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Bill

HB 2631

Creates the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marty Murray

Makes it illegal for under-18s to knowingly possess a handgun or handgun ammunition, with specific guardian-consented exemptions for certain activities.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#childrenandminors #crimesandpunishment #firearms
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2631

Summary of HB 2631 (2026) — Missouri

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a new offense: unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor.
  • Creates a specific prohibition for any person under 18 who knowingly possesses a handgun or ammunition suitable only for a handgun.
  • Provides defined exemptions and clarifications to balance enforcement with certain legitimate activities (employment, farming/ranching, target practice, hunting, training, etc.).

Key provisions and changes

  • New offense (571.068):
    • A person under 18 commits the offense if they knowingly possess a handgun or ammunition suitable only for a handgun.
    • Classifies the offense as a Class A misdemeanor.
  • Exemptions (when the offense does not apply):
    • Temporary transfer or possession/use of a handgun or ammunition by a person under 18, if:
    • The transfer/possession occurs with prior written consent from a parent or guardian who is legally allowed to possess a firearm,
    • The minor transports the handgun unloaded and in a locked container directly from the transfer location to the activity site.
    • Activities allowed include employment, ranching/farming at residence or on farming/ranching property (with permission of owner/lessee), or during target practice, hunting, or safe/lawful handgun instruction.
    • Additional exemptions:
    • Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard in the line of duty.
    • Inheritance of a handgun or ammunition.
    • Possession taken to defend oneself or others against an intruder in a residence or a visitor-occupied residence.
  • Definitions:
    • “Handgun” means a firearm with a short stock designed to be held and fired with one hand; antiques are excluded.
  • Subsequent penalties and provisions (571.095):
    • Courts may, in felony cases involving firearms, order confiscation and disposition of firearms/ammunition used or found in the defendant’s possession at arrest (additional to penalties for the felony).
    • If a minor possesses a handgun/ammunition in violation of 571.068 and later the possession becomes unlawful due to the minor’s conduct, the item shall be returned to the lawful owner once it is no longer needed for investigation or prosecution.
    • Proceeds from any sale or trade of seized firearms/ammunition belong to the police department or sheriff’s department handling the case; if ownership is known and not a participant in the crime, items may be returned to the rightful owner. Any proceeds are deposited into the relevant county or municipal revolving fund.

Who and what is affected

  • Affected individuals: Minors under 18 who possess handguns or handgun-specific ammunition.
  • Potentially affected activities: Minor involvement in work-related tasks, farming/ranching activities, hunting, target shooting, safety training, and supervised use with parental/guardian consent.
  • Law enforcement and courts: Responsible for enforcing the new offense, handling confiscation/disposition of firearms and ammunition, and managing proceeds from any sale or trade as described.
  • Property owners/lessees and guardians: May need to provide prior written consent and ensure storage/transport requirements (unloaded, locked container) are followed when minors handle firearms in permitted contexts.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status and history: Introduced in 2026, referred to Emerging Issues (H) for consideration; prior readings in early 2026; prefilled in late 2025.
  • Effective date: Not specified in the text provided; typically, if enacted, would include an effective date set in the final bill.
  • Relationship to prior bills: Similar to HB 695 (2025) and SB 34 (2025), indicating a continued effort to address unlawful firearm possession by minors.

Practical considerations

  • The bill aims to criminalize under-18 possession of handguns while preserving practical allowances for guardians, military, inheritance, and defensive circumstances.
  • The exemptions rely on parental/guardian consent and specific handling requirements (unloaded, locked container) to mitigate risk during permitted activities.
  • The provision on confiscation and proceeds aligns enforcement with accountability for law enforcement agencies and ensures established handling of seized firearms/ammunition.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to the prior similar proposals (HB 695 and SB 34) to outline similarities and differences, or provide a plain-language FAQ for stakeholders.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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