Missouri is in line to become the 11th state in the country to approve permitless carry as part of a wide-ranging pro-gun measure passed in the final day of the Show Me State’s legislative session and sent to the desk of Gov. Jay Nixon.
Gov. Nixon, a Democrat, has vetoed pro-gun legislation in the past, only to have it enacted through override action when returning to the legislature.
Sponsored by state Sen. Brian Munzlinger (R-18), and state Rep. Eric Burlison (R-133) SB 656 contains a host of pro-gun measures, including:
- Recognize Missourians right to Constitutional/Permitless Carry where open carry is not prohibited.
- Expand Missouri’s current Stand your Ground laws.
- Expand Castle Doctrine protections for anyone legally allowed into your home, vehicle, business and property.
- Specify that except for credit card fees incurred, no additional fee beyond $100 may be charged to process concealed carry permits and allows military members extra time to renew their permits.
- Implement 10-, 20- and 50-year options for non-reciprocity issued permits.
- Allow components of firearm training for RTC permits to be online.
The final vote on SB 656 was 114-36 in the House and 24-8 in the Senate, reflecting a veto-proof margin in both chambers.
The legislation was the target of a lobbying and media campaign bankrolled by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg through his anti-gun front groups, Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action. Both groups continue to pressure the Governor to veto the measure despite its broad support in the legislature.
If passed, Missouri would join West Virginia and Idaho, where permitless carry measures also were passed during the 2016 legislative sessions.
