HB 1997: Legislative Security Officers
Sponsor: Rep. Bill Irwin
STRONGLY OPPOSE
Unnecessary expansion of police power
HB 1997 authorizes the Missouri General Assembly (of either chamber) to employ "legislative security officers" for the House and/or Senate. These officers may carry firearms when necessary for their duties and must be licensed peace officers under Missouri's POST program. The bill further grants these officers the law-enforcement powers they deem "necessary" to secure and keep the General Assembly functioning, including the power to apprehend and arrest people. The bill includes an emergency clause, meaning it would take effect immediately upon passage.
What Does This Bill Do?
- Creates Legislative Security Force: Authorizes the House or Senate to employ their own POST-licensed, armed security officers independent of the existing Capitol Police.
- Grants Broad Police Powers: Grants these officers arrest authority and "all powers...necessary" to secure the legislature, without clearly defined jurisdiction or limits.
- Effective Immediately: Contains an emergency clause to make the bill effective immediately upon passage, bypassing the normal waiting period.
Constitutional or Critical Context
Missouri already has a Capitol Police Division designated as the primary law enforcement agency for the Capitol Complex. HB 1997 creates a parallel, legislature-controlled armed force without explaining the need or how conflicts with existing police would be managed. This raises separation of powers and accountability concerns. Note: This bill is substantively identical to HB 2107.
Red Flags & Recommended Amendments
Emergency Clause Bypasses Process
The bill uses an emergency clause to accelerate its effective date. Emergency clauses restrict referendum rights and should be reserved for genuine immediate threats to public safety, which have not been demonstrated here.
Undefined "Necessary" Powers
The text grants "all powers...necessary" to these new officers. This vague language lacks guardrails regarding jurisdiction, chain of command, or oversight, creating risks of politicized enforcement.
Act for Missouri Recommendation:
Act for Missouri rates HB 1997 as STRONGLY OPPOSE. Protecting public safety is legitimate, but the Capitol Police already perform this function. Creating a new, redundant armed force under direct legislative control with broad, undefined powers and an emergency clause invites confusion, accountability gaps, and potential intimidation of citizens exercising their right to petition. This is duplicative of HB 2107.