JEFFERSON CITY—State Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale, filed legislation today to address violent crimes in the St. Louis area. The bill allows the circuit court in the City of St. Louis to establish a special docket, called the Armed Offender Docket, for the prosecution of certain weapon offenses.

“Last year, the FBI ranked St. Louis third in a list of cities with the highest crime problems. That is an appalling statistic, and highlights an issue that must be addressed,” said Sen. Schmitt. “I’ve talked frequently with law enforcement officials and judges in our area, and this bill came out of that ongoing dialogue. It will allow the circuit court in St. Louis to focus its resources on battling violent crimes involving the use of weapons.”

Under the legislation, the circuit court in the City of St. Louis will select judges to serve on the Armed Offender Docket and to deal exclusively with cases involving weapons offenses.

In addition, a $30 surcharge will be added to the court costs each defendant pays unless the case is dismissed. The surcharge will help offset the costs of prosecution and pretrial supervisions for cases sent to this docket.

“Keeping our citizens safe should be one of our highest priorities. This docket will give the court the tools it needs to consistently dispose of gun-related offenses in our area,” said Sen. Schmitt. “We must do more to reduce violent crime in St. Louis, and this bill is an important first step towards that goal.”

The legislation also requires the circuit court to publish a public report on the operation of the Armed Offender Docket, a provision that will add transparency to the program and guarantee the docket is operating in an effective manner.

For more information on Sen. Schmitt’s sponsored legislation, visit his Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/schmitt.