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MO HB2621
Bill
Status
2/24/2016
Primary Sponsor
Marsha Haefner
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AI Summary
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Adds "employment as a law enforcement officer or first responder" as a protected category under Missouri's hate crime statute (Section 557.035), alongside existing categories of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, and disability
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Crimes motivated by the victim's status as a law enforcement officer or first responder can be charged as enhanced felonies: Class D felony for certain arson and weapons offenses, Class E felony for assault, property damage, and riot-related offenses
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Defines "law enforcement officer" as any public servant with power and duty to make arrests for state law violations, plus federal officers authorized to carry firearms and make arrests
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Defines "first responder" as state and local law enforcement, fire department personnel, and emergency medical personnel who may be deployed to terrorist attacks, disasters, and emergencies
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Requires the court to assess punishment when the state pleads and proves the motivating factor was the victim's employment as a law enforcement officer or first responder
Legislative Description
Adds to the list of hate crimes certain offenses committed against law enforcement officers and first responders when the offenses are committed because the person is a law enforcement officer or first responder
Last Action
Referred: Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness(H)
4/21/2016