The Senate has given preliminary approval to legislation expanding the rights of victims of so-called non-violent crime. Current Missouri law requires victims of violent crimes to be notified when their attackers appear before parole boards or probation hearings. Senator Kevin Engler of Farmington wants to extend that requirement to victims of so-called non-violent crimes. Engler says no victim should be forced to appear at any hearing, but the victim should have the option. The legislation is approved on a voice vote. One more positive vote in the Senate sends the bill to the House.
