SB 920 -- STATE WATER PATROL

SPONSOR:  Caskey (Cooper, 155)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Transportation and Motor Vehicles by a vote of 15 to 5.

This bill expands the jurisdiction of the State Water Patrol.
Under current law, the water patrol's jurisdiction includes only
the state's waterways and adjacent land.  The bill grants the
water patrol the power to arrest a person anywhere in the state
when they witness a crime taking place.  In addition, when there
is probable cause to believe that a person has committed a crime
within the water patrol's jurisdiction, the officer may arrest
that person anywhere in the state.  If practicable, the officer
must notify local law enforcement prior to making the arrest.
The bill allows water patrol officers to request search warrants
anywhere in the state, provided they notify the sheriff of the
request.

Finally, the bill expands the definition of "peace officer" as it
relates to searches and seizures to include members of the water
patrol.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2005, FY 2006, and
FY 2007.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the expanded arrest powers of
the State Water Patrol will allow them to better perform their
duties and to assist other law enforcement officers.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Caskey; and State Water
Patrol.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Robert Triplett, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:16 am