SB 1008: AG Investigators
Sponsor: Jamie Burger
OPPOSE
Centralization of power
SB 1008 restructures the Attorney General's staffing statute to create a formal category of "commissioned investigators" within the AG's office, giving them full peace-officer arrest powers in cases where the AG is appointed or assigned, and allowing them to assist other law-enforcement agencies when requested.
What Does This Bill Do?
- Commissioned Investigators: Creates a formal category of investigators with full peace-officer arrest powers who serve at the pleasure of the AG and must meet Chapter 590 standards.
- Expanded Jurisdiction: Allows these investigators to operate in "any matter" where the AG is appointed or assigned, and to assist other law enforcement agencies upon request.
- Federal Funding: Explicitly allows compensation and expenses for investigators to be paid from state or federal funds, raising concerns about federal policy strings attached to grants.
Constitutional or Critical Context
While the bill has a narrow and honest title, it represents a structural power shift. In practice, this bill enables the AG to build and control an in-house law-enforcement arm rather than relying solely on existing agencies like local sheriffs or the Highway Patrol. This centralizes additional coercive power in a single statewide constitutional officer.
Red Flags & Recommended Amendments
Centralization of Arrest Powers
Creates a de facto law-enforcement arm under a partisan statewide official, overlapping with sheriffs and other agencies, and increasing the risk of politicized or selective enforcement.
Open-Ended Scope
The language "in any matter in which the attorney general is appointed or assigned" provides a floating jurisdiction that can expand widely as statutes evolve, without further legislative scrutiny.
Act for Missouri Recommendation:
Act for Missouri believes no changes or amendments can make this legislation acceptable. Centralizing power in a partisan office is never a good idea. We OPPOSE SB 1008.