Governor Mike Kehoe of Missouri has put pen to paper on Senate Bill 81, ushering in what's being touted as a new era for public safety in the state. The Governor Kehoe's Office emphasized the bill as a direct response to "reinforcing that with real action" when it comes to prioritizing public safety, according to the release from his office.
With support from both sides of the legislative aisle, SB 81 boasts a variety of measures crafted to tighten the state’s grip on public safety. The bill, with an intended focus on the details, adds spouses of law enforcement officers to receive expedited reciprocity for occupational licenses. Having tragically died in the line of duty, under the Line of Duty Compensation Act, it extends the families of fallen officers a $25,000 compensation package, which now has a sunset extension up until December 31, 2031.
Furthermore, the bill expands Missouri’s capacity to conduct criminal background checks with statutory power now in the hands of various state boards and agencies, as Governor Kehoe's Office outlined state efforts for ensuring proper vetting procedures. A notable inclusion is the Missouri Emergency Response Commission (MERC) Fee Extension, which secures the funding necessary for the state to remain vigilant in handling hazardous material-related emergencies.
On the civilian safety front, the bill aims to sync Missouri’s fireworks regulations with current national safety standards, thereby granting the State Fire Marshal the tools needed to enforce compliance and ensuring displays are safe for the public. Also transformative, and earning it the title 'Trey’s Law', SB 81 introduces a significant legal shift: post-August 28, 2025, NDAs are set to lose their impact on childhood sexual abuse actions under civil law, broadening the offenses recognized as such.
Each provision of SB 81 seems poised to touch on many aspects of public welfare - from behind-the-badge to the childhood traumas faced in obscurity. As public safety remains a constant topic of debate, what Governor Kehoe's signature has promised, remains to be seen in practice.
