This substitute makes various changes to the law regarding domestic violence reporting, registration of certain sexual offenders, the death penalty, and criminal proceedings involving mental illness and competency. The substitute requires local law enforcement, on forms developed and distributed by the Department of Public Safety, to make a determination and collect data on the number of homicides involving adult victims related to domestic violence. The data will be forwarded to the Highway Patrol to be compiled in an annual report presented February 1st of the subsequent year to the Governor, Speaker of the House, and President Pro Tempore of the Senate. This substitute makes several changes to the registration requirements of certain offenders. The substitute repeals Chapter 566.617 RSMo. and moves this provision making the name, address, and offense of any registered sex offender a public record to Chapter 589.417, RSMo.
Any subsequent violation is a class D felony.
The substitute adds murder of a child 13 years of age or less to the list of aggravating circumstances for a first degree murder offense that is punishable by the death penalty. This substitute revises the law related to criminal proceedings involving offenders with mental illnesses. The substitute changes record requirements regarding criminal competency offenders, and amends the standard for determining mental capacity to stand trial. Supporters say that the substitute allows the compilation of data relating to homicides as a result of domestic violence. Murders stemming from domestic violence make up a large portion of the homicides committed in this state.