SPONSOR: Schroer
COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on General Laws by a vote of 8 to 4. Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Rules- Legislative Oversight by a vote of 9 to 0.
This bill states that a person commits the offense of endangering the welfare of a child if they knowingly encourage, aid or cause a child under the age of 17 to engage in any conduct which violates the provisions of Chapter 571 (Weapons Offenses) or 579 (Controlled Substance Offenses), RSMo.
This bill has an emergency clause.
This bill is similar to HCS HB 2306 (2020).
PROPONENTS: Supporters say that this bill addresses the violent crime issue in Missouri. This bill is fundamental to public safety and strengthens child protection. Elevating the offense of endangering the welfare of a child from a misdemeanor to a felony aligns with the public safety goals of Missouri.
Testifying for the bill were Representative Schroer; Jimmie M. Edwards, City Of St. Louis; and the Missouri Sheriffs' Association.
OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.
Statutes affected: