Missouri: Self-Defense Bill Passes State Senate, Goes to State House for a Concurrence Vote

Contact your state Representative TODAY and urge him or her to vote to concur on House Bill 533

Today, an amended version of House Bill 533 passed in the Missouri Senate by a 26-7 vote. Sponsored by state Representative Jeanie Riddle (R-49) and state Senator Brian Munzlinger (R-18), HB 533 would 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.  HB 533 will now return to the state House for a concurrence vote.  Please contact your state Representative TODAY and urge him or her to vote to concur with the Senate amendments to this critical pro-gun reform.

The following pro-gun amendments to House Bill 533 were adopted on the floor of the Missouri Senate:

• State Senator Brad Lager (R-12) offered an amendment that seeks to 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 would ensure perfectly functioning firearms are no longer destroyed and maintain their value.
• An amendment offered by state Senator Gary Romine (R-3) allows a Fire Chief, with a valid concealed carry endorsement and the approval of the government body of the fire department or fire protection district, to carry a concealed firearm while on official duties.

It is also important that you contact your state Representative in support of Senate Bill 75, a measure that transfers to Missouri sheriffs the authority for issuance of Right-to-Carry permit certificates and the permits themselves from the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR).  As previously reported, there have been several reports that the DOR was collecting and sharing personal documents from individuals receiving a concealed carry endorsement with third parties, including the federal government.  SB 75, sponsored by state Senator Dan Brown (R-16) and state Representative Eric Burlison (R-133), would ensure that this never happens again in the Show Me State by preventing the further sharing of this personal information and by removing DOR from the process.  SB 75 would also allow schools to annually teach the NRA Eddie Eagle Gunsafe® Program to help keep children safe.  This measure could be considered on the House floor any day now.

With only a few days left in the 2013 legislative session, it is critical you contact your state Representative TODAY in support of House Bill 533 and Senate Bill 75.