In addition to the prison sentencing reform bill, Gov. Mike Parson on Tuesday signed a number of other bills passed by lawmakers this year.
"As a former sheriff and law enforcement officer, I understand the challenges facing those working within the criminal justice system, and we have to do a better job," Parson said in a news release. "These bills bring bipartisan reform to Missouri's criminal justice system while also promoting public safety and supporting our local prosecutors."
Among the measures signed into law Tuesday were:
House Bill 547, sponsored by Rep. Dave Griffith, R-Jefferson City, which requires each judicial circuit to establish a veterans' treatment court, similar to existing drug courts.
The bill also authorizes prosecuting attorneys to divert criminal cases to a prosecution diversion program.
Parson's news release said, by passing the bill, Missouri will see more criminal justice reform and more support for Missouri's prosecuting attorneys.
Griffith said: "I am honored that the governor signed my bill, and that our veterans are not going to be forgotten."
HB 898 - "Back the Blue" License Plate.
The measure, sponsored by Rep. Sara Walsh, R-Ashland, establishes a special license plate supporting the Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation.
Walsh said, in a news release: "We owe (law enforcement officers) our gratitude and appreciation for the incredible service they provide and the dangers they face to protect our communities.
"We also must never forget the men and women in law enforcement who have given their lives to serve and protect us."
She expects the new license plates to be available early next year, at the cost of a regular state license plate plus $10 contribution for the Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation.
HB 499, which modifies some vehicle licensing fees, designates several roads around the state as "memorial highways," and allows traffic court judges to hear some cases involving the Revenue Department's decision to revoke a driver's license because the driver refused to take a chemical test.
It also includes "Lyndon's Law," which authorizes the Revenue Department to revoke the driver's license of anyone who hits a highway or utility worker in a work zone, or an emergency responder in an emergency zone.
The new law is named for Lyndon Ebker, a 30-year MoDOT employee who was struck and killed in 2016 in a Franklin County work zone by an inattentive motorist.
Highways and Transportation Commission Chairman Michael Pace said, in a news release: "On behalf of the MoDOT men and women who put their lives on the line every day to design, build, operate and maintain Missouri roads and bridges, I'd like to thank the Missouri General Assembly for passing (the bill) and Gov. Parson for signing it into law."
Senate Bill 297, which allows individuals 75 or older to be excused from jury duty, based on an application to the court.
HB 243, which allows the victims of certain crimes to be released from certain lease agreements (such as an apartment lease) if documentation is provided to the landlord. Supporters said it would allow a victim to move without letting their attacker know about the change-of-address.
SB 291, which modifies numerous provisions of current law relating to emergency communication services - especially local governments' ability to charge a tax on wireless phones to help pay for 911 services.
SB 1 removes certain offenses from the list of crimes where expungement is not currently available, including first-degree property damage, stealing, possession of a forging instrumentality, and fraudulent use of a credit device or debit device.
SB 306 modifies several provisions of current law that affect education for members of military families - including "remote" registration of students before school, based on a military assignment transferring one or both parents to Missouri assignments, and a provision limiting tuition costs for combat veterans (defined as someone who served in the military after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C.
SB 333, which raises the maximum sales that certain fire protection districts and municipalities can propose for fire protection, to .5 percent.
SB 12, which authorizes county sheriffs and others who serve court orders to charge $10 for that service, with the money paid to the deputy sheriff salary supplementation fund.
SB 83, which modifies current state laws involving the ability to challenge a proposal to move a child, who has been named in a custody or visitation order; to grant grandparents the right to visit grandchildren, when that visitation has been denied to them; requires courts to consider "saving the family farm" while reviewing property disputes among heirs; and removing a requirement that the State Public Defender prepare a plan to establish public defender district offices, which would coincide with existing judicial circuits.
SB 90, which makes a number of changes in the state's employment security laws, including requiring someone claiming unemployment benefits to make three work-search contacts during any week in which the benefits are claimed, and affecting electronic communications with the Division of Employment Security.
HB 677, which authorizes funding for renovations to the Enterprise Center, home of the Stanley Cup Champion St. Louis Blues, and extends existing funding for Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums in Kansas City.
SB 203, which allows the inspection of some properties considered a "nuisance" in certain cities and counties.
HB 926, which allows a customer to use a dealer's vehicle, and the dealer license plates, while the dealer is working on the customer's vehicle.
The bill also authorizes creation of the lineman and utility worker specialty license plates.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 4, which designates the Kansas City Chiefs as Missouri's official NFL team.
"For over 50 years, the Kansas City Chiefs have played an important role in the city and the state," Parson said in a news release. "Sports are a big part of Missouri's heritage, and we are proud to have the Chiefs represent our great state in the NFL."
Lamar Hunt, who founded the Chiefs, moved the team from Dallas to Kansas City in 1963.