Missouri Senate Committee Passes Wide-Ranging Anti-Crime Bill

A Missouri Senate committee has passed a wide-ranging anti-crime bill that would stiffen penalties for celebratory gunfire, make it a felony to kill a police dog, and raise the minimum age for a juvenile to be tried as an adult.

Democratic Senator Barbara Washington of Kansas City sponsored the portion of the bill that would prevent 12 and 13-year-olds from being tried as adults:

The bill would also allow for the creation of a dedicated fund for public defenders that can accept private donations.