In the wake of the mass shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, Missouri lawmakers will have competing gun proposals when they convene next month for the 2013 regular session. They include one that would require background checks for anyone who buys a firearm at gun shows.
Democratic House Member Stacey Newman of St. Louis plans to file the measure during the first few days of session. She says gun shows are an easy source for anyone looking to buy assault weapons: “The majority of assault weapons that have been used in some of these horrendous, uh, particularly school shootings, are purchased through gun shows…it is legal to not have those background checks.”
And Newman says her proposal would close the so-called “gun show loophole” in Missouri: “Right now, federal background checks are only done through licensed dealers…because of that, that exempts gun shows where people can purchase unlimited amounts of weapons, including assault weapons.”
Newman says her proposed bill would also require background checks for firearm purchases made through the Internet.
House Republicans are backing a proposal to allow teachers to carry guns at school if they already have a conceal-carry permit. Missouri’s 2013 legislative session begins January 9th.