Bill > SB464

This bill modifies Missouri's law on endangering the welfare of a child by expanding the definition of the offense. The bill adds two new provisions to the existing law: first, a person can now be charged if they knowingly fail to secure a firearm in the presence of a child under 17 years old, which means storing the firearm in a locked safe, cabinet, gun vault, storage case, or using a firearm locking device. The bill specifically states that it is not an affirmative defense if the child dies by suicide. Additionally, the bill maintains and slightly modifies existing provisions that make it a crime to create a substantial risk to a child's life or health, engage in sexual conduct with a child under the care of the offender, encourage a child to commit certain crimes, or manufacture or possess methamphetamine in the presence of a child. The severity of the offense ranges from a class D felony to a class A felony, depending on the specific circumstances, such as whether serious injury or death results, or if it is a repeat offense. This expansion aims to increase protections for children by holding adults more accountable for creating dangerous environments.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=26973