‘$1,000 per person’: Missouri lawmaker proposes paying residents to catch undocumented neighbors

By Janae' Hancock
Published: Dec. 5, 2024 at 1:39 PM CST

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - New plans are being discussed in Jefferson City this week, including a proposed bounty hunter program for illegal immigrants.

The proposed bill would pay people to catch those they believe to be in the United States illegally.

Senate Bill 72 was pre-filed to the Missouri legislature. It is sponsored by House Representative David Gregory.

Gregory wants to pay Missourians $1000 to find and detain illegal immigrants in the state.

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https://www.kctv5.com/2024/12/05/1000-per-person-missouri-lawmaker-proposes-paying-residents-catch-undocumented-neighbors/

SB 72 Creates provisions relating to illegal aliens

Sponsor: Gregory (15)
Current Bill Summary
Journal Page:
Effective Date: August 28, 2025
LR Number: 1003S.01I
Last Action: 12/1/2024 - Prefiled
Title:


SB 72 - This act creates the offense of trespass by an illegal alien which provides that a person shall be guilty of such offense if the person is an illegal alien who knowingly enters this state and remains here and is physically present in the state at the time a licensed bounty hunter or peace officer apprehends the person. Such an offense shall be a felony for a term of imprisonment without eligibility for probation or parole with certain exceptions as provided in the act.

Any person who commits the offense of trespass by an illegal alien shall be prohibited from voting in any election, receiving any permit or license to drive, receiving any public benefit, and becoming a legal resident of this state.

Additionally, the Department of Public Safety shall develop an information system for people to report violations of this act which shall include a toll-free telephone hotline, e-mail, and online reporting portal. Any person who makes a report in which an illegal alien is arrested shall receive a reward of $1,000.

The Department of Public Safety shall develop the "Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program" which shall certify applicants to be bounty hunters for the purpose of finding and detaining illegal aliens in this state. Any person with a license as a bail bond agent, general bail bond agent, or surety recovery agent may apply to the program as provided in the act.

Finally, this act creates the "Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program Fund" which shall consist of money appropriated by the General Assembly.

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https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/bts_web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=523