Missouri lawmakers call for more penalties in assaults

A Missouri House committee is considering bills making it a felony to assault health care personnel and transit workers.

It's already against the law in Missouri to assault several categories of workers, including police officers, emergency personnel and highway workers in construction zones.

Republican Jeanie Riddle, of Mokane, told a House public safety committee Monday that nurses face threats from people who are mentally ill, in pain or on drugs. Several committee members voiced support for her bill.

Proponents of a bill making it a felony to assault transit workers contend that such attacks put other passengers at risk.

But some Republicans said transit systems could limit violence by putting protective cages around drivers and reducing late-night service to some neighborhoods.

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Felony Assaults bills are HB383 (bus drivers) and HB652 (health care workers)

Online:

Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov