HB 1231 Summary

• Establishes a permanent Joint Committee on the Justice System to review and monitor Missouri's justice system, criminal laws, law enforcement, corrections, and related issues, with annual reporting requirements.

• Increases the number of appellate and circuit court judges: eastern district (12 to 14 judges), western district (7 to 11 judges), southern district (5 to 7 judges), plus additional judgeships in St. Louis, Jackson, Greene, St. Charles, and Boone counties.

• Modifies judgment interest rules in tort actions to use the Federal Funds Rate plus 5 percent, allows prejudgment interest when a written demand exceeds the judgment amount, and redefines how judgment balances accrue post-judgment interest.

• Changes driver's license document retention policies to prohibit the Department of Revenue from retaining or digitally imaging source documents, with exceptions for federal motor carrier requirements and lawful presence documentation.

• Implements new criminal offense of "unlawful funeral protest" (class B misdemeanor) prohibiting picketing or disruptive protests within 300 feet of funerals and related services during specified timeframes.