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Ferguson Commission Pushes for Municipal Court Reform

Wikimedia Commons / Loavesofbread

  Friday's legislative deadline is  playing into reforms sparked by a Department of Justice investigation into the city of Ferguson’s judicial system.

The Ferguson Commission, formed by the governor following the unrest there this summer, is urging Governor Jay Nixon to sign a measure limiting the powers of municipal courts into law.

Missouri lawmakers gave final approval to the bill last week. It would cap fines for minor traffic violations, set minimum standards for St. Louis County cities and regulate municipal court procedures.

Supporters say the measure is a step toward restoring trust in government, and addressing revenue-generating policing practices.

The governor has expressed his support for similar reforms in the past, and on Friday he tweeted that he appreciated the work the legislature had done on reform. 

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