JEFFERSON CITY— Revising Missouri’s Criminal Code will be a priority when lawmakers return to the Capitol next January. The revision to more than 700 Missouri laws is an attempt to update statutes, provide greater definition, and make some punishments more consistent.
Senate Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, said the attempt to revise the Code is still progressing; it’s a two-year process.
“The bill is more than 1,000 pages,” said Dempsey. “It’s just too much to digest before the legislative session ends. We want to make sure we have enough time to thoroughly go through each page.”
The Missouri Criminal Code was enacted in 1979, after a 10-year process initiated by then-Missouri Attorney General John C. Danforth. Over the past 30 years, the General Assembly has continued to amend, add or delete statutes, both inside and outside the Code relating to crime and punishment.
The revision bills, SB 253 and HB 210, were based on four years of work done by The Missouri Bar Criminal Code Revision Subcommittee, which included judges, prosecutors, public defenders, lawmakers and members of the general public.
“The revision of more than 700 sections of Missouri law is a monumental—and necessary—task,” said Judiciary Chairman Senator Bob Dixon, R-Springfield. “A clear, concise and understandable Criminal Code contributes to a strong, effective criminal justice system that protects liberty and promotes a free society.”
“The biggest impact in this bill is the creation of a new felony class,” said Minority Floor Leader Jolie Justus. “Prosecutors and public defenders have asked for these changes because it will give them more flexibility to process their cases.”
Legislators will continue to work on revisions to the Missouri Criminal Code over the interim. Senators Dempsey, Justus and Dixon said these bills will be a top priority next January.
To learn more about SB 253 and HB 210, visit www.senate.mo.gov. For more information or to submit comments on the Criminal Code revision, visit the Senate Judiciary Committee webpage. |
