HB 2417 Summary

• Creates a Division of Water Patrol within the Missouri State Highway Patrol, effective January 1, 2011, transferring all powers and duties of the independent Missouri State Water Patrol.

• Superintendent of the highway patrol appoints a director of the water patrol division and may assign highway patrol members to serve in the division on permanent or temporary basis.

• Water patrol division officers retain full peace officer powers on waterways, adjoining lands, and specified jurisdictional areas as established in current law.

• Increases highway patrol authorized personnel by 99 positions (from 965 to 1,064 total officers) to accommodate transferred water patrol functions.

• Water patrol fund revenues continue to support division operations including personnel, training, and equipment expenses through existing appropriation mechanisms.