SECOND REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL NO. 2117

95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE STEVENSON.

4963L.01I                                                                                                                                                  D. ADAM CRUMBLISS, Chief Clerk

AN ACT

To amend chapter 574, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to disturbing a worship service, with penalty provisions.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:

            Section A. Chapter 574, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 574.035, to read as follows:

            574.035. 1. a person commits the crime of disturbing a worship service if such person knowingly disturbs, interrupts or disquiets any assembly of people met for religious worship by using profane discourse, by rude or indecent behavior or by making noise either within the place of worship or so near it as to disturb the order and solemnity of the worship service.

            2. Disturbing a worship service, for a first offense, is a class C misdemeanor. A second offense is a class B misdemeanor and a third or subsequent offense is a class A misdemeanor.

            3. In addition to any criminal penalty for violating the provisions of this section any person aggrieved by conduct which is prohibited by this section may commence a civil action for appropriate relief, including temporary, preliminary or permanent injunctive relief and compensatory and punitive damages, as well as the costs of the suit and reasonable attorney fees.

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