Several pro- and anti-gun bills were recently assigned to committees, while others are still pending committee assignments. It is important that you continue to contact your state Senator and state Representative and urge them to support the pro-gun bills and oppose the anti-gun bills!
Pro-Gun:
House Bill 458, sponsored by state Representative Justin Hill (R-108), specifies that lawful owners of firearms may transport or store the firearms in locked, privately-owned motor vehicles without fear of civil liability, criminal liability or employer retribution. Throughout the country, many employers and business owners have adopted "No Firearms" policies that extend beyond the physical workplace or building to include parking lots – areas often accessible to the general public and not secure. In order to comply with these policies, many law-abiding gun owners must choose between protecting themselves during their commutes and being subject to termination by their employer. The fundamental right to self-defense should not stop simply because you park your car in a publicly accessible parking lot owned by your employer or a business owner. HB 458 has been referred to the House General Laws Committee.
House Bill 853, sponsored by state Representative Steven Roberts (D-77), would allow a tax deduction for the cost of firearm training or firearm safety courses. HB 853 is waiting to be assigned to a committee.
House Joint Resolution 4, sponsored by state Representative Joseph Don McGaugh (R-39), would propose a constitutional amendment to guarantee the Right to Hunt and Fish in Missouri. HJR 4 is waiting to be assigned to a committee.
Anti-Gun:
House Bill 185 and Senate Bill 181, sponsored by state Representative Bruce Franks, Jr. (D-78) and state Senator Jamilah Nasheed (D-5), would require lawful gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms within a certain period of time or face harsh penalties, potentially including jail time. SB 181 has been referred to the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee while HB 185 is waiting to be assigned to a committee.
House Bill 363, sponsored by state Representative Stacey Newman (D-87), would require that all sales or transfers of firearms be processed through a licensed firearms dealer. HB 363 is waiting to be assigned to a committee.
House Bill 365, also sponsored by state Representative Stacey Newman (D-87), would establish extreme risk protection orders and gun violence seizure warrants, and prohibit certain persons involved in domestic violence from possessing a firearm. These seizures and Second Amendment rights revocations would occur without due process of law. HB 365 is waiting to be assigned to a committee.
House Bill 929, sponsored by state Representative Peter Merideth (D-80), aims to repeal important laws that Missourians use to exercise their fundamental right to self-defense and their ability to protect themselves and their families. HB 929 is waiting to be assigned to a committee.
Once again, please contact your legislators and urge them to support the pro-gun bills and oppose the anti-gun bills! Your NRA-ILA will continue to keep you up to date on all Second Amendment and hunting-related legislation.