Mo. House Seeks to Loosen Concealed Gun Rules
COLUMBIA - The Missouri House has endorsed legislation lowering the minimum age for carrying concealed weapons to 21.
This legislation would also cap the fee that sheriffs charge to existing concealed weapon permits.
Director of Learning to Conceal Tim Oliver said, "Sheriffs can charge up to $100 for a new permit and up to $50 for a renewal permit. It all depends on what their direct cost is. They have to justify what they charge."
Oliver said he is in support of this legislation changing because keeping it at 23 deprives people the right to defend themselves.
"We have people who have been to deserts once or twice with the military and come back and can't get a concealed carry permit to defend their family," Oliver said.
He said that anyone who has defended their country should have the right to defend their family.
In order for a resident to carry a concealed weapon, he or she must have a permit. To get a permit, the resident has to complete an improved training program, get a background check, including FBI fingerprints, and then they have to pay a fee.
Salesperson Mike O'Dell said 21-year-olds should have the right to conceal and carry weapons.
"At 21, you can open carry a gun, so why not let them be able to conceal and carry?" O'Dell said.
O'Dell said there is another way for people to get around this age limit.
"There's ways you can get around the 23 age limit we currently have in Missouri, and that is there are states out there that offer non-resident permits at the age of 21," said O'Dell.
KOMU 8 News tried contacting Democratic lawmakers by phone and e-mail, but did not immediately get a response. However, a spokesperson said the governor doesn't take positions on bills this early in the legislative session.
Photos Credit: Denisha Thomas
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