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No charges filed against Missouri lawmaker who tested crisis hotline

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KANSAS CITY, MO. — The state lawmaker who tested the crisis hotline will not face criminal charges, according to the Cole County Prosecutor's Office.

On Feb. 20, three police agencies responded to a text from the crisis text line.

A woman claimed she had a gun to her head.

Law enforcement learned the text was placed by State Rep. Tricia Byrnes (R - 63rd District, Wentzville).

Byrnes told police she texted the 988 text line to test the durability of the system.

"I am thankful that the Prosecutor’s Office found that I acted in my Legislative Capacity and in good faith during my legislative investigation into the chats bots and automations on the 988 text-line," Byrnes said in a press release Wednesday. "I am committed to enhancing the 988 Lifeline and appreciate the dedication of all involved, including dispatchers and first responders."