Modifies provisions relating to additional protections to bear arms

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Costlow and 2 co-sponsors

Missouri’s Second Amendment Preservation Act aims to shield law-abiding citizens’ gun rights by limiting state enforcement of federal gun actions and allowing civil remedies for vi

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

#federal-staterelations #firearms

Overview

House Bill 2660 (Missouri, 2026) proposes the "Second Amendment Preservation Act," replacing an existing set of provisions with a new framework that asserts state authority over firearms rights and limits state enforcement of federal gun-related actions. The measure emphasizes constitutional arguments about federalism, promotes protections for law-abiding gun owners, and creates specific duties and remedies related to violations of firearms rights by public officials or law enforcement.

Purpose and intent

Establish the Second Amendment Preservation Act to defend and preserve the right to keep and bear arms for law-abiding citizens.

Reaffirm Missouri’s stance on limiting federal incursions into firearm ownership and use within the state, while allowing collaboration with federal authorities in certain contexts.

Promote responsible gun ownership, parental supervision, prompt reporting of stolen firearms, and enforcement of state gun laws.

Key provisions and changes

Declares the General Assembly’s findings supporting a robust defense of gun rights and a rejection of unlawful federal actions that constrain those rights (Section 1.411).

Prohibits public officers or state/political subdivision employees from knowingly violating a law-abiding citizen’s firearm rights, while permitting collaboration with federal authorities or participation in federal task forces (Sections 1.451 and 1.484).

Requires investigations and potential discipline (up to termination) for law enforcement officers who knowingly deprive a law-abiding citizen of gun rights while acting under color of state or federal law (Section 1.461).

Expands the definition of “law-abiding citizen” to include criteria such as age (18+), no active criminal investigation or charge with probable cause, no danger to self/others, no state law preclusion, and legal presence in the U.S. and Missouri (Section 1.481).

Allows injunctive relief and civil penalties for violations, including a civil penalty of $50,000 per employee for officers who enforce or aid in enforcing gun-rights infringements identified in the act (Sections 1.460, 1.470).

Establishes standing and procedural timelines for such actions, including expedited hearings for temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions (Sections 1.460, 1.470).

Clarifies that providing material aid to federal authorities is not a violation in certain circumstances, and defines “material aid and support” (Section 1.484).

Repeals and replaces prior sections governing similar topics with five new sections: 1.411, 1.451, 1.461, 1.481, and 1.484 (Intro and structure in Section 1.411).

Affected parties

Public officers, state employees, and political subdivisions in Missouri.

Law enforcement agencies and individual officers within Missouri.

Private individuals who claim violations of gun-rights protections.

Federal authorities may continue to interact with Missouri officials in limited, defined contexts.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill includes provisions for swift court action, temporary restraining orders, and expedited injunctive relief within 30 days of petition service (Sections 1.460, 1.470).

Applies to offenses occurring on or after August 28, 2021 (Section 1.484).

Repeals existing sections and creates new ones to govern enforcement and remedies (overall structure in Section 1.411).

Note: As introduced, the bill emphasizes a constitutional framework and civil remedies related to gun-rights enforcement, with a strong stance on limiting federal overreach in this area.