Governor Mike Kehoe has signed House Bill 495, a landmark measure aimed at improving public safety and tackling school violence in Missouri. This bill establishes a dedicated committee within the Department of Public Safety to evaluate school safety measures, including strategies to prevent gun violence, and grants future control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to a citizen-led Board of Police Commissioners by July 2026.
The legislation also elevates serious crimes against children to “dangerous felony” status, allowing for stricter penalties. As part of the initiative, the committee will assess the current safety landscape in schools and work on issues such as student mental health and the need for improved emergency response protocols, ensuring a comprehensive approach to creating safer learning environments in the state.
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