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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Missouri revises rules on carrying concealed weapons

A new law in Missouri revises the state’s rule on carrying concealed weapons.

Show-Me State law currently requires a permit, training and background checks for people who want to carry a concealed weapon in the state. This will change at the first of next year.

The Republican-led House and Senate voted on Wednesday, Sept. 14, to override a gubernatorial veto of a bill to authorize people to carry hidden guns in locations they can already carry weapons openly. The new rule takes effect Jan. 1, 2017.

Other changes in the legislation include dropping a requirement for people to complete a gun safety training course or pass a criminal background check before purchasing a gun.

The successful override attempt required at least two-thirds of state lawmakers to vote in favour of overruling Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon. Previously SB656, the new law adds Missouri to a growing list of states to authorize most adults to carry concealed weapons without a permit.

According to reports, 10 other states already permit most people to carry concealed guns even if they have not undergone training requirements for permits.

The Missouri law also includes a “stand your ground” provision to no longer require people who believe they are in danger to first attempt to retreat before using lethal force. The rule applies to any place they are legally entitled to be present.

At least 30 states have rules in place on retreat (similar to) that mirror Missouri’s new law, according to FindLaw.com.

The state’s “castle doctrine” law is also revised to allow invited guests in a home to use deadly force on intruders. The revision includes people legally allowed in a vehicle, business or property.

The stand-your-ground and castle doctrine rules take effect in mid-October.

Other states to authorize permit-less carry of concealed weapons for most adults are Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho – residents only, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming – residents only.

Idaho and Wyoming require non-residents to have a permit to carry a concealed handgun.

Limited forms of permit-less concealed carry are found in Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

Federal law does not restrict individuals from transporting legally acquired firearms across state lines for lawful purposes. However, certain exceptions do apply.

Travellers should be aware that many states and localities have laws governing the transportation of firearms. Gun owners must be prepared to comply with legal requirements in each jurisdiction.

To help avoid potential legal issues, firearms should be carried unloaded, locked in a case, and stored in an area inaccessible to the driver or any passenger. Ammunition should be stored in a separate locked container.

Travellers in areas with restrictive laws are also advised to carry copies of any applicable firearm licenses or permits.