Missouri’s Truth-in-Sentencing Laws Stall in Legislation

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Truth-in-Sentencing laws require people to serve a certain percentage of their sentence behind bars. 

In the past few years, Missouri has seen several bills related to Truth-in-Sentencing, some aiming to strengthen these laws and others focusing on reducing incarceration periods. 

Despite stalled bills and mixed opinions on whether longer sentences improve public safety, the Buchanan County Sheriff says they still support keeping the policy in place locally to keep criminals off the streets. 

“When a judge says, ‘I’m giving you X sentence,’ then that’s what should be served—not just a fraction of it,” said Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett. “It’s just not fair to the victims.”

Opponents argue that Truth-in-Sentencing laws could increase prison populations and limit opportunities for rehabilitation or early release based on good behavior, while Missouri HB 728 seeks to establish programs that allow offenders to earn 50 or more days of good time credit. 

Additionally, some also argue that longer jail and prison sentences fail to deter crime or enhance public safety. 

“It’s important to consider circumstances from all angles,” said Puett. “Simply put, when criminals are incarcerated, they can’t commit crimes. While others may still be committing crimes, those in jail or prison are held accountable and no longer able to offend.” 

Puett also emphasized the importance of criminals serving their full sentence, particularly in cases involving violent or abusive partners. 

Missouri HB 862, which focuses on Truth-in-Sentencing, would require offenders with one or two prior felony convictions to serve 50% of their sentence, and those with three or more to serve 80%, keeping them incarcerated much longer. 

While these bills show little promise in the legislature, Puett says the Buchanan County jail will continue housing criminals as long as possible. 

Historically, when someone’s sentenced to county jail, they serve most of their time,” Puett said. “It’s usually the full sentence or around 75%. Compared to prison, people in county jail tend to serve more of what the judge actually gave them and again, the importance in this is holding them accountable.”