Missouri bill would allow firearms on public transit

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Missouri House Bill 328, sponsored by Rep. Tim Taylor, R-Bunceton, would allow people with concealed carry permits to bring firearms onto public transit.

HB 328 passed in the Missouri House on Thursday, April 1, and has moved to the Senate, where the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee held a hearing on Tuesday, April 22.

The bill confirms that eligibility for a concealed carry permit is based on consistently passing required background checks, as well as meeting age and residency criteria.

However, it would reduce the minimum age to obtain a permit from 19 years old to 18 years old.

Rep. Taylor said in an email statement:
"It's time we allow our citizens who use public transportation to exercise the same rights as everyone else in our state. For many gun rights advocates, the current law forces permit holders to disarm just because they choose to ride the bus or train."

There's a lot of pushback for HB 328, statewide and locally, with opponents claiming it could lead to more dangerous situations, even for those intended to use a firearm defensively.

"This is far from a good decision — we have kids riding these buses and bullets don't have names," said resident Dianna Kelly, who frequents the St. Joseph transit bus service. "And if you're going to carry a weapon, let people see it instead of hiding it, because anything can happen and someone could get killed for no reason. It all needs to be handled transparently."

News-Press NOW spoke with other bus riders in St. Joseph, many of whom shared similar concerns, saying that lowering the permit age is only making the problem worse.

"My nephew lost his life over gun," said resident Dale Cee. "He's doing 23 years in prison because he wanted to pull a gun out and shoot someone. 18 years old and his life is gone."

"It could especially be unsafe if someone has a mental illness and gets mad about something that was said to them," said Emmitt Southwick.

Supporters agree with Sen. Taylor that the bill broadens Second Amendment protections, though they acknowledge and empathize with concerns about public safety.

"I see this as a good thing because people need to be able to protect themselves," said resident Ronald Smith. "I can definitely see the concern with people who may not know how to conduct themselves because things can go south real quick, but I'm more in support of people being able to have protection."

"Shootings have been happening way too much in the world today and even in this town," said Frankie Thompson, another resident. "If this bill passes, we're going to see the impact quickly."

"Of course it's concerning when guns are in the hands of people who are criminal minded but you have to weigh out the pros and cons," said James Britton. "The world is crazy right now and when you're in a situation where you need to protect yourself, a firearm could determine the outcome of life or death for you."

Some believe that individuals should have the right to carry any type of weapon in public areas, including on public transportation.

"Whether it's a gun, a knife, or any form of protection, every individual needs it — especially when it comes to protecting our women and children," said resident Ryan Vaughn. "It's a last-resort option and should be used only when there are no alternatives, and if someone reaches that point, it's likely because they really felt threatened."

"As long as it's concealed, I don't see anything wrong with carrying a weapon," said resident Michael Miljavac. "I've been in situations where I felt I could've been harmed if I didn't let someone know I was armed. I'm not saying that's how things should be, but that's the reality of the world we live in now."

A similar bill, HB 1708, passed through the Missouri House last year but was abandoned following the shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl parade.

The latest action on HB 328 came on Thursday, April 24, when a Senate committee voted during an executive session to advance the bill to the full Senate for further consideration. The state's ongoing legislative session runs through May 16.