Missouri governor signs bill to increase penalties on violent crime

In response to a surge in violence across the state, Gov. Mike Parson signs into law a bill addressing the issue, receiving mixed feedback.

On Monday Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced he is signing a bill that will up the penalties for violent crime.

The bill makes a handful of changes to the state’s criminal law, including no probation for certain violent offenses, adding the offense of vehicle hijacking, increasing the range of punishment for unlawful possession of a firearm and altering the definition of a street gang, according to reporting from Fox 2 Now.

The measure is the only bill the Republican-led Legislature passed this year to address a surge in violent crime in Kansas City, Springfield and St. Louis, reports the Associated Press.

In a press conference Monday, Parson said he wants Missourians to stand up for law enforcement. Some have said SB600 is a large step towards safety and justice, while others say this measure allows prosecutors to request longer sentencing without really addressing crime.

Groups such as the NAACP and Americans for Prosperity have criticized the bill as a return to tough-on-crime policies, according to the Associated Press.

Another group, the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, urged Parson to sign the bill but said it doesn’t go far enough to address the recent increase in violent crime.

“This legislation is a large step towards safety and justice for our communities,” Parson said. “However, there is a lot more to be done. These tools are just the beginning of the work that needs to be done to fight violent criminals.”

Parson indicated Monday he wants a special session to discuss violent crime across the state.

“This allows law enforcement and prosecutors to hold individuals accountable,” Parson said during the press conference.

The bill is set to take effect Aug. 28.