Legislature in No Hurry to Start Special Session

Last week, Governor Parson called the legislature back into a special session to work on a legislative package dealing with violent crime in the state.  Although the governor had wanted the lawmakers to return July 27, the only action likely to occur next week is a committee hearing in the Senate on July 28. The Senate is not slated to return until August 5, with the goal of completing their work by August 7. During that time, the House will not be in session at all, instead returning on August 12. The delay is due to lawmakers wanting to campaign for the primary election, which is set for August 4. 
 
The governor is wanting several changes to the law that could reduce violent crime.  Among the changes are requiring judges to consider whether youth should be tried as adults for crimes involving illegal use of guns, creating a witness protection fund to keep witnesses and their families safe before trial, and boosting penalties for giving guns to juveniles.