Friday, April 13, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Signs Bill Protecting Missourians’ Right to Bear Arms
JEFFERSON CITY– Gov. Matt Blunt today attended the National Rifle Association’s annual conference opening session where he signed legislation securing Missourians’ right to bear arms during an emergency. The new law reflects the call for action Blunt made in his State of the State Address.
“I am very pleased to sign legislation approved by Missouri’s legislature to ensure that every single Missourian can keep their firearm during times of emergency,” Gov. Blunt said. “This important legislation guarantees that law abiding citizens’ freedom to bear arms will not be taken away, especially during an emergency. I applaud the Senate and House, and the bill’s sponsor, Senator Engler, for passing this important legislation.”
“I’d like to thank Governor Blunt for signing SB 257 into law. This is a vital common sense, self defense measure that ensures that law abiding Missourians will be able to defend themselves and their loved ones during an emergency. When there is a breakdown in emergency services and law enforcement is involved in vital search and rescue missions, law abiding people need an effective means of self defense from looters and other criminals. Thanks to Governor Blunt for championing freedom and law and order, again,” said Chris Cox, executive director for NRA Institute for Legislative Action.
“This makes sure what happened in New Orleans will never happen here,” the bill’s sponsor Sen. Kevin Engler said. “Missouri is vulnerable to earthquakes, tornadoes and floods, and now Missourians will not have to fear losing their 2nd Amendment Rights when they need them most to protect their families and homes.”
“Missourians deserve the right to protect their families during the aftermath of natural disasters,” Senate President Pro Tem Michael Gibbons said. “This simply protects their right to do that.”
“It was an honor to handle this legislation in the House, and I was very pleased to have great bi-partisan support,” Rep. David Pearce said. “This law is a common sense protection of a constitutional right, but we wanted to make sure that protection exists so that what happened in New Orleans will never happen in Missouri.”
Senate Bill 257 states that Missouri, any political subdivision, or any person shall not prohibit or restrict the lawful possession, transfer, sale, transportation, storage, display or use of firearms during an emergency.
The bill goes into effect August 28, 2007.