1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

HB 225 (Myers) and SB92 (Nurrenbern) are deeply concerning pieces of legislation that threaten to erode public trust in law enforcement and undermine the safety and rights of communities. By allowing law enforcement officers from outside jurisdictions—including those from other states—to operate within our communities without the same accountability measures as local officers, this bill opens the door to potential abuses of power. For example, an officer unfamiliar with local laws, customs, or community dynamics could escalate situations unnecessarily, leading to tragic outcomes. We have seen this play out in other states where outside agencies have been brought in during protests or emergencies, resulting in excessive use of force and civil rights violations. These bills do not provide sufficient safeguards to prevent such incidents, leaving our communities vulnerable to over-policing and misconduct. HB 225 and SB 92 fail to address the broader systemic issues within law enforcement that demand urgent attention. Rather than focusing on improving training, de-escalation tactics, or community policing, these bills prioritizes expanding the reach and powers of law enforcement without corresponding measures to ensure accountability. For example, the bills do not include provisions for cross-jurisdictional oversight or mechanisms to address complaints against out-of-state officers. This lack of accountability is unacceptable and risks perpetuating the very problems that have led to widespread calls for reform. Instead of passing these bills, we should be investing in policies that build trust, promote transparency, and prioritize the safety and well-being of all citizens. These bills are a huge step in the wrong direction, and I urge lawmakers to reject them.