New Missouri Public Safety Laws Now In Effect

Several new laws aimed at enhancing public safety in Missouri officially went into effect on Aug. 28 These changes, passed by the Missouri General Assembly, address traffic infractions, child endangerment, firearm discharge and more. Here are some of the key provisions:

No Arrest Warrants for Traffic Infractions

Under Senate Bill 754, courts can no longer issue arrest warrants for individuals who fail to respond to traffic citations. Instead, the court will send multiple notices before potentially issuing a default judgment.

Blair’s Law: Crackdown on Reckless Firearm Discharges

A significant measure, Blair's Law creates penalties for unlawful firearm discharges within city limits. First offenses are classified as misdemeanors, but repeat offenses can result in felony charges.

Max’s Law: Protecting Law Enforcement Animals

Max’s Law makes it a crime to injure or kill law enforcement animals. Offenders could face felony charges, especially if the animal requires veterinary care or dies as a result.

New Protections for Children and Consequences for Fleeing Law Enforcement

The legislation also strengthens laws on child endangerment, as well as imposing harsh penalties for aggravated fleeing from law enforcement, especially when it leads to injury or death. 

New Law Targets Dangerous Drug Distribution

The offense of delivery of a controlled substance causing serious physical injury occurs when an individual knowingly delivers or distributes a controlled substance that is mixed with another drug, leading to serious physical injury. This offense is classified as a class C felony.

Stricter Penalties for Drug Dealers

One of the newly enacted laws imposes severe consequences for drug distribution leading to death. Under the new statute, anyone who delivers or distributes a controlled substance, knowing it is mixed with another substance, and causes a fatality as a result, will face charges of delivery of a controlled substance causing death. This offense is classified as a class A felony,