House passes pawnshop bill

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A bill requiring pawnshops to return some stolen goods to their rightful owners is on its way to the governor.

The legislation by Rep. Frank Barnitz, D-Lake Spring, would allow a person to get stolen items back from a pawnbroker if he has filed a police report about the theft or has the item's serial number. The crime victim would have to promise to file charges against the crook, if ever caught.

If the pawnshop owners think something about the affidavit is false, the pawnbroker can refuse to return the items. The issue can than go to court for settlement.