SB 1271 - This act provides that each prosecuting or circuit attorney's office shall maintain a record of each case in which an informant was endorsed by the state to testify against the defendant, the substance of the testimony, and any benefit the informant was offered. The prosecuting or circuit attorney offices shall also send such record to the Highway Patrol on a monthly basis to maintain a centralized statewide record. Additionally, this act provides that if the state endorses a witness to testify as an informant, certain materials and information shall be disclosed as provided in the act. Any failure to provide such information shall result in a waiver of absolute immunity and a report to the Missouri Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel or to the POST Commission.
If the prosecution intends to use testimony from an informant, the court shall conduct a pretrial evidentiary hearing and the state shall show by a preponderance of the evidence that the informant's testimony is reliable based on factors as provided in the act.
Finally, this act adds that victims of crime shall have the right to be informed by law enforcement of any instance in which a person has been endorsed by the state as an informant and any benefit such informant may receive.
This act is identical to SB 489 (2023) and substantially similar to HB 2523 (2022).
MARY GRACE PRINGLE