Missouri Castle Doctrine Expanded

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On Monday, July 12, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon (D) signed into law HB 1692, a bill that includes several important pro-gun measures for the Show-Me State.

“The signing of this bill by Gov. Nixon is a victory and important advancement for gun rights in Missouri,” said Chris Cox, NRA’s chief lobbyist. “We applaud this effort to clarify and expand the fundamental right of self-defense for law-abiding gun owners in the state.”

HB 1692, sponsored by State Representative Jason Smith (R-150) and State Senator Jane Cunningham (R-7), expands Missouri’s “Castle Doctrine” protections to any property boundaries one leases or owns and caps the sheriff fee at $10 for Missouri right-to-carry permit holders who change addresses. The bill will also allow a prosecutor with a right-to-carry permit to carry in a courthouse and, with the judge’s permission, in the courtroom as well. This legislation will also bring Missouri’s gun laws into compliance with federal law, exempting antique firearms from “unlawful possession” citations.

“While there is still much work to be done, I want to thank Representative Smith and Senator Cunningham for their leadership on this issue, as well as Governor Nixon for signing House Bill 1692,” concluded Cox. “ Law-abiding Missourians will greatly benefit from the efforts of all who worked to expand their Second Amendment rights.”