Allows the general assembly, the house, and the senate to employ capitol security officers
Summary
HB1193 authorizes the Missouri General Assembly, the House, or the Senate to employ legislative security officers for the House or Senate. These officers may carry firearms when necessary to perform their duties, but they must be licensed peace officers through the state’s Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) program. The bill also grants these officers the law-enforcement powers needed to secure and operate the legislature, including the authority to apprehend and arrest persons.
The bill is paired with an emergency clause, meaning it would take effect immediately upon passage and approval. The stated purpose of the emergency is to address safety in the Capitol building during the current legislative session and afterward. In practical terms, the measure would create or formalize a dedicated armed security role within the legislative branch, focused on protecting the Capitol and maintaining order during legislative proceedings.
Impact
HB1193 would amend Chapter 21 of the Missouri Revised Statutes by adding a new section, 21.158, creating express statutory authority for the General Assembly and its chambers to employ armed legislative security officers. It would expand the legislature’s ability to provide its own security personnel and confer on those officers law-enforcement powers necessary for Capitol security, including arrest authority, so long as they are POST-licensed peace officers. The emergency clause would make the change effective immediately, rather than waiting for the normal effective date.
Sentiment
The available context suggests the bill is generally framed as a public-safety measure, with the emergency clause emphasizing immediate security needs in the Capitol. Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, there is no direct evidence of formal support or opposition in the available record. The bill’s language and caption indicate a straightforward security-focused proposal rather than a broader policy dispute.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the expansion of armed security and arrest powers within the legislative branch, especially the authority for House or Senate-employed officers to carry firearms and exercise law-enforcement powers. Supporters would likely view this as necessary for Capitol safety and continuity of legislative operations, while critics might question whether the legislature should maintain its own armed police authority or whether those powers should remain with existing state or Capitol security agencies. The emergency clause could also draw scrutiny because it bypasses the usual delayed effective date.