House Speaker Tim Jones Says Missouri House Will Act Quickly to Preserve Second Amendment Rights and Privacy of Missourians

House Speaker Tim Jones said today that the Missouri House of Representatives will act quickly to address concerns that the Missouri Department of Revenue is violating the privacy and Second Amendment rights of Missourians.

He plans to fast track legislation sponsored by state Rep. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, that would eliminate concealed carry endorsements and replace them with concealed carry permits. Specifically, it would allow the sheriff in each county to issue permits to Missourians with a certificate of qualification for a concealed carry endorsement or a driver's or non-driver's license with a concealed carry endorsement. Jones said the change would ensure Missourians are able to receive their concealed carry permits without fear their information is being shared with out-of-state parties.

“The ongoing legal challenge against the department’s current practices has caused many Missourians to have concerns that their private information is being shared without their consent. We must act quickly to restore the public’s trust and to safeguard their ability to obtain a concealed carry permit without having their right to privacy violated,” said Jones, R-Eureka, who also said he plans to refer Brattin’s legislation to committee when the legislature returns from its annual Spring Break on Monday, Mar. 25.

Jones and the members of the Missouri General Assembly made the issue a priority following a lawsuit filed by a Stoddard County man who objected to new requirements put in place by the revenue department. Eric Griffin was informed by his local fee office that the new requirements necessitated that his personal information be scanned in order to add his concealed carry endorsement to his license. Griffin refused saying he should not be forced to have documents scanned that could jeopardize the privacy of his personal information. At present, Stoddard County Judge Robert Mayer has issued a 10-day restraining order preventing the fee office from issuing concealed carry endorsements.

Jones said his goal is to find a legislative solution that will prevent any interruption in services that would prevent Missourians from obtaining or renewing an endorsement, while also making certain the personal information of all residents is protected and private. He said he will continue to work with his colleagues to explore all options for a legislative fix for an issue he said is a top priority for the second half of the legislative session.

Brattin’s legislation is HB 859.