JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Today, Sen. Doug Libla, R-Poplar Bluff, announced he will file legislation on December 1st enhancing penalties for those who are convicted of attacking law enforcement officers and first responders.
“Our law enforcement officers need to know that members of the Missouri General Assembly have their back,” Libla said. “As Chairman of the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure, and Public Safety Committee, I will keep this important issue at the forefront of the committee and Missouri Senate’s agenda this upcoming legislative session.”
Under current law Missouri statute outlines the penalties for crimes, and allows for enhanced penalties on special victims, which definition includes law enforcement officers and first responders. Senator Libla’s legislation will further increase the penalties for specifically attacking law enforcement officers and first responders.
“I am amazed and dismayed at the level of disrespect being shown to the brave men and women who have chosen to serve and protect us. For simply wearing the uniform our heroes are being targeted and attacked,” Libla said. “This has to stop.”
PHOTO: Libla presents a bill to the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee Jan. 13, 2016. TRAVIS ZIMPFER/THE MISSOURI TIMES
Rachael Herndon was the editor at The Missouri Times and also produced This Week in Missouri Politics, published Missouri Times Magazine, and co-hosted the #MoLeg podcast. She joined The Missouri Times in 2014, returning to political reporting after working as a campaign and legislative staffer.
Rachael studied at the University of Missouri – Columbia. She lives in Jefferson City with her husband, Brandon, and their two children.
