HB 554 Nurrenbern, Maggie
HB 554 -- FIREARMS
SPONSOR: Nurrenbern
This bill removes the provision for the lawful use of deadly force by a person who occupies but does not own or lease private property in self-defense against another who unlawfully enters such property. Further, a person currently does not have a duty to retreat if that person is in any location that person is lawfully present. This bill narrows this provision so that a person now has no duty to retreat from a dwelling, residence, or vehicle in which they are lawfully present.
This bill provides that in order to purchase a firearm in the state, a person must first obtain a purchase permit issued by the sheriff's department that shall be valid for a period of 10 years. Permit applications shall be available in each county's sheriff's department, and the Secretary of State shall administer a website allowing for electronic submission of application materials. The bill specifies criteria for individuals who may not qualify for a firearm purchase permit. A sheriff may require an applicant to submit additional information regarding the applicant's psychiatric history or submit character references.
The sheriff shall conduct a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) within three working days of submissions of the application.
This bill provides for a 72 hour waiting period for the delivery of a firearm incidental to sale from the time the application for purchase was made.
At the sentencing of an individual, the court shall order the surrender of any firearm purchase permit if the offense for which the individual is being sentenced would make that person ineligible to hold a firearm purchase permit under the provisions of this bill.
This bill makes it an offense to manufacture, assemble, or purchase a firearm frame or receiver that does not have a serial number registered with a federally licensed manufacturer or a kit from which a firearm without a serial number may be readily manufactured or assembled. Further, a person commits an offense if, with the intention to distribute over the internet or otherwise, the person distributes firearm digital computer-aided design (CAD) files or other codes that can be assembled through a three-dimensional printer or similar device.
Currently, it is not an offense for an individual to carry on their person a concealed firearm except those locations listed under Section 571.107, RSMo, or otherwise prohibited by law. This bill provides that carrying a concealed weapon without a concealed carry permit is an unlawful use of a weapon. An individual may still concealed carry a firearm pursuant to a concealed carry permit as currently provided under law.
To obtain a concealed carry permit, an applicant must complete and submit proof of firearms safety training course completion. This bill removes as an applicable training course the completion of a regular or online course on firearm safety conducted by an instructor certified by the National Rifle Association.
Currently, it an unlawful use of a weapon to shoot a firearm at a mark, any object, or at random along a public highway. This bill removes reference to at random.
Currently, any individual empowered to execute civil or criminal process, state probation and parole officers, coroners, and medical examiners are exempted from certain offenses for the unlawful use of a weapon when the conduct is reasonably associated with or necessary to the fulfillment of such individual's official duties. This bill requires such individual to have a concealed carry permit under this exemption.
Currently, an individual transporting a non-functioning firearm or an unloaded firearm when the ammunition is not readily accessible is exempted from certain offense for the unlawful use of weapons. This bill removes these exemptions.
This bill contains penalty provisions.
This bill is similar to HB 2779 (2022).