Establishes provisions relating to adult cabaret including civil liability for adult cabarets and the offense of engaging in an adult cabaret performance
If enacted, SB295 would classify engaging in an adult cabaret performance as a class A misdemeanor for first offenses and elevate it to a class E felony for subsequent violations. This creates a tiered penalty system that would deter such performances in certain locations, thereby impacting adult entertainment venues. The new definitions within the bill aim to clarify what constitutes an adult cabaret and implicitly reshape the landscape of adult entertainment in Missouri by preventing these performances near children or on public property.
Senate Bill 295 focuses on the regulation of adult cabaret performances within the state of Missouri. The bill seeks to repeal existing statutes and enact new provisions that define the term 'adult cabaret' and delineate the circumstances under which engaging in an adult cabaret performance is considered an offense. It specifies that such performances must not occur on public property or in locations visible to minors, establishing two new sections in state law: sections 573.010 and 573.520.
The bill is expected to be contentious, as it preempts existing local ordinances that might allow for more permissive rules regarding adult performances. This preemption could restrict local jurisdictions from exercising control over adult entertainment within their boundaries, which some view as an overreach of state power into local governance. Proponents of the bill argue that it will protect minors from exposure to adult-oriented content, while opponents express concerns about limiting freedom of expression and the ability of local communities to regulate such performances according to their unique needs.