Berry: Stronger Firearms Rights Advance Through House

At right: March 10^th at the Capiton, flipping for tourism.

THIS WEEK….

HB 294 - This week, the Missouri House passed a measure to strengthen penalties for those possessing illegal substances and firearms at the same time. This bill would create separate crimes of illegal substance possession and illegal firearm possession. The crux of the problem was discovered when illegal firearm possession charges were often dropped from illegal substance charges during conviction pleas. At the same time the House also added measures to increase the rights of law abiding citizens with respect to firearms. HB 294 would also remove the restriction on Missourians who wish to purchase firearms that the purchases can only take place in Missouri or neighboring states. It also moved to mimic other states in the nation and lower the concealed carry permit application age from 23 to 21. HB 294 now moves to the State Senate for consideration.

HB731- The House this week advanced a bill that would increase the amount of information that registered sex offenders must submit to law enforcement. Currently, the Highway Patrol has no authority to check sex offenders’ citizenship. Under this proposal, offenders would be required to submit citizenship information, and if it did not check out, the Highway Patrol could request that the federal government deport the individual at issue. HB 731’s next step in the process is to move to the Senate, where it will require approval before it reaches the Governor’s desk.

Bill Information

If you would like to track legislation you may log on to www.house.mo.gov and select “Bill Information” and then select “Bill Tracking”. You may search by topic or bill number. If you want to track the bills that I have either sponsored or co-sponsored, just enter my last name and you will be able to look at each of those also.

Cosponsored Bills

HB73; HB146; HB199; HB200; HB209; HB247; HB280; HB284; HB340; HB352; HB364; HB423; HB437; HB467; HB468; HB470; HB511; HB528; HB580; HB629; HB639; HB648; HB658; HB736; HB748; HB749; HB755; HB760; HB772; HB774; HB778; HB786; HB789; HB795; HB799; HCR9; HCR30; HCR33; HCR46; HJR26; HJR27; HJR31; HJR33

Visitors

The last two weeks have been busy with visitors from Kearney and Smithville. The Sowell family (Steve, Lisa, Norman, Kay, Gabriel, Joshua, Miriam, Naomi, Joseph and Benjamin) came for a Capitol Tour. T.J.’s family also visited, his daughter Sami enjoyed the debates on the floor. Our State Capitol is one of the most beautiful and majestic of any in the country. Don’t pass by any opportunity to visit.

The weather is getting nice… if you want to get out-side with the family try this link – Missouri State Parks