MO HB1799

Requires law enforcement to record custodial interrogations of persons suspected of committing serious felonies including murder, assault, robbery, arson, rape, kidnapping, and child abuse when feasible.

Defines custodial interrogation as questioning of arrested persons no longer at the crime scene, excluding voluntary meetings, non-arrest detentions, routine booking questions, alcohol influence questioning, and transport questioning.

Permits law enforcement to decline recording if the suspect requests it not be recorded, the interrogation occurs outside Missouri, exigent safety circumstances exist, suspect makes spontaneous statements, equipment fails, or equipment is unavailable.

Requires each law enforcement agency to adopt a written policy for recording custodial interrogations of suspects in the specified felony crimes.

Prohibits violation of the recording requirement from being used as grounds to exclude evidence or referenced during trial; allows the governor to withhold state funds from noncompliant agencies that fail to act in good faith.