MO HB1209

Lowers the threshold for appointing an additional circuit court marshal from more than 2,000 inmates to more than 1,500 inmates in facilities operated by the department of corrections within a circuit over the previous two years.

Circuit court marshal salary cannot exceed 90 percent of the highest paid sheriff's salary in the circuit and must be paid from state or federal grant funds, not county funds.

Appointees must have at least five years' prior law enforcement experience and must attend a court security school or training program operated by the United States Marshal Service within one year of appointment.

Circuit court marshals may serve process, carry a concealable firearm, and make arrests based on local court rules, state law, and direction from the presiding judge.

The marshal serves at the pleasure of the presiding judge and assists with courthouse physical security, serving court documents, and other judicial administrative duties as determined by the presiding judge.