Senate Bill No. 621 - Summary

• Establishes a permanent "Joint Committee on the Justice System" composed of legislative and judicial members to review and monitor Missouri's justice system, criminal laws, corrections, and public safety, with annual reporting requirements beginning January 15, 2016.

• Modifies judgment interest provisions in tort and non-tort actions, including specific procedures for prejudgment interest demands in tort cases with 90-day waiting periods and requirements for settlement offers sent by certified mail.

• Adds new judgeships and adjusts judicial divisions in multiple circuits: 20 circuit judges in St. Louis County (21st circuit), 10 associate circuit judges in Kansas City area (16th circuit), additional associate judges in Greene and St. Charles counties, and creates a new 38th judicial circuit with two circuit judges.

• Modifies garnishment procedures to allow continuous wage garnishment until judgment is paid or employment terminates, and clarifies that government employers are subject to garnishment with same duties as private employers.

• Creates the "Cyber Crime Investigation Fund" and grant program for multijurisdictional Internet cyber crime task forces investigating sex crimes against children, with funding for detective salaries, training, and equipment through December 31, 2024.