HCS HB 1108 -- CHILD ENDANGERMENT

SPONSOR:  Pratt

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Judiciary
by a vote of 8 to 0.

This substitute, known as Hope's Law, adds the possession of
amphetamine or methamphetamine to the list of illegal behavior
for which a person can be charged with endangering the welfare of
a child.  Possession of a controlled substance in the presence of
an individual younger than 17 years of age or in a residence
where an individual younger than 17 years of age resides will be
a class B felony.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Cost on General Revenue Fund of Less than
$100,000 in FY 2008, FY 2009, and FY 2010.  No impact on Other
State Funds in FY 2008, FY 2009, and FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill is needed to protect
Missouri's children.  Currently, if a child is living with a
person in possession of methamphetamine, the person is not guilty
of child endangerment.  Methamphetamine addicts with children are
neglectful.  The children of addicts are often unfed, dressed in
dirty clothes, or provided poor sleeping conditions.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Pratt; and Denise
Turner.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:21 am