Senator Tony Luetkemeyer’s KCPD Pay Bill Passes Senate

JEFFERSON CITY — Legislation to remove a significant barrier to police officer recruitment and retention, sponsored by State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, has passed the Senate and now moves to the House of Representatives for its consideration. Senate Bill 119 eliminates salary caps for officers of the Kansas City Police Department currently written into state law.

“At a time when police face constant danger and the city struggles to put officers on the street, we should not tie the department’s hands with artificial and outdated salary caps,” Sen. Luetkemeyer said. “Currently, the KCPD is at least 300 officers short of full strength. By removing limits on officer pay, the City of Kansas City will be able to attract and retain men and women willing to put their lives on the line to protect our community.”

In addition to addressing officer pay, SB 119 expands Missouri’s workers compensation law to include post-traumatic stress disorder experienced by law enforcement officers and other first responders as an occupational disease eligible for compensation.

For more information about Sen. Luetkemeyer, visit senate.mo.gov/mem34.