Second Missouri Special Session is Expected on Witness Protection Funding

While there was debate on Monday over how to fund it, the Missouri House has voted for preliminary approval of bipartisan witness protection legislation.

Lee’s Summit GOP State Representative Jonathan Patterson, the bill sponsor, tells colleagues that witness protection is critical. He notes Kansas City has had 129 homicides this year:

The bill creates a witness protection services fund, which would be used to provide security to witnesses, potential witnesses and their immediate families in criminal proceedings or investigations.

Monday’s main debate involved funding because the current bill does not include funding. House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith of Carthage tells colleagues Governor Parson will likely call a SECOND special session soon.

Monday’s voice vote appeared to be unanimous.