New Laws Related To Public Safety

There will be new legislation enacted by the Missouri General Assembly starting on August 28th. The first of many, is on the offense of money laundering, modifying the offense to specify a financial transaction, including cryptocurrency. An opioid addiction treatment fund has been added, where any licensed pharmacist may sell and dispense an addiction mitigation medication under a physician protocol or statewide standing order, and shall not be subject to any representation for doing so, as well as making the medication available for all. Various new bills expand previous bills to further protect minors from sexual exploitation and protect children who were victims of sex trafficking. New and expanded bills also protect the rights of victims of sexual and domestic assault, as well as protecting the information of victims of stalking and assault, and witnesses of such events.

Police Department funding in Kansas City has increased from one-fifth to one-fourth of the city’s general revenue per fiscal year. Beginning January 1, 2024, the Department of Revenue must establish a process for the voluntary suspension of motor vehicle registration for vehicles that are inoperable or being stored and not in operation, with legal and financial repercussions if an individual operates the said vehicle. Lastly, additions to the offense of escape from custody of any person who is being held in custody after arrest for any probation or parole violation.

For a complete description of these and more newly enacted laws, visit the Missouri House of Representatives or Missouri Senate websites.