Dear Friends,

Our nation’s constitution guarantees the right of the law-abiding individual to keep and bear arms in order to defend person and property. Be assured that I work hard to preserve this right.

During this session of the legislature, I voted for a bill known as The Castle Doctrine. The House approved the bill but the Senate did not. The intention of this legislation was to give you the right to protect yourself as you protect your family and your home. The current legal climate in Missouri is unreasonable and gives criminals greater protection than that of their victims. If someone breaks into your home, it is reasonable to presume that your safety is in jeopardy. This bill eliminates the requirement that a person attempt to flee from life threatening danger prior to using deadly force in the attempt to defend his or her own person and family. Additionally, when we do pass this bill anyone who uses deadly force in a lawful manner will be immune from civil and criminal penalties.

We also worked on legislation to eliminate the ‘permit to acquire’ (PTA) a concealable handgun. In Missouri if you wish to buy a handgun, you are required to obtain a PTA through your county sheriff, who runs a criminal background check. Then before you buy the handgun, the dealer must perform a background check. A PTA is even required of those who already have a conceal carry permit. Only 12 states require a PTA along with the redundant check at the point of purchase. Eliminating the PTA would free-up resources in our sheriff’s offices as well as remove the burden of an additional fee on our state’s citizens. However, a dealer would still do the background check at time of purchase, even if the buyer does have a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Although this bill did not pass this year, we plan to work for its passage again next session.

Sen. Delbert Scott passed Senate Bill 919 that cleans up the language in Missouri Statute that allows the city council of any third class city to prohibit and punish the carrying of a concealed deadly weapon. It was my privilege to present this bill on the House floor and work for its approval. The governor signed this bill. The effective date is August 28, at which time, a person with a conceal carry permit may legally conceal a handgun in a third class city. This will not permit someone who does not have a conceal carry permit to carry a gun.

Even though it is often a slow process to change laws, I am committed to preserving your constitutional right to keep and bear arms.

If you would like to be added to my e-mail newsletter list or know anyone who would like to receive this yearly End of Session Report about Second Amendment issues, please call, write or e-mail me with your name and address.

Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to represent you at the capitol. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Rex Rector