// a href = ./ //

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A Missouri man is trying to get a routine state benefit after his partner died in the line of duty, even though the state does not recognize gay marriage.

Kelly Glossip is suing the Missouri Highway Patrol for denying benefits designed for the surviving spouse of a slain public safety official. His partner, Dennis Engelhard, was hit and killed by a vehicle while investigating an accident in 2009.

The Missouri Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday, with Glossip's attorney arguing that survival benefits should not be denied on the basis of sexual orientation. The state says the benefits are intended for spouses and the men's relationship does not fall into that classification.

The court did not rule on the case and offered no timetable for a decision.

ST. LOUIS (AP) - A disciplinary hearing for a St. Louis police officer has taken a new twist after the accuser was arrested following his testimony.

Jerrmaine Lacy has accused officer Charles Proctor of using excessive force during an arrest in July at Lumiere Place Casino. Lacy says the officer choked him and slammed his head into a squad car bumper.

The department's internal affairs division has recommended the firing of Proctor, a nine-year veteran. The hearing is expected to run through Thursday.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Lacy was arrested on four outstanding warrants of trespassing and failure to appear in court. The arrest was prompted by a letter to police chief Sam Dotson from Proctor's attorney, Chet Pleban.

Dotson says the arrest is separate from the hearing.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri legislation could land teachers and doctors in trouble if they ask students about gun ownership or note such information from patients on medical records.

A state Senate committee heard testimony Tuesday on a bill that would bar school personnel from asking students whether their parents or guardians own guns. Violators could face a $200 fine.

The bill would also bar medical professionals from putting information about a patient's firearm into a medical record unless it relates to the patient's immediate medical care or safety.

That language was added by Republican Sen. Brian Nieves, of Washington. He says the bill would prevent inappropriate questions about firearm ownership.

But Republican Sen. Rob Schaaf, a physician from St. Joseph, said there shouldn't be limits on what doctors can insert in medical records.