Rep. Chrissy Sommer's Weekly Capitol Connection April 29, 2016

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Missouri House Advances Gun Rights Measures (HB 1468 and HB 2057)

The Missouri House advanced two pieces of legislation this week to augment the gun rights of law-abiding Missourians. One piece of legislation would limit the fees to carry a concealed firearm while the other would effectively remove all fees by doing away with the need for a concealed carry permit, and instead allow what is known as constitutional carry.

HB 2057 would ensure that concealed carry permit applicants cannot be charged a fee in excess of $100. The bill specifically prohibits additional fees that may be charged, including any fee for fingerprinting or criminal background check.

HB 1468 would allow Missourians to carry a concealed weapon without the need for a permit. Commonly referred to as constitutional carry, the bill would allow any person to carry a concealed firearm anywhere that isn’t expressly prohibited by law. The sponsor of the bill said it is meant to build on the constitutional change made by Missouri citizens in 2014 that allows Missourians the right to permit-less carry. The legislation is meant to bring Missouri statute in line with the constitution.

As the sponsor of HB 1468 said, “This legislation simply aligns Missouri statutes with our state constitution so that our citizens can lawfully carry a concealed weapon without a permit. This will end the unfair tax on our right to bear arms by doing away with the concealed carry permit fee, and give Missourians the protection they deserve to exercise their Second Amendment rights.”

Both pieces of legislation also contain a provision to expand the state’s castle doctrine law. Current statute allows individuals to use deadly force to defend themselves and their property against intruders. Both bills approved by the House would extend the protection against lawsuits to house guests who use deadly force.

Both pieces of legislation are now under consideration in the Senate.

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