generated image, showing human masturbation, deviate sexual intercourse, sexual intercourse, direct physical stimulation of genitals, sadomasochistic abuse, or emphasizing the depiction of postpubertal human genitals.
The statute also outlines exceptions. It specifies that works of art taken as a whole with serious artistic significance, materials of anthropological significance, and instructional materials used in science courses—including biology, anatomy, physiology, and sexual education classes—are not included in the definition.
Because the statute focuses on visual depictions, illustrated materials such as graphic novels and comic books are more likely to fall within its scope than text-only works.
Who Is Covered
The law applies to individuals affiliated with a public or private elementary or secondary school in an official capacity. This includes administrators, teachers, librarians, media center personnel, substitute teachers, teacher’s assistants, student teachers, school board members, guidance counselors, coaches, guest speakers invited by school personnel, and other school-affiliated roles. The statute does not apply to enrolled students.
Any person may report a potential violation; however, enforcement authority rests with local prosecuting attorneys.
Penalty
Providing explicit sexual material to a student under the statute constitutes a Class A misdemeanor under Missouri law, carrying a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
SB 775 marked a significant shift in how explicit visual materials are regulated within Missouri school settings. Following its enactment, districts across the state began reviewing library collections and instructional materials to assess compliance.