Missouri Lawmakers Pass Bill Making It Legal To Give Guns To Kids Without Permission From Parents
While many Americans, activists and some lawmakers have been fighting for stricter gun laws, Missouri lawmakers on Tuesday advanced a bill that would make it legal to give guns to children without their parents’ permission!
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As many are aware, it is currently a misdemeanor crime to “recklessly” give a child a gun without their parents’ permission. However, the state House voted to toss out that existing law and only make it a felony to give firearms to minors if the intent is to avoid arrest or criminal investigation, The Hill reports. The news site notes that Republicans reportedly decided to target the law so grandparents or other family members would not be hit with charges for taking kids shooting or hunting without permission.
The bill comes after Gov. Mike Parson (R) called lawmakers back for a session on crime and asked the legislature to penalize criminals who unlawfully use firearms, then recklessly pass them off on children to avoid detection. However, the legislation turned out to be the exact opposite of what Parson called for. Democrats are also arguing that the bill takes control away from parents, AP noted. “We’re making it easier for people to let kids play with guns without the consent of parents,” state Rep. Peter Merideth (D) said.
Merideth tried to push for an amendment to the bill that would still make it a misdemeanor for giving guns to children without permission, but unfortunately, his amendment was shot down 94-41, according to The Hill.
To move forward, the bill will need another vote of approval before it is sent to the state Senate for consideration.
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