JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – In a significant move towards bolstering public safety and recognizing the sacrifice of law enforcement officers, a group of dedicated Missouri lawmakers and esteemed members of the law enforcement community will convene this week to announce the introduction of a groundbreaking legislative proposal. This initiative, aptly named “Valentine’s Law,” pays homage to the memory and service of fallen St. Louis County Police Detective Tony Valentine, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty.
Scheduled to take place on Valentine’s Day this week in Detective Valentine’s honor, the press event will feature Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, House Speaker Dean Plocher, State Representative Justin Sparks, Senators Tracy McCreery and Nick Schroer, as well as key members of the Law Enforcement Legislative Coalition (LELC). Below are the details for the press conference:
The proposed legislation, HB 1692, sponsored by State Representative Justin Sparks, aims to classify fleeing from law enforcement while committing a crime as a felony offense. The bill establishes the offense of aggravated fleeing from a stop or detention of a motor vehicle.
Valentine’s Law aims to make it a felony for individuals who knowingly evade law enforcement during an attempted vehicle stop. The bill assumes someone is fleeing if they continue driving after seeing emergency lights or hearing a siren. The proposed Valentine’s Law stands as a testament to Missouri’s commitment to public safety, serving as both a protective measure for law enforcement officers and a tribute to those, like Detective Tony Valentine, who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.