HB 2107: Legislative Security Officers
Sponsor: Richard West
STRONGLY OPPOSE
Concerns over accountability and overreach.
HB 2107 authorizes the Missouri General Assembly (and 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.
What Does This Bill Do?
- Armed Security: Allows the General Assembly or individual chambers to hire their own armed security officers.
- Broad Enforcement Power: Grants these officers all law-enforcement powers deemed "necessary" for legislative security, including arrest authority.
- Immediate Implementation: Includes an emergency clause to make the law effective immediately upon passage and approval.
Constitutional or Critical Context
This bill strengthens legislative-branch control over an armed enforcement capacity. However, Missouri already has a Capitol Police Division that serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the Capitol Complex. HB 2107 does not explain why a second, legislature-controlled force is needed or how coordination and conflicts would be managed between the two forces.
Red Flags & Recommended Amendments
Overbroad Grant of Power
The bill grants "all powers...necessary" without defined geographic jurisdiction, oversight mechanisms, or transparency requirements, creating risk for politicized enforcement.
Emergency Clause Overuse
The use of an emergency clause accelerates the effective date and bypasses normal timelines without a clearly justified concrete emergency, raising fair process concerns.
Act for Missouri Recommendation:
Act for Missouri rates HB 2107 as STRONGLY OPPOSE. While the goal of protecting public safety is legitimate, this bill is not needed and represents an attempt to potentially limit or intimidate citizens from their right to petition their government.