We live in an ever-changing world, one nearly unrecognizable from that of just a few years ago. Technology advances at an exponential rate. Societal views shift. Cultural movements force change. The pace of the world is much faster than it used to be, which sometimes makes it difficult for legislators, who are constantly trying to create laws and statutes to keep up with a nation always moving forward.   

This is particularly important when it comes to our state’s criminal code. Times change, and as legislators, we have to ensure the laws under which we live change with them. Unfortunately, this has not been the case. Our current criminal code hasn’t been updated since 1979. It’s long overdue for modernization.

For the last eight years, a number of legislators have worked on legislation to overhaul our state’s criminal code. A proposal, Senate Bill 491, to come out of those efforts was filed in the Legislature this year. In the Senate, we spent numerous hours in committee and on the floor working through each and every provision of the legislation, a necessary, but time-consuming, process.  

The original bill was more than 1,100 pages. Through compromise and tireless work, the sponsors eventually whittled the massive measure down to 700 pages, streamlining many parts of the bill and combining others. The sponsors also provided numerous reference sheets and resources to help legislators wade through what is easily one of the largest bills ever filed in the General Assembly.  

We need to update our criminal code. This has been a long-time goal of the Legislature, and one we’ve invested years into getting done. Those efforts culminated this session with the passage of Senate Bill 491, which revises the state’s criminal code in a number of different ways and modernizes a code that hasn’t been touched in 35 years.

The legislation updates the penalties for certain crimes; creates new felony and misdemeanor classes; reforms our state’s elderly and vulnerable person abuse laws; enhances penalties for repeat offenders; strengthens the laws against those who sexually abuse children; creates the crime of boating while intoxicated, which is currently limited to certain waterways; and creates a new repeat offender of intoxication-related driving offenses, among numerous other provisions.

Some legislators balked at the size of the bill, which they felt could contain unintentional mistakes. However, the law won’t go into effect until 2017, which will give us ample time to address any errors or unintended consequences. Even after that, the Legislature would—and always will—have the ability to change or reform standing statutes to ensure they meet judicial muster and achieve their intended goal.

A strong, modern legal system is critical to protecting the safety of the public. Reforming our criminal code is long overdue. Prosecutors, criminal defenders, and members of the judicial branch have all pushed for revisions. I agree. It needed to be done.

The legislation is now on the governor’s desk. He has expressed doubt as to whether or not he’s willing to sign such a large piece of legislation. However, there are safeguards built within the bill to give us more than enough time to change any provisions that might cause issues. I’m hopeful the governor, who once served as our state’s attorney general, recognizes how much-needed this legislation is, and signs it into law.

Contact Me

I always appreciate hearing your comments, opinions, and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-2459. You may write me at Wayne Wallingford, Missouri Senate, State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO 65101, or email at wayne.wallingford@senate.mo.gov or www.senate.mo.gov/wallingford.