The Missouri House just sent a clear message: gun rights shouldn’t stop at the bus stop.
In a 106-45 vote on Thursday, lawmakers passed House Bill 328, a measure that would legalize concealed carry on public transit and lower the minimum age for a concealed carry permit from 19 to 18. The bill now heads to the Missouri Senate for consideration.
Currently, even Missourians with valid concealed carry permits are barred from bringing firearms onto public transportation. But that could soon change if HB 328 becomes law.
“It’s about time that we allow those people who use public transportation to exercise the same rights as everyone else in our state,” said Rep. Tim Taylor (R-Bunceton), the bill’s sponsor. For many gun rights advocates, the current law forces permit holders to disarm just because they choose to ride the bus or train.
Opposition to the bill was sharp, with critics arguing that expanding where guns can legally go won’t improve public safety.
“More access to guns does nothing to improve public safety,” claimed Rep. Yolanda Young (D-Kansas City).
House Minority Leader Ashley Aune (D-Kansas City) also criticized the measure, especially the portion lowering the permit age to 18.
“That means high school kids could legally carry concealed weapons,” she said. “What could go wrong with that?”
But under current Missouri law, 18-year-olds serving in the military can already obtain a concealed carry permit. This bill would expand that access to all 18-year-olds, not just those in uniform.
Supporters argue that if an 18-year-old is legally an adult and can vote, sign contracts, and serve in the armed forces, they should also be trusted to carry concealed—especially in environments like public transit where law enforcement may not be readily available.
As the bill moves to the Senate, it’s expected to generate even more debate over where the line should be drawn between public safety and Second Amendment rights.
Let us know in the comments: Should concealed carry be legal on public transit? And should 18-year-olds have full access to permits?
RE: “As the bill moves to the Senate, it’s expected to generate even more debate over where the line should be drawn between public safety and Second Amendment.”
Past time to establish by law an uncrossable mile wide margin between the Rooted in Freedom Second Amendment and Gun Control an agenda Rooted in Racism and Genocide.
The criminal misuse of bricks, bats, firearms, knives, vehicles, etc. is a stand alone issue.
Well……what does the Constitution say????
Over a century late and hopefully only a decade early for that argument.
I testified on this bill 10 years ago at the Missouri L:egislature.
Progress, slow, but progress.
Damn now all them gangsters riding busses are going to have a gun.
Not good.
Signs prevent catastrophe.
Wear a mask.,,,,,, unless your a bad guy.
The gangsters ALREAY HAVE guns, because gangsters are notoriously bad at following the law. This may even the odds a little, because the gangsters will no longer have guaranteed-harmless victims.
“It’s about time that we allow those people who use public transportation to exercise the same rights as everyone else in our state,” said Rep. Tim Taylor (R-Bunceton)
How very charitable that Missouri’s Ruling Class is thinking about ALLOWING people to exercise their rights.
They need to make it law that every US citizen must carry a firearm, this evens the playing ground everywhere. Chicken____ criminals and bangers will just keep their head down then.
I am old enough to remember when progressives scolded us to allow the voting age to be lowered to 18. If they demand the age of majority to be 18, then it is all or nothing.
Yes, to both.