State Senate passes new use-of-force rules

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri senators voted Thursday to tighten the laws on when police can use deadly force, bringing them in line with parameters set by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court ruled in 1985 police can use deadly force only when an officer believes a fleeing felon poses a serious threat to others. Missouri's law does not specify a fleeing felon has to be dangerous.

Senators voted 30-2 to send the legislation to the House. The Senate passed a similar overhaul last year, but the Legislature never passed a final version.