Gov. Parson signs witness protection fund bill in Carthage

Missouri Governor Mike Parson paid a visit to Carthage Monday to take part in a ceremonial signing of House Bill 66.

The Governor put pen to paper in the presence of a large number of area legislators, county officials, law enforcement officers, and other dignitaries who gathered at the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.

HB 66 creates a Pretrial Witness Protection Fund to assist law enforcement agencies by providing resources for the security of victims and witnesses and their immediate families. It stems from a Special Session of the Missouri Legislature aimed at combating violent crime.

Parson says the bill is a valuable tool that will build on efforts to fight violent crime, support law enforcement, and make Missouri communities safer.

Parson stressed at the Carthage signing that although this year’s Special Session was instigated by the high rate of violent crime in St. Louis, Kansas City, and other major cities, it will benefit communities of all sizes.

The Governor is spending much of the week crisscrossing the state to participate in bill signings in a move sure to add momentum to his bid to win the election over Democratic challenger, State Auditor Nicole Galloway.