JEFFERSON CITY — With its final passage today in the upper chamber (28-2), the Senate’s bill bringing Missouri’s criminal code up to date now moves to the governor for his signature. Senate Bill 491, sponsored by Senate Minority Floor Leader Jolie Justus, D-Kansas City, streamlines state statutes regarding crimes and punishments, carrying them into the 21st Century.

“It was our goal from Day One this session to usher this extremely important measure to the legislative finish line,” said Sen. Justus.  “No bill in the history of the Senate has gone through a more thorough process.  It was vetted by numerous individuals within the judicial system and law enforcement community, including criminal defense lawyers, prosecutors, public defenders, and legislators who worked on this issue for a total of eight years.”

It has been 35 years since Missouri’s criminal code was last revised. However, Sen. Justus noted those working on the update picked up a lot of support along the way.

“This important piece of legislation is touted as one of the toughest and smartest crime bills passed by the General Assembly,” continued Sen. Justus.  “This substantive piece of legislation stays true to the bipartisan support seen on this bill throughout its journey through the Legislature.”

Senate Bill 491 creates new classes of felonies and misdemeanors, reorganizes crimes to fit new penalties in statute, and ensures that crimes count toward repeat offenders’ enhanced sentences.

Before the final vote was taken to send Senate Bill 491 to the governor, Sen. Justus assured her colleagues that every single issue brought to the attention of those working on the legislation was addressed, even recommendations made by the governor’s office.

“I want to thank everyone who spent time on this vital bill, especially co-sponsor Sen. Bob Dixon and House handler Rep. Stanley Cox – the research, drafting, amending and final passage of Senate Bill 491 truly was a team effort,” said Sen. Justus.

If signed by the governor, provisions found within Senate Bill 491 would not take effect until Jan. 1, 2017, ensuring any changes necessary to the measure are be made before it becomes law.

To read more on Senate Bill 491, visit www.senate.mo.gov/CrimCode/CrimCode.aspx.