JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri Senate recognized the importance of bringing Missouri’s  criminal code up to date by giving its final approval (29-3) to Senate Bill 491, sponsored by Senate Minority Floor Leader Jolie Justus, D-Kansas City.

Missouri’s criminal code was last restructured in 1979 where it was ushered through the Legislature by then State Sen. Ike Skelton.  Criminal defense lawyers, prosecutors, public defenders, and legislators worked on this issue for more than five years before legislation was ever introduced in the General Assembly. 

“My colleagues and I worked to make our state’s criminal code more streamlined by bringing it into the 21st Century,” said Sen. Justus.  “Ultimately, this bill will promote the economy of our state by creating judicial efficiency and ensuring public safety.”

The upper chamber’s final version of Senate Bill 491 removed sections from the legislation that did not contain substantive changes in order to shorten the once more than 1,100-page measure and make it easier to read. 

Compromises were made among many senators to give final approval to the now 500-page bill.  Senate Bill 491 would no longer create a Class E felony or modify the terms of years for Class C and Class D felonies.  The legislation would also keep consistent with current state law regarding child molestation, sexual misconduct involving a child, sexual contact with a student and providing pornography to minors; ensure that crimes count toward repeat sex offenders’ enhanced sentences; provide a fine of $250 to $1,000 for a first-time offense  regarding marijuana possession; and repeal the requirement that ignition interlock devises be equipped with GPS from law due to the difficulty to implement this section within current state law, among other provisions. 

“It is past time we overhaul this aging criminal code and pass this crucial bill designed to work on behalf of all those within the judicial system and law enforcement community,” said Sen. Justus.  “I would like to thank the many individuals, including co-sponsor Sen. Bob Dixon, who were involved in the research, drafting, amending and final passage of this incredibly important piece of legislation.”

The provisions found within Senate Bill 491 would not take effect until Jan. 1, 2017, ensuring any changes necessary to the measure could be made before becomes law.

The House of Representatives this week also passed its version (130-24) of a criminal code reorganization bill.  To read more on Senate Bill 491, visit www.senate.mo.gov/justus and click on the “Sponsored Bills Link” under the “Legislation” tab.