One Gun Bill Signed Into Law, One Gun Bill Remains on Missouri Governor’s Desk!

On the evening of Friday, June 25, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon (D) signed House Bill 2081 into law.

House Bill 2081, sponsored by State Representative Jeanie Riddle (R-20), specifies that a pregnant woman may use deadly force if she reasonably believes that deadly force is necessary to protect her unborn child against death, serious physical injury, or any forcible felony.  Under current Missouri State statute, a pregnant woman can be criminally charged if she uses deadly force to protect her unborn child when violently attacked.

However, since being transmitted to him on May 25, House Bill 1692 remains on Governor Jay Nixon’s (D) desk, awaiting consideration.

HB1692, introduced by State Representative Jason Smith (R-150), contains numerous pro-gun provisions, such as: expanding Missouri’s “Castle Doctrine” protections to any property boundaries one leases or owns; capping the sheriff fee at $10 for permit holders who change addresses; and clarifying the language, “intoxicated with a firearm,” so that the person cannot be charged with a felony if they lawfully possess firearms in their home while intoxicated. This provision also extends to self-defense.

HB1692 would also allow a prosecutor with a Right-to-Carry permit to carry in a courthouse, and with the judge’s permission, in the courtroom as well. If signed, the bill would also bring Missouri’s gun laws into compliance with federal law exempting antique firearms from “unlawful possession” citations.

It is important that important self-defense legislation like HB1692 be signed into law.  Please contact Governor Nixon and respectfully urge him to sign HB 1692. The Governor can be reached by phone at (573) 751-3222 or visit http://governor.mo.gov/contact/ to send email.