Senator Luetkemeyer’s “Max’s Law” Passes as Part of Public Safety Bill  

JEFFERSON CITY — Legislation sponsored by State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, to increase penalties for killing police K-9 officers has passed out of the General Assembly as part of a comprehensive public safety bill and is now on its way to the governor’s desk. “Max’s Law” was inspired by the death of St. Joseph police canine in 2020.

Originally drafted in response to Max’s death, Senate Bill 189 grew into a broader public safety measure to crackdown on dangerous criminals and support men and women in law enforcement. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Luetkemeyer shepherded the bill to final passage.

Injuring a police dog to the point of requiring veterinary care will become a felony under Sen. Luetkemeyer’s legislation, while killing the animal could result in a prison sentence of up to seven years.

“The death of St. Joseph K-9 officer Max in the line of duty showed the inadequacy of current laws protecting police dogs,” Sen. Luetkemeyer said. “These animals dedicate their lives to protecting their human law enforcement partners and increasing public safety. Our laws should reflect the vital contribution K-9 officers make to law enforcement and our communities.”

Included in SB 189 are also provisions that remove salary caps for members of the Kansas City Police Department and provide workers’ compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress disorders experienced by first responders. Senator Luetkemeyer originally proposed these two provisions as Senate Bill 119.

For more information about Sen. Luetkemeyer, visit senate.mo.gov/mem34.