Strengthening Missourians’ Second Amendment Right

Dan Hegeman

When it comes to the Second Amendment, I have always been a strong supporter of our right as United States citizens to keep and bear arms. I also believe everyone has the right to defend themselves and their loved ones whenever necessary.

My voting record reflects those positions, and I have always opposed efforts by the government to undermine those rights.

During the final week of the 2016 session, state lawmakers passed Senate Bill 656, a comprehensive reform measure that seeks to expand law-abiding Missourians’ Second Amendment rights and their right to defend themselves.

The most notable provision of SB 656 removes the restriction of obtaining a permit for a law abiding citizen to be able to legally carry a concealed firearm. Under this change every law-abiding Missouri citizen, 18 years of age or older, would have the legal right to open carry or conceal carry a firearm. The law will still prohibit those who have lost their firearm rights as a result of a criminal conviction or anyone who has been adjudged mentally incompetent from owning and carrying a firearm.

The other key component of SB 656 is language to expand Missourians right of self-defense.

This act will allow a person to use deadly force, anywhere they are legally allowed, in order to protect themselves or others from physical threats.

In addition, the law further recognizes the inherent right to protect ones-self by removing the duty to retreat before using force as a means of protection.

At its core, SB 656 is about strengthening the right of law-abiding Missourians to protect themselves and their families.

Unfortunately, though not unsurprisingly, the governor vetoed this potentially life-saving measure.

However, since both chambers of the General Assembly approved the legislation by a veto-proof margin, I believe this measure will be brought up for further consideration during the upcoming veto session and I will support an override to make SB 656 become law.

As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns.

My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is [email protected] and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.