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HB 1708
  • Introduced
    Dec 01, 2023
  • Passed House
  • Passed Senate
  • Signed into Law
HB 1708
Missouri House Bill
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Changes the law regarding firearm concealed carry permits
Last Action See all actions
House • Jan 09, 2024: Public Hearing Completed (H)
Latest Bill Text See all bill texts
Introduced
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Official Summary/Bill Text

Comments on HB 1708

Sue Gibson wrote 1 week ago
I oppose this dangerous bill. This big government overreach would usurp local control. As a public transportation activist, I oppose allowing firearms on public transit, and so do the bus drivers I know. Something to consider: On buses, there is no glove compartment for safe storage of a firearm. There is also no requirement that a gun be properly holstered. I have been on a bus when the driver had to slam on the brakes and everyone’s belongings went flying, including a toddler. A gun could have clattered to the floor and discharged, or landed under a seat unnoticed for a child to find at a later date. I am writing to reiterate that guns on public transit are a bad idea.
Michael Dreyer wrote 1 week ago
I am writing to vehemently oppose HB 1708, which, in addition to its troubling provisions on public transportation and concealed carry permits, introduces measures allowing concealed carry in places of worship and grants exemptions to members of the General Assembly from existing unlawful use of weapons regulations. These aspects further amplify the inherent dangers posed by the proposed legislation. Firstly, the bill's provision permitting concealed carry permit holders to carry firearms on public transportation, including buses, is deeply troubling. By expanding the scope of individuals authorized to bear arms in such environments, the proposed legislation jeopardizes the safety of passengers and exposes them to heightened risks of firearm-related incidents. Moreover, the removal of eligibility restrictions for individuals with a history of criminal offenses, specifically crimes of violence, contradicts the very essence of responsible gun ownership and compromises the well-being of the community. The repeal of the prohibition on concealed carrying of firearms in churches and places of worship, while individuals hold a valid concealed carry permit, is a reckless deviation from prudent firearm regulations. Such locations, traditionally considered sanctuaries of peace, will become potential sites of heightened risk and discord if individuals are allowed to carry concealed weapons within their premises. This measure not only jeopardizes the safety of worshippers but also undermines the sacred nature of these institutions. Furthermore, the bill's provision to exempt current and former members of the General Assembly from certain prohibitions on the unlawful use of weapons is deeply concerning. Granting special privileges to lawmakers in this context is an affront to the principles of equal treatment under the law. Members of the General Assembly should be held to the same legal standards as the rest of the citizenry, and any deviation from this principle sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the credibility of our legal system. The bill's reduction of the age requirement for concealed carry permits from 19 to 18 years of age raises serious concerns about the maturity and judgment of individuals within this age group. Allowing individuals as young as 18 to carry concealed weapons poses an unacceptable risk to public safety, as this demographic may not possess the requisite emotional and psychological maturity to handle potentially volatile situations responsibly. In conclusion, the proposed bill not only compromises the safety of individuals using public transportation but also weakens the safeguards in place to prevent the issuance of concealed carry permits to those with a history of violence. The proposed allowances for concealed carry in places of worship and exemptions for members of the General Assembly from existing regulations not only jeopardize public safety but also erode the fundamental tenets of equal treatment before the law. I urge you to reconsider the implications of this legislation and prioritize the safety and well-being of the community over the interests of a select few.

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Actions
  • Jan 09, 2024 | House
    • Public Hearing Completed (H)
  • Jan 05, 2024 | House
    • Referred: General Laws(H)
  • Jan 04, 2024 | House
    • Read Second Time (H)
  • Jan 03, 2024 | House
    • Read First Time (H)
  • Dec 01, 2023 | House
    • Prefiled (H)
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