Myth Busting SB656 and Open Carry Bill in MissouriBy Joel Fields, shopdefensor.comRecently, as in the Month of May 2016, many folks in the State of Missouri have been talking about SB 656, many folks also have labeled this Bill the "Open Carry" Bill, "Constitutional Carry Law," or the "Stand Your Ground Law." After reading countless Facebook and social media posts about SB 656 there are a lot of misinformation. So, I decided to call a Representative who voted on this Bill. I spoke with Missouri House Rep. Shane Roden ( R ) from the 111 District. Rep. Shane Roden is a big 2nd Amendment supporter, I asked him a few questions to bust the myths about SB 656. Myth 1: Will SB 656 allow felons to possess firearms? No! Fact: Felons would not be allowed to carry firearms. The Bill does not cancel out or delete the current law that restricts felons from owning, possession, or carrying a firearm.Myth 2: CCW Permits are going away! No! Fact: Rep. Roden stated, "No Way!" The current Bill actually gives CCW permit holders the option to have a 10 year, 25 year, and a lifetime permit. Wow! Now that's sounds like to me that they are keeping the CCW Permits!Myth 3: Open Carry anywhere! No! Fact: The provisions in the Bill actually allows folks to carry open or concealed in areas that have no restrictions with our possession a CCW permit. But, municipalities that have laws or ordinances which prohibit open carry or firearm possession in public in order to legally conceal or possess a firearm in public, one must have a CCW permit to legally carry.Myth 4: This Bill criminalizes firearm possession. Fact: Rep. Roden stated that the penalties for people who knowingly or purposefully carry a firearm into a police/sheriff's station, church, courthouse, or restricted areas without consent of the Chief Law Enforcement Officer, will be charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon (UUW) which is moved to a Class E Felony.Lastly, the Bill is enacting the "Stand Your Ground Clause." Currently Missouri is a retreat state. Meaning one has the obligation to flee or retreat from the area before they use their firearm in self-defense when not in their home or vehicle. However, with the "Stand Your Ground" provisions, if one has the right or reason to be in their location while in public and they are attacked, then they no longer have to retreat and the person can defend themselves where they stand. We hope this article clears up a lot of the rumors and weird things being said about this Bill, yes most people don't educate themselves and actually read the Bill, the legal language can be cumbersome. But, some folks are just lazy and just go by what they hear. This Bill is the step in the right direction for 2nd Amendment in Missouri. There's been talk the Governor will veto the Bill, however if that happens then it will have to go back to the legislature to an over-ride. So we may not see this Bill pass until September 2016.If you have questions or comments in regards to this Bill, please email me. Joel@defensortactical.com, I welcome your comments and questions. Thanks!Author: Joel Fields, President of Defensor Tactical, a certified NRA Instructor, Certified Law Enforcement Instructor, over 10 years in Law Enforcement, 13 years in the Military, and certified armor both civilian and law enforcement, with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice.
