MO HB1549

Requires law enforcement agencies to record custodial interrogations when feasible for suspects of specified felonies including murder, assault, robbery, arson, forcible rape, sodomy, kidnapping, statutory rape, statutory sodomy, child abuse, and child kidnapping.

Exempts recording requirements when the suspect requests non-recording, the interrogation occurs outside Missouri, exigent public safety circumstances prevent recording, the suspect makes spontaneous statements, recording equipment fails or is unavailable.

Mandates that if recording equipment fails during an interrogation, the agency must stop all questioning until equipment is repaired or alternative recording equipment is available.

Requires each law enforcement agency to adopt a written policy for recording custodial interrogations of felony suspects described in the act.

Authorizes the governor to withhold state funds from non-compliant agencies that fail to act in good faith in attempting to comply; prohibits recording compliance or non-compliance from being used as evidence or referenced during criminal trials.