Bill > HJR158

This concurrent resolution proposes a constitutional amendment for Missouri voters to consider at the next general election in November 2026, or a special election, which would alter Article I, Section 23 of the state constitution concerning firearms. The proposed amendment would replace the existing language, which broadly protects the right to keep and bear arms and subjects any restrictions to "strict scrutiny," with new provisions allowing specific local governments – any county, the city of St. Louis, and the city of Kansas City – to regulate the possession, carrying, or transfer of firearms within their boundaries through ordinances. These local regulations, which must comply with the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and federal law, could include requiring permits or certificates with fees to cover costs, with such permits not exceeding five years in validity, and allow for background checks. The proposed amendment also specifies that these ordinances would apply to both residents and non-residents but must recognize permits issued by the permit holder's county of residence, and would exempt active or retired law enforcement officers, full-time judges, and certain armed employees like licensed security guards or military members. Penalties for violating these local ordinances would be limited to a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to one year, or both, and law enforcement could seize firearms from individuals legally ineligible to possess them.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR158&year=2026&code=R