JEFFERSON CITY — Like so many of you, I was deeply saddened by the recent kidnapping and murder of little Hailey Owens in Springfield. This was a crime of unimaginable brutality and violence that is all too common in this day and time. A criminal who vilely dehumanizes an innocent, young victim in this way must be brought to justice and should receive the most serious punishment available. Our state should recognize the value of these victims by further ensuring justice is carried out swiftly.

Too often, convicted criminals in these cases sit on death row for decades. The people of Missouri feed, clothe, and provide healthcare for them long after their victim has left us and their families are forced to suffer through a seemingly endless series to appeals, injunctions, and delays. Closure should come to these families much sooner because it is consistent with our duty to ensure swift and certain justice for them, the victims of these crimes and for society as a whole.

For these reasons, I have co-sponsored Senate Bill 945, the “Timely Justice Act,” which would streamline the process by which a condemned killer is brought to final justice. The purpose of the bill is to limit extensions for appeals and set deadlines for the state Supreme Court to hear cases and schedule executions for people sentenced to death on kidnapping and murder convictions. The Missouri Supreme Court would need to hear arguments in a case within six months of submission of the last written argument. Senate Bill 945 would also require the court to require the execution be carried out no more than 10 days after the defendant's state and federal appeals have been exhausted. Changes to this process would not interfere with due process, the appeals process or other any other legal options available to the convicted. The accused would still have their day in court and would, in no way, have their constitutionally guaranteed due process rights violated.

Last year, Florida approved a similar bill and I agree with many of my colleagues that it is time for Missouri to take this step. The bill sends a clear message that we are committed to justice and that those tried and convicted by a jury of their peers will face the consequences of their actions. It is our responsibility to protect against those who would violate our children and rob them of their innocence. Challenging such a noble effort is not only irresponsible, it is damaging to our right to feel safe in our cities, towns, and even our homes.

The people of Missouri and the 29th District believe we need to be tough on crime and I will continue to work hard in Jefferson City to ensure their voice is heard. Our families, and particularly our children, should be able to feel safe and not holding these criminals accountable is a failure we cannot and should not tolerate. Senate Bill 945 is consistent with this goal and is one small step we can take that honors the memory of Hailey Owens and all the other victims of these terrible crimes.

I am confident my colleagues will recognize the importance of standing up to criminals and promoting justice and move this bill through the legislative process so it can begin to work quickly and effectively for the state of Missouri.

As always, I welcome your ideas, questions and concerns about Missouri government. You may contact me at the State Capitol as follows: (573) 751-1480, david.sater@senate.mo.gov or by writing to Senator David Sater, Missouri State Capitol, Room 433, Jefferson City, MO 65101.