http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/16685366.htm

Senators consider gun law changes

By TIM HOOVER

13 Feb 2007

Under current Missouri law, the homeowner would be a criminal, too, for shooting the intruder.

That was the scenario offered by gun-rights supporters Monday night in a Senate committee hearing on a bill that would make it easier for homeowners to use deadly force.

The Judiciary Committee on Monday heard a slew of gun-related bills, most of them supported by gun-rights advocates. No opponents testified.

Two bills, sponsored by Sens. Chuck Purgason of Caulfield and Jack Goodman of Mount Vernon, both Republicans, would eliminate what supporters said is the current legal duty in some instances to retreat from intruders.

Similar bills have been proposed in Missouri but failed.

Critics say the laws would give a green light to using deadly force on the shakiest of premises.

Nonsense, gun-rights supporters said Monday.

“Every time we try to pass something like this, we’re told massacres are going to occur,” said Kevin Jamison, a Gladstone lawyer who is a member of the Western Missouri Shooters Alliance.

Another bill, also sponsored by Purgason, would eliminate the requirement of a permit to acquire a handgun. Under current law, anyone wanting to buy a handgun must submit an application to the local sheriff, who conducts a background check.

This permit is different than the one required to carry a concealed weapon.

Other bills considered Monday night would:

•Make it a crime to negligently store a firearm.

•Limit the ability of cities to regulate the open carrying of guns or of discharging firearms within cities.

•Outlaw stun guns for civilian use.