MO HB1598

Requires automatic arrest and prosecution when law enforcement makes a third response to an alleged incident of abuse or violation of an order of protection involving the same person.

Adds a new violation (subdivision 7) to domestic assault in the third degree for persons who have been the subject of three law enforcement responses for alleged abuse or protection order violations.

Mandates that persons convicted under this new provision must participate in a court-approved counseling program for batterers or a substance abuse treatment program.

Requires law enforcement agencies to prioritize domestic violence calls equally with stranger-involved offenses, with immediate response required when violence is imminent, a protection order is in effect, or prior incidents of domestic violence have occurred.

Specifies that third or subsequent domestic assault convictions constitute a class D felony, with prior convictions potentially including out-of-state or municipal ordinance violations involving similar conduct.