Last week Missouri lawmakers loosened gun laws so that most adults will be able to carry a concealed weapon without a permit.
Missouri Republicans voted to overturn Democratic Governor Jay Nixon’s veto of Senate Bill 656 last Wednesday. That vote means that as of January 1, most people will be allowed to “constitutional carry”, meaning that they do not need a permit to bring a concealed gun anywhere that they could openly carry a gun. It will still be unlawful to conceal and carry in courthouses, jails, or any business with a “no guns” sign posted.
People with certain criminal convictions or mental illnesses will still be banned from carrying guns.
This eliminates the previous requirements to go through a background check and take a course before receiving your conceal and carry permit within the state.
Under the new legislation, you will still have to pass a background check to purchase a gun in Missouri.
The vote also made changes to the “Stand Your Ground” law in Missouri, meaning that you do not have to attempt to retreat from any situation where you are legally allowed to be before using lethal force. These changes will go into effect on October 14.
Many in Missouri have mixed feelings on the new conceal and carry legislation. The NRA says that it is “a great day for freedom in Missouri” while others are concerned about the safety of law enforcement officers and civilians.
Sources:
Fox News
STL Today
KSPR
The Kansas City Star