Governor signs bill curbing sexually-oriented businesses

The following news release was received from Sen. Jack Goodman, R-Mount Vernon, a candidate for Seventh District Congress, concerning the signing today of a bill regulating adult businesses:

After several years of working to pass a bill that strengthens regulations on adult businesses, Sen. Jack Goodman, R-Mt. Vernon, and Sen. Matt Bartle, R-Lee’s Summit, announce today that the governor has signed Senate Bill 586 & 617 into law.


Senate Bill 586 & 617 combats the negative secondary effects of sexually oriented businesses in Missouri by imposing several meaningful time, place and manner restrictions. After Aug 28, 2010, the legislation will prohibit a person from establishing a sexually oriented business within 1,000 feet of a pre-existing school, house of worship, state-licensed day care, public library, public park, residence or other sexually oriented business. It also bars a person who has been convicted of or imprisoned for certain crimes within the last eight years from establishing an adult business.

In addition, the bill prohibits nude performances and restricts semi-nude activity within sexually oriented businesses. It also prohibits adult establishments from operating between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m., and bars anyone younger than 18 from being on the premises at any time.

“This is a hard-fought victory for family values,” Sen. Goodman said. “We have crafted an effective, yet well-measured and responsible bill that will regulate sexually oriented businesses within the defined parameters of the U.S. Constitution.”

Senator Goodman’s SB 617 was combined with Sen. Bartle’s SB 586 during the Senate’s committee approval process.

“This issue has been a top priority of mine for many years,” Sen. Bartle said. “It’s a tremendous relief to me that my colleagues recognized the importance of this issue and fought to get a bill passed before regular session ended. One need only take a short trip on any of Missouri’s major highways to see that the proliferation of smut shops is out of control. There’s no question that regulations need to be put in place so we can protect our communities from decreased property values and an environment ripe for crime.”

Senate Leader Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph, said Missouri communities will benefit from the bill.

“Adult businesses in Missouri have been allowed to open and operate with minimal oversight for far too long,” Sen. Shields said. “The actions of the governor today will ensure that our state continues to be a family-friendly place to live and visit.”