Senator Denny Hoskins Expresses Optimism Missouri’s 2nd Amendment Law Will Prevail

JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, condemns as federal overreach a court ruling overturning Missouri’s Second Amendment Preservation Act (SAPA), but expresses optimism the law will prevail on appeal. The Missouri law, which prevents enforcement of federal gun laws, was declared unconstitutional by a U.S. Circuit Court judge in Kansas City.

“I can’t say I’m surprised by this initial outcome, but I’m confident the rights of Missouri firearms owners will be upheld as the case moves forward,” Sen. Hoskins said. “I believe the Legislature expressed the wishes of Missouri citizens when we passed SAPA, and look forward to the attorney general taking the case to a higher court.”

Passed by the Legislature as House Bill 85 in 2021, the Second Amendment Preservation Act declared federal laws infringing on the right to keep and bear arms are unenforceable in Missouri, and also prohibited state and local authorities from assisting federal efforts to restrict firearms ownership. Following the ruling, Missouri’s attorney general announced he would defend SAPA in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court, if necessary.  

For information about Sen. Hoskins, please visit his official Missouri Senate website: senate.mo.gov/Hoskins.