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The Latest: No Jail Time for Missouri Capitol Clergy Protest

Republicans in the Missouri Senate want to make sure the governor doesn't create a health care exchange without their consent.
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KBIA
Republicans in the Missouri Senate want to make sure the governor doesn't create a health care exchange without their consent.

There will be no jail time for 22 religious leaders convicted of trespassing for a 2014 protest in the Missouri Senate.

Jurors on Thursday recommended the religious leaders be fined instead of sent to jail. The amount of the fine will be determined by Cole County Circuit Judge Dan Green at a later date. It can be no higher than $500.

The religious leaders were convicted Wednesday of the trespassing charges but acquitted of charges of disrupting government operations.

Those on trial were among hundreds of activists who sang hymns and chanted during a May 2014 protest over lawmakers' refusal to expand Medicaid eligibility. Republican Senate leaders paused work as Capitol Police cleared the galleries.

Police arrested 23 clergy members who stayed; 22 of them were on trial this week.

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