Establishes the offense of malicious prosecution of a journalist in Missouri.

Missouri HB2452 creates a new offense for malicious prosecution of a journalist. This applies to elected public officials, assistant prosecuting attorneys, or assistant attorneys general who initiate or continue a criminal prosecution against a journalist without probable cause, knowing no offense was committed, and causing damages. The offense is classified as a class E felony, and the perpetrator is liable for damages, including reputational harm. The bill also waives sovereign immunity for civil actions resulting from such violations.

Establishes the offense of malicious prosecution of a journalist in Missouri.

Missouri HB2452 creates a new offense for malicious prosecution of a journalist. This applies to elected public officials, assistant prosecuting attorneys, or assistant attorneys general who initiate or continue a criminal prosecution against a journalist without probable cause, knowing no offense was committed, and causing damages. The offense is classified as a class E felony, and the perpetrator is liable for damages, including reputational harm. The bill also waives sovereign immunity for civil actions resulting from such violations.