JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri House of Representatives has passed HB 1481, a significant legislative measure aimed at providing greater support for law enforcement in their duty to maintain law and order for Missouri communities.
HB 1481, sponsored by State Rep. Brad Christ, aims to safeguard law enforcement’s ability to perform their duties in Missouri efficiently and strives to ensure that municipalities have a sufficient number of police officers to meet the needs of the communities they serve and protect.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to protect the authority of the Board of Police Commissioners and transfer to it control of the municipal police department. With the Board’s membership made up of local citizens and the mayor, this would give the city more control than it’s ever had, at a time when the city has been decimated by crime.
Further, HB 1481 would simplify disciplinary processes, address compensation matters within the police force, and outline steps to preserve the integrity of the Legal Expense Fund and ensure fair reimbursements for liability claims.
“We all should expect to feel safe in our neighborhoods. To achieve this, it is crucial to fully support our law enforcement officers and empower them to fulfill their duties effectively. Unfortunately, there have been instances where city officials have sought to defund or undermine our officers’ authority. I’m committed to opposing these efforts and ensuring our law enforcement officials receive the support and resources they rightfully deserve,” said Christ, R-St. Louis. “HB 1481 represents a vital effort to strengthen law enforcement and uphold public safety in our community. By clarifying the powers of the Board of Police Commissioners and implementing necessary reforms, we are taking decisive action to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement.”
“The passage of HB 1481 underscores our commitment to promoting accountability and transparency within our police departments,” House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, said. “This legislation reflects our dedication to supporting law enforcement personnel while ensuring they operate within a framework that prioritizes fairness and public trust.”
HB 1481 will now proceed to the Missouri Senate for further consideration.
Representative Brad Christ, a Republican, represents part of St. Louis County (District 96) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2022. For more information, please contact Rep. Christ at 573-751-2150 or by email at Brad.Christ@House.Mo.Gov.