Creates a voluntary process for an individual to restrict the individual's ability to purchase a firearm
Impact
The enactment of HB 2266 will impact state firearm laws significantly, centralizing the procedure for individuals who wish to voluntarily restrict their firearm purchasing abilities. Under this new framework, when an individual is added to the temporary restricted list, they will have their name checked against the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, preventing them from purchasing firearms until they are removed from the list. This could provide a solution for individuals wishing to manage their firearm purchasing rights due to personal or mental health concerns, although the provisions for individual rights to remain clear and not discriminatory are also emphasized.
Summary
House Bill 2266 establishes a new voluntary process allowing individuals to restrict their own ability to purchase firearms in Missouri. The bill repeals the prior law and introduces new sections concerning the temporary restriction list. An individual may voluntarily request to be added to a list that prevents them from acquiring firearms for a limited period, specifically between thirty to one hundred eighty days. This bill introduces layers of procedural safeguards when handling these requests through the circuit courts which are required to process the inclusion within twenty-four hours of receiving a verified request from the individual.
Contention
A notable point of contention surrounding HB 2266 is the debate over personal rights and public safety. Supporters of the bill argue that it provides a necessary option for individuals seeking to manage their own access to firearms, potentially preventing self-harm or harm to others during crises. In contrast, opponents may express concerns about the implications of such a list on personal freedoms and the bureaucratic process involved in requesting inclusion and subsequent removal from the list, questioning the effectiveness and potential stigmatization of those on the temporary restricted list.