Senate Bill 615 Summary

• Repeals and replaces 21 sections of Missouri law relating to judicial administration, court costs, fines, and law enforcement liability.

• Grants sheriffs and law enforcement officers immunity from civil and criminal liability when conducting court-ordered service of process, except when actions violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights.

• Establishes a centralized bureau to accept guilty/not guilty pleas and collect fines and court costs for traffic and minor violations under a judicial fee schedule, with payment constituting conviction.

• Modifies judgeships in multiple circuits: adds one associate circuit judge in the 31st circuit and one in the 11th circuit beginning fiscal year 2015; establishes new 38th circuit with two judges; modifies 16th and 21st circuits.

• Expands the crime of disarming a peace officer to include less-lethal weapons (blunt impact, chemical, conducted energy devices) in addition to firearms and deadly weapons.