ST. LOUIS – Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe is expected to sign legislation that returns control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to the state in upcoming weeks.
According to a spokesperson for Kehoe, the governor is anticipated to sign House Bill 495 into law on March 24.
The bill, which passed the Missouri House of Representatives Wednesday 113-39, would establish a six-member board to oversee the police department. Five members will be appointed by the governor, and the St. Louis Mayor will also serve on the board.
Kehoe released on X, formerly known as Twitter, a post Wednesday that states, “I appreciate members of the House and Senate for prioritizing public safety at the start of this session. This legislation gives law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on crime and illegal immigration and enacts a citizen board to oversee the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. I look forward to seeing this legislation on my desk.”
St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones, who has publicly expressed opposition of the legislation, cited concern that the bill’s signing will lead to chaos. Democratic St. Louis Rep. Steve Butz, who supported the bill, believes it will dramatically boost morale.
SLMPD was under state control from the Civil War until 2012, when a ballot measure shifted control to local authorities. This new legislation reverses that decision, returning oversight to the state.
Both the St. Louis Police Officers Association and the Ethical Society of Police have expressed support for the state takeover, indicating a division in opinion among local leaders and organizations.
All facts from this article were gathered by KTVI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KTVI staff.