New anti-crime measures are gaining traction in state legislatures as safety concerns rise among voters nationwide
After a time when laws were a bit more lenient, it seems like everyone is back on the tough-on-crime bandwagon. Both Republicans and Democrats are pushing for stricter anti-crime laws as the new legislative year kicks off. Voters in several states even approved measures last fall that ramp up penalties for various crimes, from shoplifting to serious drug offenses.
Kehoe, who just got elected, took his oath and immediately started talking about capturing dangerous criminals and boosting pay for law enforcement. He also mentioned collecting immigration status data for those facing charges. He’s making it clear that safety is a big deal for him.
In Missouri, the focus on crime is also tied to cracking down on illegal immigration, which is something President-elect Trump has been vocal about. There’s a push for tougher penalties for fentanyl trafficking too, given the huge number of overdose deaths linked to it.
Some states are even looking to impose stricter sentences for crimes like child sexual offenses and retail theft, especially with all those viral videos showing shoplifters in action. In Maryland, a new bill could let prosecutors charge everyone involved in a group theft if the total value is over $1,500, even if each person stole less.
Lawmakers like Utah’s Rep. Matthew Gwynn are also targeting fentanyl traffickers, suggesting that selling large amounts of it should come with harsher penalties than other drugs. He believes fentanyl is almost like a terror threat because of how many lives it can take.
Crime rates did spike during the pandemic, but they’ve been trending down lately. Still, shoplifting is higher than it was before. People’s feelings about safety don’t always match the stats, though. High-profile crimes can really shake up how safe folks feel.
A recent survey showed that nearly 80% of voters are worried about crime in their communities. In California, voters even approved a measure making shoplifting a felony for repeat offenders. Other states like Colorado and Arizona are also tightening up their laws.
Interestingly, some states are reversing their relaxed sentencing laws from just a few years ago. Oregon’s governor recently signed a law that toughens penalties for drug possession, while Louisiana is also getting stricter with longer sentences for carjacking and fentanyl crimes.
In Missouri, lawmakers are backing a bunch of new anti-crime measures this year, focusing on everything from fentanyl to retail theft. The House Speaker made it clear that crime is a big issue for families in the state, and they want to see more action taken against it.
