The Missouri General Assembly sent several pro-gun measures to Gov. Jay Nixon, just prior to its May 18 adjournment, including one that addresses the confusion surrounding the increase of training requirements passed in the 2011 legislative session.
Senate Bill 489 was considered a critical Right-to-Carry cleanup bill that permits those certificate holders who were already issued a firearms-safety-training certificate prior to Aug. 28, 2011 to receive a concealed carry endorsement without having to re-take the training course. Authored by state Senator Brian Munzlinger (R-Williamstown), it honors all live-fire training exercises as part of the concealed carry course prior to changes made in the training requirements last year.
SB 489 also legalizes the possession, manufacture, transport, repair or sale of auto-opening knives throughout Missouri, limiting any prohibition only to uses that violate current federal law.
Senate Bill 760 includes important Right-to-Carry provisions that allow those serving in the United States armed forces to apply for a concealed-carry endorsement at age 18 (instead of 21) and to transport a personal-protection firearm in their vehicle if they are Missouri residents or are stationed in Missouri.
In addition, a transportation omnibus bill sent to Gov. Nixon includes a provision establishing a National Rifle Association license plate for Missourians. The amendment was successfully attached to the bill by Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Springfield), an NRA Life Member and co-chairman of the Missouri Sportsmen's Caucus. Funds generated by the sale of NRA license plates will be used to further Second Amendment-related issues in the Show-Me State.
All bills, if enacted without an emergency clause, will become effective Aug. 28.
Based on his past support, the Governor's signature is anticipated.
The previous legislative session—in 2011—marked a milestone for Second Amendment rights in Missouri, as Nixon signed HB 294, a sweeping measure that lowered the age requirement for a concealed carry permit from 23—the oldest in the country—to 21 and prohibited law enforcement from conducting investigatory sting operations at licensed firearms dealerships or gun shows.
Other provisions of HB 294 prohibited sales tax on any firearms or ammunition from being levied at a higher rate than for any sales tax or other excise tax charged on any sporting goods equipment or any hunting equipment. It also repealed restrictions on the sale of rifles and shotguns that previously required purchasers or sellers to live in Missouri or a contiguous state.
