JEFFERSON CITY — State Senators Scott Sifton (D-Affton) and Jake Hummel (D-St. Louis) introduced Senate Bill 318 prohibiting domestic violence offenders from obtaining firearms. The bill also applies to individuals who are subject to domestic restraining orders. “We need to protect domestic violence victims from offenders who have already been convicted of harming them,” Sifton said.
Senators Sifton and Hummel cited last year’s gun bill as part of the impetus for seeking the change this year. Last year’s SB 656 eliminated many restrictions on purchasing guns and maintaining concealed-weapon permits. “People who physically harm family members should not have unfettered access to guns,” Hummel commented.
“Under current Missouri law, someone convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence or served with an order of protection today can buy and carry a gun tomorrow,” Sifton added. “We need to make Missouri safer for domestic-violence and stalking victims,” Hummel concluded.