JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby, has been named a 2025 Legislative Champion by the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (MAPA) for her leadership and pivotal role in advancing Senate Bill 43, one of MAPA’s top priority bills during the 2025 legislative session.
Senate Bill 43, which was signed into law by the governor last year, strengthens protections for children and other vulnerable people. It increases their rights in legal proceedings, toughens criminal penalties to combat sexual abuse and human trafficking in Missouri, and expands tax credits to encourage more donations to organizations that support children and youth.
“It is a profound honor to be named a 2025 Legislative Champion,” said Sen. Carter. “Advancing protections for children and other at-risk individuals is not just policy, it is a moral responsibility. I am grateful to MAPA for this recognition and remain committed to protecting our most vulnerable citizens.”
This week, MAPA members honored Sen. Carter at the Association’s Annual Legislative Conference, which convenes prosecutors from across Missouri alongside members of the General Assembly to discuss public safety priorities and challenges facing the state’s justice system. Senator Carter will be commemorated on MAPA’s Legislative Champions plaque, which is prominently displayed at the Association’s Jefferson City offices.
“Senate Bill 43 reflects her commitment to protecting children and victims while ensuring prosecutors have clear, workable laws to hold offenders accountable,” said Tim Garrison, executive director of the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and the Missouri Office of Prosecution Services. “Her leadership, persistence and willingness to engage on complex policy issues were critical to the bill’s success.”
