SCS HCS HB 141 -- CONVENIENCE STORE SAFETY

Current statutes requiring safety measures for convenience
stores are limited to counties of the first and second
classification.  This bill removes that limitation.  In
addition, the bill requires convenience stores to:

(1)  Maintain at least one camera focused on the cash register
area; and

(2)  Provide a silent alarm system connected to a private
security company or a local law enforcement agency; or

(3)  Maintain a telephone, other than a pay telephone,
accessible to employees at all times.

The lighting requirement of current law can be met by canopy
lighting within 10 feet of the building.

Any person who violates these provisions is guilty of a class C
misdemeanor.

HCS HB 141 -- CONVENIENCE STORE SAFETY (Smith)

The substitute requires convenience stores by January 1, 1998,
in all counties to:

(1) Maintain at least one camera focused on the cash register
area;

(2) Provide lighting in parking areas and at entrances that
allows clear visibility under normal conditions. The lighting
can be satisfied by canopy lighting within 10 feet of the
building;

(3) Provide a silent alarm system connected to a private
security company or a local law enforcement agency; or

(4) Maintain a telephone away from the register accessible to
employees.

Any person who violates these provisions is guilty of a class A
misdemeanor.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

HCS HB 141 -- CONVENIENCE STORE SAFETY

SPONSOR:  Smith

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Civil and
Administrative Law by a vote of 15 to 0.

The substitute requires convenience stores by January 1, 1998,
in all counties to:

(1) Maintain at least one camera focused on the cash register
area;

(2) Provide lighting in parking areas and at entrances that
allows clear visibility under normal conditions. The lighting
can be satisfied by canopy lighting within 10 feet of the
building;

(3) Provide a silent alarm system connected to a private
security company or a local law enforcement agency; and

(4) Maintain a telephone away from the register accessible to
employees.

Any person who violates these provisions is guilty of a class A
misdemeanor.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill known as "Jenny's Law"
will protect convenience store employees.  Several witnesses
recounted the horrible murder of Jennifer Pribble, a convenience
store employee who was working alone at night.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Smith; Sandra K.
Bowen, mother of victim; Audrey Jones, former co-worker; Sarah
Hammond, former co-worker; Brain Injury Association; Southland
Corporation; Missouri Association of Convenience Stores; and
Casey's General Stores.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Michael Warrick, Research Analyst

HB 141 -- Convenience Store Safety

Sponsor:  Smith

The bill requires convenience stores in all counties to:

(1) Provide lighting in parking areas and at entrances that
allows clear visibility under normal conditions. The lighting
can be satisfied by canopy lighting within 10 feet of the
building;

(2) Maintain at least 2 employees or owner or combination
thereof on the premises during business hours; and

(3) Maintain a telephone away from the register accessible to
employees.