Bill > SB281

This bill modifies provisions relating to minimum prison terms for various felony offenses in Missouri, making several key changes to sentencing guidelines. For offenders without a previous prison commitment, the bill now requires serving 75% of their sentence, and for those with one or more previous prison commitments, they must serve 80% of their sentence. For dangerous felonies, offenders must now serve 85% of their sentence, removing the previous provision that allowed early release at age 70. The bill also creates a new sentencing advisory commission with eleven members appointed from various sectors, tasked with studying sentencing practices, researching potential disparities, and examining alternative sentencing options. Additionally, the bill provides courts with discretion to use restorative justice methods, such as restitution, offender treatment programs, community service, and work release programs. For specific serious offenses like rape in the first degree, enticement of a child, and armed criminal action, the bill now mandates that offenders serve 100% of their imposed sentence, eliminating previous provisions that allowed for early release after a set number of calendar years. The bill also updates the effective date to August 28, 2025, and ensures that courts retain flexibility in sentencing while establishing more stringent minimum term requirements.

Justice

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=110