Gun Violence Debate This Week at Missouri Capitol

(Jefferson City) Efforts to reduce gun violence in Missouri were on the minds of both Senate Republicans and House Democrats Tuesday at the state capitol in Jefferson City.

Three Republican senators proposed bills that aim to modify or increase penalties for crimes related to gun use during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

On the same day, House Democrats highlighted several bills to address firearm violence.

Senate Bill 562 and 601 aim to increase or modify punishments for armed criminal actions.

Senate Bill 538 modifies penalties related to unlawful possession of a firearm.

Among the Republican bills, Senate Bill 601 would increase minimum sentences with crimes committed with a deadly weapon, among other measures.

Senate Republican Tony Luetkemeyer says the bill is aimed at reducing the release of violent offenders on parole.

House Minority Leader democrat CrystalQuade didn’t comment on the specific Senate bills but she says tougher criminal penalties is not something Democrats would support.

Some of the legislation Democrats discussed included House Bill 1260 which would prohibit certain people like those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence from possessing a gun.

That would conform to federal law.