HB 1298 -- Erica's Law

Sponsor:  LeVota

This bill establishes Erica's Law into Missouri's statutes.  The
bill changes the elements for the crime of murder in the first
degree when a child is the victim.  A person commits the crime if
he or she knowingly causes the death of a child and a heinous
element is involved in the commission of the crime.  A heinous
crime includes torturing the victim; intentionally inflicting
great bodily harm; intentionally mutilating; exposing the victim
to extreme inhuman conditions; being armed with a dangerous
weapon or any article used in a manner to lead the victim to
reasonably believe it to be a dangerous weapon and the weapon is
used to cause the victim to submit; having sexual penetration or
sexual contact; or moving the victim from one location to
another.

The bill also adds any adult person who resides in the same
household and witnesses the abuse or neglect or possible abuse or
neglect of a child to the list of mandatory reporters who are
required to immediately report or cause a report to be made to
the Division of Family Services.

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:42 am