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Committee approves substitute to alter St. Louis police governance despite city opposition and failed referendum amendment
Summary
The committee approved a broad House Committee substitute for House Bill 495 to change oversight of the St. Louis Police Department; a proposed amendment to send the proposal to a statewide vote failed, and the committee adopted and reported the substitute by roll call.
The House Committee on Crime and Public Safety adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 495 and voted the substitute do pass after a lengthy debate focusing on control of the St. Louis Police Department and the city’s governance.
Representative Roberts (bill sponsor) did not support a floor amendment proposed by Representative Bosley that would have required the proposed governance change to be approved by statewide vote. Bosley offered amendment 0.02h to submit the governance question to voters in 2026; she said the 2022 St. Louis charter vote demonstrated the public’s interest in retaining local control and argued any change should return to voters. The committee voted on Bosley’s amendment; the roll-call result failed, 6 yes to 12 no.
Committee debate included repeated appeals from St. Louis-area members for more time and local consultation. Representative Collins urged colleagues not to “steamroll over Saint Louis,” and asked for continuing conversations; Representative Povis said the city’s police chief had suggested the department needed more time. Supporters said the substitute corrects statutory mechanics and reinstates a state-appointed police board model some cited as necessary to address governance and accountability.
After additional adjustments the panel adopted the committee substitute and then voted it do pass. The clerk recorded a committee roll-call of 13 yes and 6 no on the substitute.
Ending: The substitute clears the committee, but the debate indicates the issue will remain politically contested on the House floor and in public debate.
