Two pieces of proposed legislation aimed at dealing with violent crime were passed by the General Assembly ahead of Wednesday's surprise shut down of the special session.
Republicans in the House cut short the more than month long session after deciding not to further discuss any of the bills that were changed in the Senate and sent back down.
Two pieces, one that eliminates the requirement that St. Louis law enforcement officers live in the city, and the establishment of a witness protection fund, will go to Gov. Mike Parson.
But others failed, including requiring courts to try juveniles as adults for certain gun charges, allowing hearsay evidence by witnesses, and adding a criminal offense of encouraging a child to commit a weapons offense.
Most controversially, a move by Parson to include a measure allowing the state to take over murder investigations in St. Louis under certain circumstances also failed. It was rejected initially in the House but revived by the Senate.
At a press conference late Wednesday following the session shut down, Democratic House Leader Crystal Quade said: "I am as shocked as you all are, probably, about what just happened regarding this special session.”
Quade, D-Springfield, said it’s shocking that Parson got “very little” done in the special session despite Republican super majorities in both chambers, according to a report by St. Louis Public Radio.
Parson played up what was achieved during the session, which could have run until next week, stating he was satisfied.
"We got the two main pieces that we wanted,” Parson said at a press conference. “You’re not going to hit a home run every time in this building. We’re very content with what we got. Anything we can do to help law enforcement, to help victims in this state to fight violent crime, is a win."
Parson said he may call another special session next month to address, among other issues, funding for witness protection and other budgetary matters.
In a statement issued by Republican House Leaders, they said: "The House today finished moving legislation requested by the governor to combat the growth of violent crime in Missouri.
"We are excited to have passed several significant measures to provide additional resources for law enforcement officers and protect the witnesses against violent criminals. The House is committed to continue working with Governor Parson in the next regular session in our fight to reduce the occurrences of violent crime in Missouri."