The new law does many things, but the most controversial part puts the St. Louis Metropolitan Police under state control. As the state’s economic epicenter, the governor says the safety of St. Louis affects the whole state. Since an emergency clause is attached to this bill, all the measures in it go into effect right away.

In addition to putting the St. Louis Metropolitan Police under state control, this bill covers immigration, restitution and much more. Democratic senators were able to negotiate many of their priorities into the bill as well.

Gov. Mike Kehoe talks about the state takeover of St. Louis city's police department before signing the bill into law. Video courtesy of the Governor's office, edited by Jenna Jones.