MO HB2037

Repeals section 575.070, RSMo and enacts two new sections (575.065 and 575.070) relating to obstruction of justice.

Creates crime of obstruction of justice when person knowingly destroys, alters, conceals, or disguises physical evidence; plants false evidence; furnishes false information; induces a witness to leave the state or conceal themselves; or leaves the state or conceals themselves while possessing material knowledge, with intent to prevent apprehension or obstruct prosecution or defense.

Obstruction of justice is a class A misdemeanor, or a class D felony if the actor obstructs prosecution or defense of a felony.

Requires conviction of false statement violations under sections 575.040, 575.050, 575.060, or 575.065 to be proven by: two direct witnesses; one witness with corroborating circumstances; conclusive demonstrative evidence; defendant's contradictory sworn statement with witness or corroboration; or judicial admission of knowing falsity.