SECOND REGULAR SESSION
[PERFECTED]
HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR
93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Reported from the Committee on Crime Prevention and Public Safety February 21, 2006 with recommendation that House Committee Substitute for House Bill No. 1026 Do Pass. Referred to the Committee on Rules pursuant to Rule 25(26)(f).
Reported from the Committee on Rules February 23, 2006 with recommendation that House Committee Substitute for House Bill No. 1026 Do Pass.
Taken up for Perfection March 28, 2006. House Committee Substitute for House Bill No. 1026 ordered Perfected and printed.
STEPHEN S. DAVIS, Chief Clerk
AN ACT
To amend chapter 578, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to protest activities near funeral services, with penalty provisions and an emergency clause.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:
Section A. Chapter 578, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 578.501, to read as follows:
578.501. 1. This section shall be known as "Spc. Edward Lee Myers Law".
2. It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in picketing or other protest activities within three hundred feet of or about any church, cemetery, or funeral establishment, as defined by section 333.011, RSMo, within one hour prior to the commencement of any funeral, and until one hour following the cessation of any funeral. Each day on which a violation occurs shall constitute a separate offense. Violation of this section is a class B misdemeanor, unless committed by a person who has previously pled guilty to or been found guilty of a violation of this section, in which case the violation is a class A misdemeanor.
3. For purposes of this section, "funeral" means the ceremonies, processions, and memorial services held in connection with the burial or cremation of the dead.
Section B. Because immediate action is necessary to protect the emotional well-being of persons paying respects to the deceased, section A of this act is deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health, welfare, peace, and safety, and is hereby declared to be an emergency act within the meaning of the constitution, and section A of this act shall be in full force and effect upon its passage and approval.
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