HCS HB 1026 -- FUNERAL PROTESTS

SPONSOR:  Lipke (Rucker)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Crime
Prevention and Public Safety by a vote of 12 to 0.

This substitute establishes the Spc. Edward Lee Myers' Law which
makes it a class B misdemeanor to picket or protest within 300
feet of any church, cemetery, or funeral establishment within one
hour prior to the commencement of any funeral and until one hour
following the cessation of any funeral.  Any subsequent violation
will be a class A misdemeanor.

The substitute contains an emergency clause.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2007, FY 2008, and
FY 2009.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that a funeral is a time to honor an
individual's life and allow family and friends to mourn their
loss.  Protestors at a funeral are very disruptive and hinder the
family's ability to both worship and mourn.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Rucker and Meadows;
Missouri Municipal League; Imojean Myers; Reverend J. L.
Robertson; Marine Corps League, Department of Missouri; Missouri
Funeral Directors Association; Missouri Veterans Commission;
Missouri National Guard Association; Military Officers
Association of America, State Council; American Legion,
Department of Missouri; and Missouri Association of Veterans
Organization.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Kristina Jenkins, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:41 am