Capitol Report: Special session wrapped up
State Rep. Allen Andrews
The special session called by Gov. Parson to address the rise of violent crime in the state has come to a close. The Missouri House of Representatives adjourned Sine Die Wednesday afternoon without taking up the final three bills called for by the governor. With the decision to adjourn, the legislature completed the session having successfully passed two bills requested by the governor to help bring down the rising homicide rate.
Gov. Parson has two bills he can now sign into law.
• HB 66 is meant to strengthen efforts to protect witnesses so they can provide key testimony that will put violent criminals behind bars. It creates the Pretrial Witness Protection Services Fund, which will allow the Department of Public Safety to disburse money to law enforcement agencies for the purposes of providing for the security of witnesses, potential witnesses, and their immediate families in criminal proceedings or investigations. The funds are subject to appropriations from the General Assembly.
• HB 46 is designed to help the City of St. Louis to fill the more than 140 open positions it currently has on its police force. The bill would eliminate the residency requirement for St. Louis law enforcement so long as the officer lives within an hour of the City. This proposal would also prohibit requiring any public safety employee for the City of St. Louis to be a resident of the City. The elimination of the existing residency requirement would last until September 1, 2023. Supporters say the bill is needed to put more “boots on the ground” to help the City address its rising homicide rate.
The House had originally passed and sent five bills containing the governor’s priorities to the Senate. However, the Senate returned three of the bills to the House with changes. The House then opted to adjourn rather than take up the modified bills that addressed the admissibility of witness statements and penalties for the unlawful use of weapons.
Following the conclusion of session, the members of House leadership issued the following statement: “The House today finished moving legislation requested by the Governor to combat the growth of violent crime in Missouri. We are excited to have passed several significant measures to provide additional resources for law enforcement officers and protect the witnesses against violent criminals. The House is committed to continue working with Governor Parson in the next regular session in our fight to reduce the occurrences of violent crime in Missouri.”
As always, it is an honor to serve you.
Allen Andrews, State Representative – District 1, Missouri State Capitol, 201 West Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, MO 65101 Telephone: 573-751-9465. [email protected]
Allen Andrews is the First District State Representative.
