FIREARM BUSINESSES DURING STATES OF EMERGENCIES (Section 21.754)

This act deems all firearm businesses as essential businesses. The General Assembly preempts the entire field of legislation that would prohibit or restrict the operation of a firearm business, including during a declared state of emergency. Any existing or future orders, ordinances, or regulations that would prohibit, restrict, or reduce the operation of a firearm business shall be null and void. Neither the state nor political subdivision shall issue or adopt any order or ordinance that would prohibit or reduce the operation of a firearm business.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICIES FOR FIREARMS MANUFACTURERS (Section 34.750)

This act provides that as a prerequisite to participation in the bidding process for a public contract, a company shall provide a written or electronic certification that the company does not prohibit services to a firearm entity solely because such firearm entity is engaged in the lawful commerce of firearms. A company that does not discriminate against such firearm entities shall receive contract preference over a company that discriminates. A company that discriminates shall be given an opportunity to participate in the bidding process only if a company that does not discriminate makes no bid for a public contract.

Any contract that fails to comply with the provisions of this section shall be void against public policy.

These provisions are similar to SB 492 (2021).

WEAPONS ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS (Sections 70.441, 571.107, 577.703, and 577.712)

Under current law, a person is prohibited from boarding a bus with a dangerous or deadly weapon or from carrying such a weapon in a terminal. In addition, weapons may not be carried on any facility or conveyance used for a public transportation system of the Bi-State Development Agency.

This act provides that a person carrying a concealed firearm who possesses a valid concealed carry permit or endorsement shall not be prohibited or impeded from accessing or using any public transportation system. The person may not be harassed or detained for carrying a concealed firearm on the property, vehicles, or conveyances owned, contracted, or leased by such systems that are accessible to the public.

This act does not apply to property of Amtrak or any partnership in which Amtrak engages. Additionally, persons transporting non-functioning or unloaded firearms on buses are exempt.

This act is substantially similar to SB 225 (2021), SB 700 (2020), and SB 39 (2019) and similar to SB 782 (2016) and SB 529 (2015).

UNLAWFUL USE OF WEAPONS (Section 571.030)

Under current law, a person commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons if he or she discharges a firearm from a motor vehicle. This act provides that the discharging of a firearm shall not be a violation of the law if the firearm is discharged from a stationary motor vehicle while on private property in an unincorporated area in order to protect livestock from predatory wildlife or dogs that are killing or wounding livestock.

BLAIR'S LAW (Section 571.031)

This act establishes "Blair's Law" which specifies that a person commits the offense of unlawful discharge of a firearm if, with criminal negligence, he or she discharges a firearm within or into the limits of an municipality. Any such person shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor for the first offense, a class E felony for the second offense, and a class D felony for the third offense. These provisions will not apply if the firearm is discharged under circumstances as provided in the act.

These provisions are substantially similar to HB 1893 (2020).

CONCEALED CARRY PERMITS (Section 571.101)

Under current law, a person must be at least 19 years of age, unless he or she is a member of the United States Armed Forces, to apply for a concealed carry permit in Missouri. This act provides that a person need only be at least 18 years of age and either have assumed residency in Missouri or be a member of the United States Armed Forces to apply for a concealed carry permit.

This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/HBs 359 & 634 (2021).

CONCEALED CARRY FIREARMS (Section 571.101)

Under current law, a person shall not carry a concealed firearm into any church or other place of religious worship without the consent of the person representing the religious organization. This act repeals such provision.

This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/HBs 359 & 634 (2021).

MARY GRACE BRUNTRAGER