SB 1053 -- PROFILING

CO-SPONSORS: Goode, Clay, Bland (Days)

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Motor Vehicle and Traffic Regulations by a vote of 15 to 0.

This bill requires peace officers to make information reports after every motor vehicle stop concerning the age, gender, and race or minority group of the individual stopped, as well as the nature of the stop and any action taken.

The reports must be compiled annually and submitted to the Attorney General, who will analyze the data and report findings to the Governor, the General Assembly, and law enforcement agencies.

The bill also requires each law enforcement agency to adopt a policy on race-based traffic stops that prohibits the practice. If a pattern of race- based traffic stops is determined to exist, an investigation must be initiated, with counseling and training for officers provided.

Failure to comply with provisions of the bill may result in the Governor withholding state funds from the law enforcement agency.

FISCAL NOTE: Cost to General Revenue of $39,914 in FY 2001, $38,546 in FY 2002, and $39,571 in FY 2003.

PROPONENTS: Supporters say that minorities are routinely stopped, questioned, and searched even though no violation of any law has occurred. Supporters say these activities are embarrassing and humiliating. Supporters also say that steps must be taken to eliminate this abusive and illegal practice.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Goode; Representative Days; and American Civil Liberties Union of Eastern Missouri.

OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Robert Triplett, Legislative Analyst