MISSOURI — Missouri lawmakers have proposed new bills targeting immigration in the state, including one proposal that offers a $1,000 reward for bounty hunters that report undocumented immigrants who have trespassed illegally into the state.

One of the new bills, HB 120 sponsored by Republican Representative Jim Murphy of St. Louis County creates new requirements for employers to verify the immigration status of employees.

Under current Missouri law, public employers are required to verify the immigration status of employees and HB 120 aims to include private employers and business entities in the statute.

According to the proposal, an employer who violates these requirements will have their business license suspended for 120 days and after a second violation of failing to report immigration status of employees would result in a class D felony.

If passed, the bill would take effect on January 1, 2026.

Another new proposal, Missouri Senate Bill 72 would prohibit undocumented immigrants from voting in any election, receiving a permit or license to drive, receive public benefit or become a legal resident of Missouri if they are found to have illegally trespassed into the state.

The proposal will further develop a information system that allows “bounty hunters” to report immigrants whom have trespassed illegally through a toll-free telephone hotline, email and an online reporting portal.

The “bounty hunter” who makes a report could receive a reward of $1,000.

Under the proposal, the “Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program” will only allow a person with a license as a bail bong agent, general bail bond agent or recovery agent to apply to the program to become a “bounty hunter.”

Republican Missouri Senator David Gregory of St. Louis County sponsored SB 72 that also stated the program’s funds for the reward will be appropriated by the General Assembly. If passed, the bill would take effect Aug. 28.