Missouri House Bill HB225

Missouri 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/22/25
• Report Pass: 1/30/25
• Refer: 2/6/25
• Report Pass: 2/27/25
• Refer: 3/13/25
• Engrossed: 3/10/25
• Report Pass: 4/17/25
• Refer: 4/22/25
• Report Pass: 5/6/25
• Report Pass: 5/7/25
• Refer: 5/6/25
• Refer: 5/7/25
• Report Pass: 5/8/25
• Enrolled: 5/8/25
• Passed: 7/14/25

Caption

Allows the chief law enforcement executive in any jurisdiction to request assistance from another jurisdiction, including a jurisdiction outside the state of Missouri

Impact

The bill, if enacted, would amend existing statutes to formalize inter-jurisdictional collaborations, which could reshape how emergency services are deployed in response to critical situations. It encourages regional partnerships among law enforcement, which can lead to improved efficiency during crises. By fostering cooperation and support, HB225 could result in a more integrated approach to public safety, ultimately benefiting communities through faster and more effective emergency responses.

Summary

House Bill 225 establishes a framework allowing the chief law enforcement executive in any jurisdiction to request assistance from another jurisdiction, potentially even outside of Missouri. This measure aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that law enforcement agencies can collaborate and provide aid during emergencies or significant incidents that may exceed local capabilities. The Bill includes provisions for jointly responding to situations and mandates that these collaborative efforts be documented to ensure accountability and proper resource utilization.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB225 is generally positive among proponents who argue that the bill bolsters public safety and strengthens community responses to emergency situations. Supporters, including several law enforcement agencies and public safety advocates, emphasize the need for enhanced collaboration in times of crisis. However, there is also a level of concern regarding the potential for overreach and the implications of requesting assistance from jurisdictions outside Missouri, especially with respect to funding and resource allocation.

Contention

Notable points of contention raised during committee discussions include concerns about the logistics of deploying resources from one jurisdiction to another and the funding mechanisms that will support such initiatives. Some members expressed fears that relying on external jurisdictions could stretch resources thin and impact local responses to everyday incidents. Additionally, the practical implications of the bill for smaller jurisdictions, which may not have the same resource pools as larger cities, have also been debated.