JEFFERSON CITY - After more than three years of work in the General Assembly, the Missouri State Senate advanced a measure that will revise the state’s criminal code. The revision to more than 700 Missouri laws updates statutes, provides greater definition, and makes some punishments more consistent.

Senate Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, said Senate Bill 491 is one of the strongest approaches to assault crimes in Missouri’s history.

“This bill promotes public safety,” said Dempsey. “The Senate took a lot of time vetting this legislation to make sure the changes would strengthen our assault penalties. This code will provide prosecutors with important tools as they seek to deliver swift justice to people who commit crimes against children.”

The Missouri criminal code was enacted in 1979, after a 10-year process initiated by then-Missouri Attorney General John C. Danforth. Over the past 30 years, the General Assembly has continued to amend, add or delete statutes, both inside and outside the code relating to crime and punishment. These individual changes have led to inconsistencies and confusion throughout the code. The revision enacts tougher penalties for violent criminals and realigns penalty provisions.

Bill sponsor, Minority Floor Leader Jolie Justus, D-Kansas City, said the changes specifically target those “repeat” and “persistent” offenders, enacting tougher penalties.

“The revision gets the right criminals off the streets and keeps them off the streets,” said Justus. “Prosecutors and defense attorneys have asked for these changes to give them more tools to process their cases.”

The criminal code revision will increase punishments on those who commit violent felonies on their second offense. Under the current law, penalties don’t increase until the third offense. Habitual drunk drivers will now be treated as dangerous felons under the revised code, and the maximum available sentence for an intoxicated driver who kills his or her passenger in a vehicle increases to 10 years.

“A clear, concise and updated criminal code promotes public safety, contributes to a strong, effective criminal justice system, and makes wise use of taxpayer dollars,” said Judiciary Chairman Sen. Bob Dixon, R-Springfield. “This was a monumental and necessary task, so we sought counsel and listened to input from every quarter.”

The bill passed by the Senate is the culmination of years of work done by The Missouri Bar Criminal Code Revision Subcommittee, which included judges, prosecutors, public defenders, lawmakers,
and members of the general public.

“This bill didn’t pass overnight,” said Majority Floor Leader Ron Richard, R-Joplin. “We took a lot of time on the floor to fully vet this bill. The Judiciary Committee held many hearings and worked with representatives on all sides to make sure these changes lead to a comprehensive criminal code that will strengthen the criminal justice system in Missouri.

Senate Bill 491 will now be sent to the House for consideration. To learn more about this bill and others, visit www.senate.mo.gov.