Proposes a constitutional amendment relating to firearms
Impact
If adopted, this amendment would significantly alter the landscape of firearm regulation in Missouri by ensuring that any attempt to restrict gun ownership or carry rights would face rigorous legal scrutiny. By placing the issue of firearms directly in the state constitution, HJR165 seeks to limit the ability of local municipalities to enact ordinances that may impose further restrictions on gun ownership or carrying. This shift could lead to a more uniform interpretation of gun rights across the state, as more stringent local laws could be challenged under the new constitutional framework.
Summary
HJR165 is a House Joint Resolution that proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Missouri concerning the regulation of firearms. Specifically, it seeks to repeal the existing Section 23 of Article I and replace it with a new section that asserts the unalienable right of citizens to keep and bear arms. The proposed language emphasizes that any restrictions on these rights will be subjected to strict scrutiny, reinforcing the state's obligation to protect against any infringement on the right to bear arms. The resolution aims to affirm the Second Amendment rights within Missouri's constitutional framework.
Contention
The proposal has generated notable points of contention among various stakeholders. Supporters argue that it is a necessary step to protect citizens' rights from potential overreach by local governments. They believe that ensuring strict scrutiny of any proposed restrictions on firearms will safeguard individual freedoms. Conversely, opponents express concerns that this amendment could undermine local control and public safety, particularly in urban areas that may face unique challenges in managing gun-related violence. The debate thus reflects broader tensions between individual rights and community safety, particularly in the context of rapidly evolving public attitudes towards gun control.
Proposes a constitutional amendment to require a background check for all firearm transfers of ownership and to require a permit to conceal carry a firearm