By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri lawmakers want to make criminals pay for their crimes in a slightly different way.
A measure in Jefferson City would allow judges to order some offenders to pay into a so-called "county restitution fund." The goal is to generate funds for the work of local sheriffs and prosecutors.
Gov. Holden vetoed a similar bill that was passed by lawmakers last year. The key change in this year's version is the court-ordered payment is called a "restitution" - not a "fine."
The restitution funds could be spent investigating drug investigations or for buying office equipment or any law enforcement-related expense, including prosecution.