Criminal Justice (Firearms)

HB 1700, titled the "Anti-Red Flag Gun Seizure Act," prohibits Missouri state agencies, law enforcement, and political subdivisions from enforcing any "red flag law" that would temporarily or permanently seize firearms from citizens. The bill defines "red flag law" broadly to include federal or state laws requiring firearm surrender based on safety concerns, excluding only individuals charged with dangerous felonies while on bail. Key provisions ban the use of state funds to enforce such laws, impose $50,000 civil penalties for violations, and allow affected citizens to sue for damages. The law explicitly does not prevent standard firearm seizures as evidence during criminal investigations. This bill directly affects Missouri residents who might face firearm seizures under red flag laws and state officials responsible for law enforcement.

HB 2138 redefines when firearm possession becomes unlawful by adding three specific circumstances: (1) having a felony conviction (state, federal, or other state), (2) being a fugitive, habitually intoxicated/drugged, or mentally incompetent, or (3) being under 18 on public property. It includes an exception for those who completed hunter education, and exempts antique firearms from these rules. The bill changes penalties: unlawful possession is a class C felony by default, but becomes a class B felony if the person has a prior dangerous felony conviction or prior unlawful possession. This bill applies directly to individuals meeting these defined conditions, not to the general public.

HB 1683, titled the "Anti-Red Flag Gun Seizure Act," prohibits Missouri state agencies, law enforcement, and political subdivisions from enforcing any federal or state "red flag law" that would seize firearms from residents, except in specific cases like individuals in custody after dangerous felony charges. The bill bans state use of funds to enforce such laws, blocks enforcement of federal orders related to firearm seizure within Missouri, and creates legal liability for officials who attempt to enforce these laws, including $50,000 penalties per violation. It explicitly allows firearm seizures as evidence during investigations but prohibits enforcement of laws requiring surrender of firearms based on temporary or permanent seizure orders. The bill directly affects Missouri residents by preventing state authorities from complying with red flag law enforcement actions targeting their firearm ownership.