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Senate passes bill to close hole in kidnapping law

There is currently a loophole in Missouri state law allowing criminals to get away with kidnapping. Erin Israel tells us how some Missouri legislators are working to correct the problem.

The Missouri State Senate passed a bill to make it a felony to unlawfully remove or confine a child without the consent of the parents or guardians.

Sen. Delbert Scott said the bill came about because of a loophole in current law.

"WHEN THE PROSECUTOR WENT TO FILE CHARGES, FOUND OUT THAT CURRENT LAW DID NOT HAVE A SPECIFIC ITEM THAT WAS AVAILABLE TO CHARGE THIS KIDNAPPER WITH THE CRIMES."

Scott said the current law allows someone to take a child without intent to harm it.

The bill already passed through the House and will next go to the conference comittee for final approval before going to the Governor for signature.

From the State Capitol, I'm Erin Israel.

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There is currently a loop hole in Missouri state law allowing criminals to get away with kidnapping. Erin Israel tells us how some Missouri legislators are working to correct the problem.

The Missouri Senate passed a bill to make it a felony to unlawfully remove or confine a child without the consent of the parents or guardian.

Sen. Delbert Scott said the bill will create more protection for children.

"IT MAKES A VERY SPECIFIC CRIME WHERE PROSECUTORS CAN CHARGE ONE OF THE MOST SERIOUS CRIMES AVAILABLE, AND THAT'S KIDNAPPING ONE OF OUR CHILDREN."

Scott said the current law allows someone to take a child without the intent to harm it.

The bill already passed through the House and will go to the conference committee for final approval before going to the Governor for signature.

From the State Capitol, I'm Erin Israel.