Conservative and progressive advocacy groups are slamming a bill aimed at combating a surge of violence in Missouri’s largest cities.
Groups including the Missouri chapters of the NAACP and Americans for Prosperity say the bill is a return to tough-on-crime policies. It would ramp up penalties for gun crimes, second-degree murder and gang crimes. It also would create the crime of vehicle hijacking, which now is prosecuted as robbery. P
rosecutors and other law enforcement groups support the bill. They say it targets violent criminals who need to be locked up. The governor hasn't indicated whether he'll sign it.
