Events & Registration
May 23, 2013
Criminal Justice
Next Task Force Meeting
May 8 @ 10:30 - 2:00 pm
MASW Headquarters
606 E Capitol
Jefferson City, MO
The Missouri Association for Social Welfare
Criminal Justice Task Force
Legislation Updates- May 2013
HOUSE BILLS:
HB 210: Criminal Code Revisions ( Sponsor: Rep. Cox)
- It has been voted out of the House Committee and out of Rules - next step is to the floor of the House. Most likely will not be passed this year as we are running out of time. Possible hearings on the bill across the state this summer!
HB296: The Good Samaritan Law ( Sponsor: Rep. Spencer)
- It was voted out of the House Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee. Likely to die for lack of time, but remember this a new MASW bill. It often takes two or more sessions to have time to educate legislators and move a concept forward. Do not give up!
HB443: Establishes a pilot program to increase the visitation rights of children with incarcerated parents. ( Sponsor: Rep. Hubbard)
- Passed the House (140-6 ). Read in the Senate and Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee. ACTION- Ask Chair Bob Dixon (Room 332, 573-751-2583) to give it a hearing.
HB 589: Changes the law regarding sexual offender registration ( Sponsor: Rep. Hinson)
- It passed the Committee, the Rules Committee and was sent to a Fiscal Review Committee. It was voted out of that Committee, but again time is short now.
HB 511, 220: Allows for Expungement of certain criminal records ( Sponsor: Rep. Ellinger, May)
- NOT been voted out of a Committee yet
HB 752, HB 753: Changes the laws around Mandatory Minimums ( Sponsor: Ellinger)
- NOT been referred to a Committee yet. We will need a strategy for next year.
HB 419: Long Term Sentencing Review ( Sponsor: Rep. Hubbard)
- Had a Hearing in the Urban Issues Committee. No Vote- ACTION- Ask the Sponsor (and Chair of that Committee) Rep Hubbard to get Committee to vote on it.
HB838: Food Stamp Ban Opt Out Bill ( Sponsor: Rep. Weiland)
- Passed out of the Committee. We are working with the sponsor to find appropriate legislative vehicles to which this may be attached.
SENATE BILLS:
SB: 61: Comparing Costs of DP cases ( Sponsor: Sen. Keaveny)
- Passed out of the Government Oversight Committee. An amendment was added that said the cost of the study needed to come from private funds not the General Revenue. Sen. Keaveny placed it on the informal calendar but won’t ask that it be called up again this session.
SB 310: Changes the laws regarding expungement of records ( Sponsor: Sen. Nasheed)
- NO Committee hearing yet.
SB346: Modifies Food Stamp Benefits ( Sponsor: Sen. Curls)
- Passed out of the Government Accountability Committee. Next step the full Senate. Also hope this might be attached to a moving bill.
SB253: Criminal Code Revisions ( Sponsor: Sen. Justus)
- Hearing completed in the Judiciary Committee. Ask Chair Bob Dixon to call for a vote. Most likely will not be passed this year. Possible hearings on the bill across the state this summer!
The Criminal Justice Task Force monitors the Missouri corrections system and the legislative process. It advocates well researched best practices to provide justice, safety and economic security for offenders, victims and communities.
Goals for 2013
- Continue efforts to change state law, waiving the current lifetime ban on food stamp eligibility for Missourians with a drug felony record.
- Continue efforts to remedy problems of long term sentencing and unnecessary incarceration of non-violent offenders.
- Continue efforts to repeal the death penalty and seek alternatives thereto.
- Continue efforts to modify sex offender laws while being mindful of public safety.
Missouri Working Group on Sentencing & Corrections
Assisted by Pew Center on the States and
Justice Reinvestment Initiative, U.S. Dept. of Justice
Supported by Governor, Attorney General, Legislative Leaders
A TOP PRIORITY OF MASW!
=>Press Coverage: Jefferson City News-Tribune
=>Press Coverage: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
=>Press Release: Governor's Office
Puppies for Parole
Puppies for Parole is a unique program of the Missouri Dept. of Corrections, made possible through its partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they will be sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption.
Updated04/02/2012