Proposes a constitutional amendment relating to firearms
If passed, this amendment would significantly alter the landscape of gun rights and regulations in Missouri. The explicit reaffirmation of the right to bear arms could lead to increased resistance against any local or state efforts to impose stricter firearm regulations. This is seen by proponents as a necessary reinforcement of individual rights, while critics may argue that it complicates efforts to enforce effective gun control measures aimed at enhancing public safety and reducing gun violence.
HJR98 is a proposal for a constitutional amendment concerning the regulation of firearms in the state of Missouri. The resolution aims to repeal Section 23 of Article I of the Missouri Constitution, which currently addresses the right to keep and bear arms. The new section proposed by HJR98 would explicitly state that this right is unalienable, requiring any restrictions placed on it to undergo strict scrutiny by the state. Moreover, it would outline that existing laws limiting the rights of certain individuals, such as convicted felons or those deemed dangerous due to mental health issues, would still apply.
Discussions around HJR98 are anticipated to be contentious, especially given the sensitive nature of firearm regulation in the United States. Supporters of the amendment are likely to emphasize personal freedoms and the constitutional basis for gun ownership, reflecting a strong influence of Second Amendment advocacy. Conversely, opponents may invoke concerns about the implications for public safety and the state's ability to govern effectively without infringing on individual rights. The amendment creates a framework that could lead to legal challenges regarding the balance between individual liberties and responsible governance in matters of public safety.