State representatives move to crack down on domestic violence. The bill would separate domestic violence from other assault charges, make Missouri comply with national crime reporting standards and clarify definitions, though that last point made for confusion during floor debate. When Representative Barbara Fraser of St. Louis amended the bill to include violence between people in a social relationship of an intimate nature, Representative Luann Ridgeway of Smithville question her wording. Despite the concerns, that amendment makes it onto the bill. Another never makes it to the floor for debate. The bill’s sponsor, Representative Vicky Riback-Wilson of Columbia, strongly argues against consideration of an amendment to allow women to carry concealed weapons. It’s ruled out of order. The bill needs another favorable vote to move to the Senate.
