Attorney General's News Release

April 3, 1998

Legislative package addressing domestic violence would give law enforcement important tools, Nixon says

Springfield, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon said today two proposed bills in the General Assembly would provide important tools to help Missouri law enforcement agencies address the problem of domestic violence.

Nixon was in Springfield to show his support for House Bill 1254, which would enable law enforcement to know exactly how many deaths are caused by domestic violence-related homicides each year; and House Bill 1799, which would enhance the penalty for multiple domestic violence convictions by raising it from a misdemeanor to a felony. The maximum penalty would increase from one year in prison to five years.

"We need to commit to a zero tolerance policy on domestic abuse and violence," Nixon said. "These measures will help send a clear message: violence within the family is not acceptable. Those who commit these violent acts within the sanctity of the home need to be punished with severe and sure sentences."

The Attorney General was joined by Stella Harrison of the Family Violence Center in Springfield, Greene County Prosecutor Ron Carrier, and state Reps. Jim Kreider of Nixa and Mike Schilling of Springfield. Kreider is one of the sponsors of HB 1799.

HB 1799 passed out of the House Judiciary Committee last month; HB 1254 has been incorporated as part of HB 1067 et al, which has passed out of the House Criminal Law Committee. Both bills now await consideration by the full House.

In past legislative sessions, Nixon has supported changes that have increased the funding for domestic violence shelters and made it easier for poorer counties to obtain shelter funding. Last month the National Association of Attorneys General passed a resolution signed by Nixon which called on Congress to act soon to extend and fully fund the Violence Against Women Act. The act creates grants for local law enforcement efforts and bars batterers under protection orders from crossing state lines to pursue partners.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

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