JURISDICTION OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR TRAFFICKING OFFENSES (Section 566.219)

This act provides that upon receiving a referral from a prosecuting attorney alleging any sexual offense involving a child or vulnerable person or any offense of human trafficking, the Attorney General may commence prosecution of any offense within 60 days of receiving the referral by filing a complaint, information, or indictment. Once the Attorney General commences prosecution, he or she may prosecute any additional offense that was part of the same course of conduct as the original violation.

The Attorney General shall also have the authority to request an examination before a grand jury and may sign indictments.

ABUSE OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS DIVISION IN ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE (Section 566.230)

This act creates the Abuse of Children and Vulnerable Adults Division within the office of the Attorney General. No assistant attorney general while assigned to such division shall participate in the prosecution or defense of any civil claim on behalf of the state, any agency of the state, or any officer of the state, except to prosecute an action alleging a violation of child abuse, abuse of a vulnerable person, or human trafficking.

MARY GRACE PRINGLE