Violent Crime Special Session (7-26-20)

State lawmakers are making their way back to jefferson city for tomorrow's start of a special legislative session called for by governor parson.

The focus is violent crime.

Last session area state senator tony luetkemeyer had a bill signed into new law addressing crime.

Among the items addressed were setting harsher penalties for crimes committed with guns and ending probation for murders.

But luetkemeyer says more needs to be done, and he's looking forward to the special session.

One area luetkemeyer says he's specifically targeting is protecting witnesses to violent crimes who are needed to testify in court.

He would like to see a witness protection fund developed that can be used to guarantee their safety.

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Louis has seen 140 homicides already this year -- kansas city 100.

Other areas legislators will address during the special session include certifying juveniles as adults on charges relating to weapons use and increasing penalties for sales of weapons to minors without permission.

Work begins in the senate tomorrow -- house members will convene august 12th.