Jefferson City, MO — A raft of new laws ushered in by Missouri legislators came into effect on Wednesday, having been previously signed by Governor Mike Parson. Among the significant legislative changes are new regulations regarding celebratory gunfire, better support for students, and enhanced protections for police animals. These laws reflect the state’s ongoing efforts to adjust to citizens’ needs and address public safety concerns.
One notable legislative change is Senate Bill 727, which revises the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program by increasing the maximum allowable credits from $50 million to $75 million annually. This adjustment aims to amplify educational support, particularly benefiting students in special education, those from unaccredited districts, and children of military personnel. Furthermore, this legislation prioritizes siblings and previous awardees of the program, ensuring consistent support for families engaged in the scholarship system.
Additionally, this legislative package mandates the development of an 18-hour online teacher preparation program geared toward expediting the certification process for aspiring teachers. It aims to alleviate teacher shortages by permitting differentiated salary scales based on placement needs rather than uniform experience levels. This flexibility will assist districts in attracting and retaining educators in critical subject areas or challenging demographic regions.
The introduction of the Elementary Literacy Fund within the bill is another highlight. This initiative allocates approximately $5 million annually to supply grants for home reading programs for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The move underscores Missouri’s commitment to strengthening foundational literacy skills at an early age.
Senate Bill 754 also plays a crucial role in public safety by instituting “Blair’s Law,” which criminalizes reckless celebratory gunfire within city limits. This provision categorizes the first offense as a Class A misdemeanor, escalating to felony charges for repeated offenses. Additionally, the bill updates “Max’s Law,” aligning penalties more closely with the severity of injuries inflicted on law enforcement animals.
A significant update under the same bill is “Valentine’s Law,” designed to address the severity of fleeing from law enforcement. This law stipulates that attempting to elude a traffic stop, thereby risking injury or death, can lead to felony charges, reflecting the gravity of such actions.
Additionally, the legislation introduces significant measures concerning youth and justice. It provides clear guidelines that prevent the prosecution of minors under 13 as adults for certain serious crimes, ensuring that young offenders receive age-appropriate handling in the legal system.
A notable tax-related update is seen in Senate Bill 756, which modifies real property tax laws to provide tax credits to elderly homeowners, enhancing financial relief for this demographic. The bill also aims to propel innovation by establishing a “Regulatory Sandbox,” which allows businesses to apply for temporary waivers or suspensions of regulations to test new products or services in Missouri.
These legislative changes in Missouri mirror a broader trend of states assessing and reforming laws to better serve their residents and protect public safety. Through these diversified efforts—from education funding and teacher recruitment to public safety and regulatory reforms—Missouri continues to adapt its legislative landscape to the evolving needs and challenges facing its populace.