STE. GENEVIEVE – The Ste. Genevieve Police Department is drawing attention to a new Missouri law which took effect last month.
The department says Senate Bill 669, which officially took effect on August 28, 2025 creates a new offense under Missouri Revised Statute Section 574.207, titled Interference with a First Responder.
The law is designed to provide additional protections for first responders including police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel while they are preforming their lawful duties.
Under the statute, a person commits the offense of Interference with a First Responder when, after receiving a clear verbal warning not to approach, the person knowingly and willfully comes within 25 feet of a first responder who is actively engaged in their legal duties with the intent to:
1. Impede or interfere with the first responders ability to perform those duties;
2. Threaten the first responder with physical harm; or
3. Engage in conduct that intentionally causes emotional distress to the first responder and serves no legitimate purpose.
This offense is classified as a Class A misdemeanor in Missouri.
The Ste. Genevieve Police Department encourages the public to remain aware of this change in Missouri law.
A police official stated “Community cooperation is vital in ensuring that first responders can safely and effectively serve and protect.”