JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri Senate has approved legislation that would require more people to be screened for tuberculosis and allow prosecution of those who spread the disease.
The measure would charge colleges and universities with developing screenings for students and faculty considered a "high-risk" to contract the disease.
Tuberculosis patients violating quarantine, going to work while the disease is still active or recklessly spreading the bacteria could be guilty of a misdemeanor. They would face a stiffer penalty if another person contracts tuberculosis.
Republican Sen. David Sater, a pharmacist from Cassville, is sponsoring the legislation. The Senate voted unanimously Thursday to send the bill to the House.
There were 89 reported cases of tuberculosis in Missouri last year.
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Tuberculosis bill is SB197.
Online:
Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov
