JEFFERSON CITY — Today (7-2), the governor signed into law Senate Bill 100 and House Bill 215. SB 100 modifies several areas of law relating to judicial procedures, including provisions sponsored by Sen. Bob Dixon, R-Springfield, to authorize an additional associate circuit judge in Greene County and maintain the current number of family court commissioners. Sen. Dixon was also able to secure funding for the additional judge in HB 12, signed by the governor last week. HB 215, handled by Sen. Dixon in the Senate, modifies several areas of law regarding the criminal justice system. 

“Keeping our courts open and administering justice efficiently and effectively are core functions of state government,” stated Sen. Dixon. “That’s why I’ve worked diligently over the years to make sure the courts in Greene County can meet the demands placed on them, so citizens have their day in court and justice is not delayed.”

In addition to strengthening laws related to domestic violence and sexually violent offenses, HB 215 also contains language sponsored by Sen. Dixon relating to the electronic monitoring of criminal offenders, filed as SB 327, and the public defender system, filed as SB 414. 

“These bills provide for a strong, effective justice system, which protects liberty and promotes a free society,” continued Sen. Dixon. When judicial resources are available where they are needed most, routine matters of life and work can be resolved quickly, allowing families to move forward with their lives and business owners or entrepreneurs to concentrate on what they do best — creating jobs.”

For more information on this bill, or other work done by Sen. Dixon, visit his website at www.senate.mo.gov/dixon.