MO HB1685

Repeals and replaces section 565.020, RSMo, establishing "Erica and Zayquon's Law"

Expands murder in the first degree to include knowingly causing the death of a child under 18 years of age when a heinous element is involved in the crime

Defines heinous elements as torture, intentional infliction of great bodily harm, mutilation, exposure to extreme inhumane conditions, use of dangerous weapons, sexual penetration or contact, or moving the victim to another location

Murder in the first degree remains a class A felony punishable by death or life imprisonment without parole eligibility, except offenders under 16 years old at time of commission are limited to life imprisonment without parole