In November, Missouri voters will have an opportunity to “obligate” the state to defend their right to keep and bear arms against all infringements.
Senate Joint Resolution 36 (SJR36), is a proposal for a State Constitutional amendment which passed its final legislative hurdle last week. If passed by the voters, it would affirm that “the right of every citizen to keep and bear arms in defense of his home, person, family and property, or when lawfully summoned in aid of the civil power, shall not be questioned. The rights guaranteed by this section shall be unalienable. The state of Missouri shall be obligated to uphold these rights and shall under no circumstances decline to protect against their infringement.” [emphasis added]
In addition, SJR36 removes language stating that the right to keep and bear arms did not justify the wearing of concealed weapons. Finally, the amendment provides that the rights guaranteed under this provision of the constitution are unalienable. The State of Missouri is obligated to uphold these rights and shall under no circumstances decline to protect against their infringement.
The proposed change to the state constitution works hand in hand with the re-filed 2nd Amendment Preservation Act that would essentially nullify all federal acts, orders, rules and regulations regarding the right to keep and bear arms within the state.
The 2nd Amendment Preservation Act, HB1439, was passed in the state house by a 110-36 margin and then an amended version was passed in the state senate by a 23-8 margin. The final wording of HB1439 now depends upon a joint conference consisting of both House and Senate members.
Commenting on the progress being made to nullify unconstitutional gun control in the Show Me State, Tenth Amendment Center national communications director Michael Maharrey said, “On the one hand, activists are working to support the 2nd Amendment Preservation Act, which is the most powerful legislation we’ve seen like this in the country. Adding a constitutional mandate for the state to defend the right to keep and bear arms just takes things to another level.”
This final section would constitutionalize an obligation for all branches of the state government to take positive action to protect the unalienable right to keep and bear arms. Not only would it restrain state officers from violating this basic right, it would also require the state to take steps to nullify federal infringements within the borders of the state.
ACTION ITEMS
In Missouri, take action to support the right to keep and bear arms HERE.
In other states, contact state legislators and urge them to introduce and support the 2nd Amendment Preservation Act HERE.