Missouri § 167.117 - Principal, teachers, school employees to report certain acts, to whom, exceptions — limit on liability — penalty.

§ 167.117. Principal, teachers, school employees to report certain acts, to whom, exceptions — limit on liability — penalty.

1.  In any instance when any person is believed to have committed an act which if committed by an adult would be assault in the first, second or third degree, sexual assault, or deviate sexual assault against a pupil or school employee, while on school property, including a school bus in service on behalf of the district, or while involved in school activities, the principal shall immediately report such incident to the appropriate local law enforcement agency and to the superintendent, except in any instance when any person is believed to have committed an act which if committed by an adult would be assault in the third degree and a written agreement as to the procedure for the reporting of such incidents of third degree assault has been executed between the superintendent of the school district and the appropriate local law enforcement agency, the principal shall report such incident to the appropriate local law enforcement agency in accordance with such agreement.

2.  In any instance when a pupil is discovered to have on or about such pupil's person, or among such pupil's possessions, or placed elsewhere on the school premises, including but not limited to the school playground or the school parking lot, on a school bus or at a school activity whether on or off of school property any controlled substance as defined in section 195.010 or any weapon as defined in subsection 6 of section 160.261 in violation of school policy, the principal shall immediately report such incident to the appropriate local law enforcement agency and to the superintendent.

3.  In any instance when a teacher becomes aware of an assault as set forth in subsection 1 of this section or finds a pupil in possession of a weapon or controlled substances as set forth in subsection 2 of this section, the teacher shall immediately report such incident to the principal.

4.  School districts and charter schools may enter into written agreements with law enforcement agencies as to the procedure for reporting the criminal offenses listed in subsection 1 of this section.  The agreements may authorize the school district or charter school to report the criminal offense to the children's division rather than law enforcement if a pupil is under eleven years of age.

5.  If a school employee, agent, or official becomes aware of an offense that is required to be reported in this section, the employee, agent, or official shall immediately notify a principal or other administrator to make the report.

6.  A school employee, agent, or official who in good faith provides information to law enforcement in accordance with this section or section 160.261 shall not be civilly liable for providing such information.

7.  Any school employee, agent, or official responsible for reporting pursuant to this section or section 160.261 who willfully neglects or refuses to perform this duty shall be subject to the penalty established pursuant to section 162.091.

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(L. 1996 H.B. 1301 & 1298 § 2, A.L. 1997 H.B. 641 & 593, A.L. 2000 S.B. 944, A.L. 2010 H.B. 1543, A.L. 2025 S.B. 68)

(2013)  School personnel following requirements of section are entitled to immunity under the federal Coverdell Act. M.C.-B. ex rel. T.B. v. Hazelwood School Dist., 417 S.W.3d 261 (Mo.App.E.D.).

---- end of effective  28 Aug 2025 ----

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