Bill Text: MO HB592 | 2011 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Changes the laws regarding unlawful picketing or protesting of a funeral
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-02-24 - Referred: General Laws (H) [HB592 Detail]
Download: Missouri-2011-HB592-Introduced.html
FIRST REGULAR SESSION
96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES GATSCHENBERGER (Sponsor) AND NOLTE (Co-sponsor).
1359L.01I D. ADAM CRUMBLISS, Chief Clerk
AN ACT
To repeal sections 578.501 and 578.502, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof two new sections relating to funeral protests, with existing penalty provisions.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:
Section A. Sections 578.501 and 578.502, RSMo, are repealed and two new sections enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as sections 578.501 and 578.502, to read as follows:
578.501. 1. This section shall be known as "Spc. Edward Lee Myers' Law".
2. In order to protect the privacy of grieving families so that they may mourn the death of relatives in peace and dignity, it shall be unlawful for any person to engage in picketing or other protest activities in front of or about any location at which a funeral is held, within one hour prior to the commencement of any funeral, and until one hour following the cessation of any funeral. Each day on which a violation occurs shall constitute a separate offense. Violation of this section is a class B misdemeanor, unless committed by a person who has previously pled guilty to or been found guilty of a violation of this section, in which case the violation is a class A misdemeanor.
3. For the purposes of this section[,] the following terms mean:
(1) "Funeral" [means] , the ceremonies[, processions] and memorial services held in connection with the burial or cremation of the dead;
(2) "Other protest activities", any action that is disruptive or undertaken to disrupt or disturb a funeral.
578.502. 1. This section shall be known as "Spc. Edward Lee Myers' Law".
2. In order to protect the privacy of grieving families so that they may mourn the death of relatives in peace and dignity, it shall be unlawful for any person to engage in picketing or other protest activities within three hundred feet of or about any location at which a funeral is held, within one hour prior to the commencement of any funeral, and until one hour following the cessation of any funeral. Each day on which a violation occurs shall constitute a separate offense. Violation of this section is a class B misdemeanor, unless committed by a person who has previously pled guilty to or been found guilty of a violation of this section, in which case the violation is a class A misdemeanor.
3. For the purposes of this section[,] the following terms mean:
(1) "Funeral" [means] , the ceremonies[, processions] and memorial services held in connection with the burial or cremation of the dead;
(2) "Other protest activities", any action that is disruptive or undertaken to disrupt or disturb a funeral.
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