Proposes a constitutional amendment relating to firearms
By adopting HJR148, the amendment would impact the existing state laws by reinforcing individual firearm ownership rights and limiting potential local regulations. It allows counties, including St. Louis and Kansas City, to enact ordinances concerning the possession and transfer of firearms but only within the specific confines permitted by the state constitution. This means any local regulation must align with the protections offered at the state level, preventing local governments from enacting laws that infringe upon the specified rights.
HJR148 is a House Joint Resolution introduced to propose a constitutional amendment regarding firearms in Missouri. This resolution seeks to repeal Section 23 of Article I of the Missouri Constitution and replace it with a new section that explicitly protects the right of citizens to keep and bear arms. The proposed language emphasizes that such rights are unalienable and states that any restrictions on these rights will be subject to strict scrutiny, mandating that the state protect against any infringements on this right.
Critics of the proposed amendment argue that it could undermine local efforts to regulate firearms effectively, particularly in urban areas where gun violence may pose a greater civic risk. Supporters, however, contend that enhancing the constitutional protections of firearm rights is necessary in light of perceived encroachments on Second Amendment rights. The debate surrounding HJR148 centers on the balance between individual rights and community safety, with varying perspectives on how best to regulate firearms in a manner that serves both interests.