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Covering state lawmakers, bills, and policy emerging from Jefferson City.

Sen. Dixon Recognized for Work on Sentencing Provisions Bill

Danisha Hogue
/
KSMU
Sen. Bob Dixon (Center) poses with his award from the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys

Over 30 officials gathered at the Greene County Prosecuting Attorney’s office Friday to recognize State Sen. Bob Dixon.

The Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys is honoring the Springfield lawmaker with Legislator of the Year. The award is intended to recognizable his work with criminal justice reform and advocacy for victims’ rights.

“It’s an honor and I certainly appreciate it very much. I was very glad to be able to get the work done.” “The state association was a tremendous help in making sure the legislation passed,” said Dixon.

In 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states must offer a less severe sentencing option for juveniles guilty of murder, not just life without parole. Dixon’s billmakes Missouri compliant with federal sentencing laws for juveniles guilty of first-degree murder by also allowing a minimum 25-year sentence for those under 18.

“This year the timing worked we were able to build the right coalitions and get it over the finish line.” “It’s not exactly what I wanted but it’s very close and we were able to get it done so I’m very, very glad.”

He said he accepts the award on behalf of the prosecutors who do so much hard work.

Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterson said,Although Bob is not a lawyer he served as the chairman of the Judiciary Committee and has done a fabulous job of representing not just the citizens of southwest Missouri but prosecutors and the rule of law.”

Dixon says in his final term as senator he will focus on getting resources to areas where the amount of cases outnumber what the prosecutors and judges can handle.