HB 477 -- DISEASE TESTING FOR INCARCERATED OFFENDERS

CO-SPONSORS:  Moore, Wildberger, Sander, Adams, Hubbard, Engler,
Lembke (85), Hunter, Quinn, Shoemaker (8), Icet, Johnson (61),
Bruns, Guest, Portwood, Dixon

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Corrections and State Institutions by a vote of 12 to 0.

This bill requires the Department of Corrections to conduct tests
for tuberculosis on all offenders prior to their delivery to and
release all correctional facilities.

The bill further denies any right for offenders to refuse testing
for infectious diseases while in the custody of the department.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that current law allows inmates to
refuse tuberculosis testing, therefore, requiring a court order
to get certain inmates tested.  The bill just gives the
department the authority to test all inmates.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Moore; and Department
of Corrections.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Bob Dominique, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:12 am