- United States
- Mo.
- Letter
An Open Letter
To: Sen. Williams, Rep. Proudie, Gov. Kehoe
From: A verified voter in Saint Louis, MO
February 5
HB 328 (Taylor), SB77 (Schnelting), and SB147 (Coleman) poses significant threats to public safety by allowing concealed carry permit holders to bring firearms onto public transportation and into places of worship, among other concerning provisions. Public transportation, such as buses and terminals, are crowded spaces where tensions can run high, and introducing firearms into these environments increases the risk of accidental discharges, escalations of conflicts, and mass shootings. Allowing firearms on buses and in terminals would only exacerbate such risks, putting passengers—especially vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with disabilities—in harm’s way. Public transportation should remain a safe space for all, free from the added danger of firearms. Furthermore, the bill dangerously lowers the age requirement for concealed carry permits from 19 to 18 years old, despite overwhelming evidence that younger individuals are more prone to impulsive behavior and poor decision-making. According to the American Psychological Association, the prefrontal cortex, which governs impulse control and judgment, is not fully developed until the mid-20s. Allowing 18-year-olds to carry concealed weapons in public spaces ignores this scientific reality and increases the likelihood of firearm-related accidents or violence. Lowering the age requirement for concealed carry permits would only make such incidents more common, endangering communities across Missouri. Finally, these bills remove critical safeguards by allowing individuals with prior convictions for violent misdemeanors to obtain concealed carry permits. This provision undermines the purpose of background checks and permits, which are designed to ensure that only responsible, law-abiding citizens carry firearms in public. For example, someone convicted of domestic violence or assault within the past five years could now legally carry a concealed weapon, increasing the risk of harm to their victims or others. Additionally, the bill’s expansion of concealed carry into places of worship disregards the sanctity and safety of these spaces. Churches and other religious institutions are meant to be places of peace and refuge, not environments where congregants must worry about the presence of firearms. These bills prioritize the interests of gun owners over the safety and well-being of the general public, and for these reasons, they must be opposed.
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