Bill > SB538

This bill modifies Missouri's existing law on stealing by comprehensively restructuring the penalties and classifications for theft based on the type and value of property stolen. The bill establishes a graduated system of criminal offenses ranging from a class A misdemeanor to a class A felony, with severity determined by factors such as the type of property stolen, its value, the method of theft, and the offender's prior criminal history. Notable changes include creating specific felony classifications for stealing certain types of property like anhydrous ammonia containers, livestock, motor vehicles, and items stolen with a dangerous weapon. The bill introduces enhanced penalties for repeat offenders, such as mandatory minimum prison sentences for repeat livestock theft and increased felony grades for multiple stealing-related offenses within a ten-year period. Additionally, the bill allows for aggregating the value of stolen property across multiple incidents to determine the offense level and provides detailed guidance on how prior convictions should be considered in charging and sentencing. The legislation aims to create a more nuanced and proportional approach to prosecuting theft, with penalties that reflect the specific circumstances of each stealing offense.

Justice

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=1472453