Last Friday, Governor Jay Nixon (D) signed into law House Bill 533, critical self-defense legislation. Sponsored by state Representative Jeanie Riddle (R-49) and state Senator Brian Munzlinger (R-18), this new law will protect the right of a state employee to store a firearm in his or her private vehicle on state property as long as the vehicle is locked and the firearm is not visible. Additionally, it will prohibit any government entity from using tax dollars to participate in a gun “buyback” program unless the firearms are resold or transferred to a federally licensed firearms dealer. This law will take effect on August 28, 2013.
House Bill 533 passed by overwhelming majorities in both legislative chambers, and many thanks go to those elected officials who voted in support of state employees having the right to keep a firearm locked in their vehicle while at work so that they may provide for their self-defense when commuting to and from work. Please contact state Representative Jeannie Riddle, state Senator Brian Munzlinger and Governor Nixon to express your appreciation for their work and support to strengthen your inherent right to self-defense.