Read 1st time March 9, 2000, and 1000 copies ordered printed.
ANNE C. WALKER, Chief Clerk
AN ACT
To repeal section 64.335, RSMo 1994, relating to authority of park rangers in certain counties, and to enact in lieu thereof one new section relating to the same subject.
Section A. Section 64.335, RSMo 1994, is repealed and one new section enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as section 64.335, to read as follows:
64.335. 1. In order to furnish security similar to that provided in state parks, the governing body of each first class county which contains a portion of a city with a population of four hundred thousand inhabitants or more may appoint and set the compensation of such park rangers, who shall be certified by the director of the department of public safety, as provided in chapter 590, RSMo, as it deems necessary for the prompt and proper discharge of its duties relating to the parks and recreational facilities of the county. Such certification shall include one hundred twenty hours of training in addition to that required in section 590.105, RSMo. The salaries of all park rangers appointed [under] pursuant to this section shall be paid in the same manner as the salaries of other county employees.
2. Each park ranger appointed [under] pursuant to this section shall:
(1) Before entering upon the discharge of his or her duties, take and subscribe an oath of office to perform his or her duties faithfully and impartially;
(2) Have full authority, [except as otherwise limited in this section,] including all the powers given to other peace officers of this state, to preserve the peace, make arrests, and issue citations for violations of any state law or of any rules or regulations adopted by the governing body pursuant to section 64.345, on all land, thoroughfares and waterways within the park boundaries.
3. Park rangers appointed [under] pursuant to this section may carry firearms while engaged in the performance of their official duties only while within the park boundaries, subject to the training requirements of section 590.105, RSMo.
4. All revenues received from fines levied pursuant to subsection 2 of this section shall be deposited into the county school fund and distributed pursuant to section 166.131, RSMo.
5. Nothing in this section shall be construed to place park rangers under the direction, control or supervision of
the county sheriff. Park rangers shall remain under the direction, control and supervision of the county
commission.
Missouri House
of Representatives