KANSAS CITY, Mo. — At the end of August, the Missouri General Assembly enacted several new laws to address various crimes, including sex trafficking, theft and motor vehicle operations, to increase public safety. Have you heard of them, though?
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the new laws, which were either updated or created, went into effect on Aug. 28. Here is a summary of each statute:
Enticement and Sex Trafficking of a Child
The age of the victim in both the enticement of a child and sex trafficking of a child increased under state law.
The “Enticement of a Child (566.151 RSMo)” statute has been raised from under the age of 15 to under the age of 17. The “Sexual Trafficking of a Child – First Degree (566.210 RSMo)” statute has been raised from under the age of 12 to under the age of 14.
Organized Retail Theft
“Stealing (570.030 RSMo)” aims to target coordinated and large-scale theft operations. Missouri updated the statute to ensure criminals who stole property of $750 or more, but less than $10,000, will face the same class C felony as someone who stole $10,000 or more. This includes any inflicted damage during the theft.
Cotton Trailers
Missouri law requires all trailers, cars and semitrailers that drive on public highways to secure their loads so that nothing falls out of the vehicle. The latest update to the statute, under “307.010 RSMo,” makes an exception for cotton trailers, which are allowed to operate at speeds of 70 mph or less from field to field or from field to market and back, as long as no materials fall from the trailer and is tightly secured.
Forced Entry into Cars
A person who attempts to unlawfully gain entry into a car by lifting the door handles or trying the locks with the intent to steal, especially on multiple vehicles in a row, could face a class A misdemeanor under the latest statute, “569.175 RSM0.“
Interference With A First Responder
If a person comes within 20 feet of a first responder after receiving warnings not to approach them or someone they know, the person could face a class B misdemeanor for a first offense and a class A misdemeanor for a second or subsequent offense.
The definition of a first responder under statute “574.207 RSMo” includes law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians. It also states that legal action can be pursued if a suspect does any of these three things:
- Impede or interfere with the first responder’s ability to perform his or her legal duty.
- Threaten the first responder with physical harm; or
- Engage in a course of conduct directed at a first responder which serves no legitimate purpose.
Driving with Care and Prohibited Stunt Driving
Statute “304.012 RSMo,” which ensures drivers “exercise the highest degree of care,” has been updated to include stunt driving. It states that no driver is allowed to perform stunts while operating a vehicle.
According to the next adopted statute, “304.145 RSMo,” stunt driving is defined as burnouts, wheelies, donuts, and drifting. It also includes street takeovers.
The statute states that no person is allowed to perform stunts in connection with a street takeover or to perform/participate in a street takeover. If said individual is found to be in violation of this law, they could face a class B misdemeanor as a first offense, a class A misdemeanor for a second offense and a class E felony for a third or subsequent offense.
Additionally, punishments may be enhanced depending on whether the suspect is a prior, persistent, aggravated, chronic or habitual offender.
“This statute shall not apply to events sanctioned by a political subdivision or private entity with responsibility for maintenance and control of the portion of highway or private property on which the motor vehicle operation occurs,” that law claims.
Authorized Emergency Vehicles and Stationary Vehicles
The final combined statutes address authorized emergency and stationary vehicle actions while en route to an emergency or pursuing a suspect.
Both “300.100 RSMo” and “304.022 RSMo” have been updated to reflect that emergency and stationary vehicles are now able to operate without using their emergency lights or sirens in certain situations that could result in the destruction of evidence or escape of a suspect.
This is also applied to surveillance operations where a vehicle or the passengers of a vehicle are suspected of involvement in a crime, and turning on the lights could result in the operation being compromised.
For a complete description of these newly enacted laws, visit the Missouri House of Representatives or the Missouri Senate websites.
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