For Immediate Release:
Nov. 22, 2013

 Contact: Eric Jennings
(573) 751 - 2583
Missouri Bar Recognizes Sen. Bob Dixon with Legislative Award

JEFFERSON CITY — Today (11-22), Sen. Bob Dixon, R-Springfield, was recognized by The Missouri Bar with its 2013 Legislative Award for his work on issues relating to judicial resources, public defenders and the criminal code.  The award was presented at the Fall Committee Meetings in Jefferson City.    

“An updated and organized criminal code is better for the people of Missouri because it will make us safer, create an even fairer system, and will make better use of taxpayer funds,” said Missouri Bar President Jack Brady of Kansas City. “We appreciate the leadership of Sen. Dixon for holding extensive hearings on this comprehensive proposal. We also commend him for his work to secure additional judicial resources for the people of Greene County and to assure an effective criminal justice system by working to find solutions to the public defender system crisis.” 

“I am honored to receive this award,” said Sen. Dixon. “One of my highest priorities has been a strong, effective justice system that protects individual liberty and promotes a free society, and a clear, concise and understandable criminal code can contribute to this goal.  It will also ensure that public resources are used wisely and judges, prosecutors, and public defenders have the tools they need.”

This past session, Sen. Dixon sponsored or handled key bills to improve the administration of justice in Missouri:

  • House Bills 374 & 434, which included provisions establishing a process for reorganization of the state’s judicial circuits and providing for the rational distribution of judicial resources (originally filed as SB 21 and SB 22).
  • House Bill 215, which updated and strengthened Missouri laws dealing with sex crimes, domestic violence, and the prosecution of child predators and sexually violent predators; improved the state’s system for collecting restitution; and made significant changes to the state public defender system (originally filed as SB 414).

For more information on HBs 374 & 434, HB 215, SB 414, SB 21, SB 22, or other bills sponsored or handled by Sen. Dixon, visit his website at www.senate.mo.gov/dixon and click on the Legislation tab.