Many efforts to loosen firearm regulations were put forward this session. However, the bills failed to gain traction and, with just a day left in the session, were not likely to pass.
House Bill 1730, sponsored by Rep. Mike Costlow, R-Dardenne Prairie, challenged regulations on firearm suppressors. Under federal law, firearm suppressors are considered illegal. If the bill had passed, it would have made the possession, manufacturing, transportation, repair and sale of the item within Missouri possible without criminal offense. The bill stalled in the Senate Committee.
Senate Bill 1078, sponsored by Sen. Adam Schnelting, R-St. Charles, was an attempt to allow those with a valid concealed carry permit to carry on all forms of public transportation. The person would not be allowed to be detained or harassed by authorities for carrying a firearm on these public systems. That part of the bill was removed in conference committee.
Senate Bill 1055, sponsored by Sen. Nick Schroer, R-Defiance, took on Red Flag laws and created the Anti-Red Flag Gun Seizure Act.
Red Flag laws allow people to petition for the seizure of firearms from a specific person whom they believe is a danger. The Anti-Red Flag Gun Seizure Act would reverse this. Any federal order of protection or federal judicial or executive order that implies the seizure of a firearm would not be enforced.
Additionally, no funding would be given to a public agency, political subdivision or law enforcement agency that tries to enforce Red Flag laws. If they try, they would be met with a $50,000 penalty per occurrence.
The bill also discussed firearm use for self-defense. Currently, a defendant must prove that he or she believed that using deadly force was necessary to protect themself or others. If the bill had passed, there would be a presumption of reasonableness that the defendant needed to use such force to be kept safe. This bill also stalled in the Senate.