MO HB1720

Park rangers employed by the Department of Natural Resources must be certified as peace officers by the director of public safety under chapter 590, with authority to maintain order, preserve peace, and make arrests for law violations on state park lands and highways within park boundaries.

Park rangers may remove abandoned vehicles or watercraft left unattended for 48 hours on state park property, roads, or water; removal may occur immediately if the vehicle creates a safety or health hazard, following procedures in section 304.155.

Park rangers may arrest individuals outside their jurisdiction if they have probable cause to believe the person committed a crime originally within the park ranger's jurisdiction, with notification to local sheriff or police when practical.

Park rangers may request prosecutors apply for and serve search warrants anywhere in Missouri for crimes originally committed within their jurisdiction, provided the county sheriff is notified upon application.

During gubernatorial disaster declarations, park rangers receive statewide law enforcement authority to assist local, state, and federal authorities during emergencies and natural disasters.