Missouri House Bill HB2707

Missouri 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/24
• Refer: 5/17/24

Caption

Specifies that the seller of ammunition must verify the age of the purchaser

Impact

If enacted, HB 2707 would impact existing laws by amending Chapter 571 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri. The new section added by this bill would enforce a statewide standard for age verification at the point of sale, pushing retailers to implement systematic checks when selling ammunition. The ramifications could lead to changes in how retailers train their employees and develop their sales protocols to meet these legal requirements, thus ensuring compliance and minimizing liability concerning unlawful sales.

Summary

House Bill 2707 seeks to enhance public safety measures related to the sale of ammunition by introducing stricter age verification requirements for retailers. The bill stipulates that no retail seller of ammunition in Missouri may complete a sale without first verifying the age of the purchaser through photographic identification that clearly displays the purchaser's date of birth. This legislative move aligns with ongoing efforts to regulate firearm-related sales more stringently and is seen as a step towards limiting access to ammunition among underage individuals.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 2707 include debates on the balance between public safety and potential restrictions placed on lawful consumers. Advocates for the bill argue that stringent verification is crucial for preventing gun violence and ensuring that minors do not gain unauthorized access to ammunition. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns regarding potential infringements on personal freedoms and the burden placed on retailers, especially smaller businesses, to implement these additional verification processes.