Missouri Bill Cracks Down on Websites Posting Mug Shots

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri House has passed legislation attempting to crack down on commercial websites that post police mugshots of people who have been arrested, and then demand money to have the photos removed.

The House sent the bill to the Senate with a 149-0 vote on Monday. It would require the website operators to delete the photos for free within 30 days of a request. People that don't could be charged with a misdemeanor.

Sponsoring Republican Rep. Caleb Jones, of Columbia, says many people whose booking photos are posted are not charged with crimes, but must pay to have the images deleted on some websites.

The bill would not apply to the news media and organizations producing something for entertainment, public information or education.