Rep. Steven Roberts, St. Louis Legislator - This Week in Missouri Politics

Rising star of the Democratic Party and chair of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus, St. Louis Rep. Steven Roberts was recently interviewed by Scott Faughn for This Week in Missouri Politics.

When asked what the Legislative Black Caucus is and why it matters, Steven Roberts Jr. explained, "The important thing about the Black Caucus is we're focused on issues facing the African-American community and we're especially relevant now that we make up half of the Democratic Caucus."

When asked about some practical things St. Louis Rep. Steve Roberts wanted to impact, he spoke about criminal justice reform and working with Republicans to raise the age of who can be charged as an adult. To see the entire interview, click here.

Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis: House Bill 2218

During the 2018 legislative session, St. Louis Rep. Steven Roberts sponsored several House bills that he believes are in the best interest of all Missourians, including a bill that would abolish the death penalty.

Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. of St. Louis explains that House Bill 2218 would repeal provisions that allow courts to issue the death penalty as punishment and would require courts to change the sentencing on anyone currently facing the death penalty who were sentenced prior to August 28, 2018.

A state legislator who represents portions of St. Louis, Rep. Steve Roberts works hard to advocate for solutions that benefit his constituents, as well as people throughout Missouri. House Bill 2218 was referred to the House Committee on Crime Prevention and Safety during the 2018 legislative session.

Rep. Steven Roberts, St. Louis Legislator: House Bill 2526

Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis sponsored House Bill 2526 during the 2018 legislative session of the Missouri’s General Assembly. 

Steven Roberts Jr. explains that House Bill 2526 would remove the requirement that certain defendants serve out specified minimum sentences upon conviction (i.e., mandatory minimum sentences).

In addition to the elimination of mandatory minimum sentences, St. Louis Rep. Steve Roberts explains that House Bill 2526 specifies that any offender who meets certain qualifications would be eligible for a parole hearing (excluding those found guilty of first-degree murder or certain sexual offenses). 

The bill was referred to the House Corrections and Public Institutions Committee during the 2018 legislative session.