Missouri House Bill HB2714

Missouri 2024 Regular Session

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

Caption

Requires universal background checks for all sales or transfers of firearms

Impact

If passed, HB 2714 would significantly alter the legal landscape surrounding firearm ownership in Missouri. Currently, there are various pathways for transferring firearms without a background check, particularly among private individuals. By instituting this requirement, the bill aims to prevent potentially dangerous individuals from acquiring firearms through unregulated sales and transfers. Proponents argue that this would lead to a safer environment by better regulation of firearm access, particularly in a state where gun violence and ownership are prevalent topics of discussion.

Summary

House Bill 2714 aims to amend Chapter 571 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri by introducing a new section regarding the transfer of firearms. The bill mandates that any person not licensed as a dealer must obtain a background check before transferring possession of a firearm to another person. This requirement is designed to ensure that all firearm transfers are subject to scrutiny, thereby enhancing public safety and reducing the risks associated with gun ownership. The primary focus is on enforcing universal background checks for all firearm sales and transfers, closing loopholes that previously allowed certain transactions to occur without these checks.

Contention

However, the bill is likely to meet opposition from groups advocating for gun rights, who may view it as an infringement on Second Amendment rights. Opponents argue that requiring universal background checks may create additional barriers for law-abiding citizens seeking to purchase or transfer firearms. They may also express concerns regarding the logistics and potential delays caused by the implementation of such checks, including fees associated with the background checking process. This creates a divide between those prioritizing public safety through regulation and those valuing individual freedoms related to gun ownership.