Listen in MP3 format

Governor Jay Nixon stopped by the Springfield Highway Patrol crime lab Thursday to sign five bills aimed at promoting public safety and strengthening law enforcement. KSMU’s Katie Easley was there to cover the ceremonial signing.

Joomla on osCandy.comHoldiland crŽateur de pcsolutions web sur mesure

Gov. Jay Nixon Signs Five Bills in Springfield

State Senator Jack Goodman discusses Senate Bill 36, modifying provisions relating to forcible sexual offenses against children. (photo credit: James Mulvenon)

Gov. Jay Nixon Signs Five Bills in Springfield

The new Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory facility was the site of Gov. Jay Nixon's visit to Springfield to sign five pieces of legislature into law. (photo credit: James Mulvenon)

Gov. Jay Nixon Signs Five Bills in Springfield

Gov. Jay Nixon signs five pieces of legislature into law today in Springfield at the new Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory. (photo credit: James Mulvenon)

Gov. Jay Nixon Signs Five Bills in Springfield

Representative Bob Dixon of Springfield stands with Gov. Nixon discussing House Bill 863. (photo credit: James Mulvenon)

Gov. Jay Nixon Signs Five Bills in Springfield

Governor Jay Nixon explains the five bills signed into law and their subsequent impact and importance to Missourians. (photo credit: James Mulvenon)

Gov. Jay Nixon Signs Five Bills in Springfield

Microscopes are common place throughout the lab, however, they are not the only tool used to fight crime. (photo credit: James Mulvenon)

Gov. Jay Nixon Signs Five Bills in Springfield

A chemist showcases various microscopes and imaging devices to Gov. Nixon. (photo credit: James Mulvenon)

Gov. Jay Nixon Signs Five Bills in Springfield

The first stage of fingerprint analysis within the Fingerprint Lab. (photo credit: James Mulvenon)

Gov. Jay Nixon Signs Five Bills in Springfield

Governor Jay Nixon toured the facility as the staff explained how the Crime Laboratory functioned. (photo credit: James Mulvenon)

Gov. Jay Nixon Signs Five Bills in Springfield

Inside the Crime Laboratory equipment is ready for experimentation. Tips without filters are seen here in the DNA lab. (photo credit: James Mulvenon)

Gov. Jay Nixon Signs Five Bills in Springfield

The Missouri State Highway Patrol's recently opened Crime Laboratory facility in Springfield. (photo credit: James Mulvenon)

According to Nixon, the five bills are all related to one another.

“These five bills approved on a bipartisan basis make it clear that Missourians will continue to adapt to fight crime aggressively using the best technology available we will protect all victims particularly the most vulnerable ones, our children,” says Nixon.

The Child Witness Protection Act was among the bills signed today. This act allows a judge to limit the amount of time a child can be on the witness stand. It also allows a child who testifies to hold a comfort item like a teddy bear, have a support person nearby, and lastly, it prevents attorneys or defendants from harassing the child.

Several Springfield community organizations such as the Child Advocacy Center, The Junior League of Springfield, The Mayor’s Commission for Children, and the Green County Prosecutor’s office began work on this bill nearly three years ago.

“These are children who have been victims of unspeakable crimes. But often without the Childs testimony a violent offender can go free house bill 863 is a practical and compassionate attempt to ease the Burdon on our youngest and most vulnerable witnesses,” says Nixon.

This bill was sponsored by representative Bob Dixon of Springfield.

The governor also signed a bill that requires DNA be taken from people age 17 and older who are arrested on suspicion of violent felonies, sex offenses or burglary. Other bills involved highway patrol search warrants for DWI’s, adding a Crime Laboratory Review Commission, and raising the punishment for people who commit crimes against children.

For KSMU News, I’m Katie Easley.
 

Related Items: