HJR 34 -- INTRODUCTION OF DEFENDANT'S PRIOR BAD ACTS

SPONSOR:  Clayton

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Criminal
Law by a vote of 18 to 0.

This proposed constitutional amendment allows admissible
evidence of previously charged and uncharged crimes to be
considered in criminal indictments or information.

FISCAL NOTE:  Cost to General Revenue of $39,900 in FY 2001, and
could exceed $100,000 in FY 2002.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the joint resolution would, by
constitutional amendment, make an already existing statute
allowing for the introduction into evidence of previous sex
crimes against children valid.  This statute was recently
challenged by a Missouri Supreme Court decision.  Supporters say
that the constitutional change is necessary because it is often
difficult to convict for sex offenses against children without
this otherwise inadmissible evidence.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Clayton; and
Missouri Prosecuting Attorney's Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Sarah Madden, Legislative Analyst

HJR 34 -- Introduction of Defendant's Prior Acts

Sponsor:  Clayton

This proposed constitutional amendment allows admissible
evidence of previously charged and uncharged crimes to be
considered in criminal indictments or information.