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HJR 158

Proposes a constitutional amendment relating to firearms

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Woods

HJR 158 seeks to amend the Missouri Constitution to address firearm rights and regulation, potentially expanding or clarifying gun ownership and limits, to be decided by voters.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#constitutionalamendments #firearms #politicalsubdivisions
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Bill Summary · HJR 158

Overview

House Joint Resolution (HJR) 158 from the 2026 Missouri session proposes a constitutional amendment relating to firearms. As a joint resolution, it is a proposed change to the Missouri Constitution that would require approval by both chambers and ratification by voters. The bill has a co-sponsor (Eric Woods) and progressed through initial committee referral and floor readings in early 2026.

Purpose and intent

  • The primary aim is to amend the Missouri Constitution to address firearms in some manner. The exact constitutional language is not provided in the summary, but the designation as a “constitutional amendment relating to firearms” indicates it would modify foundational protections, allowances, or regulations governing firearms within the state.
  • As a joint resolution, it is designed to be placed on the ballot for statewide voter consideration pending legislative approval.

Key provisions and changes (as typically associated with firearm-related constitutional amendments)

Note: The precise text of HJR 158 is not included in the summary. The following outline reflects common elements seen in Missouri firearm-related constitutional amendments and what readers should verify in the bill text:

  • Scope of the amendment: Whether it addresses individual gun ownership rights, hunting rights, self-defense, carrying in public, or regulatory powers of state/local governments.
  • Protections or limitations:
    • Potential delineation of a right to keep and bear arms, possibly including qualifiers or limits (e.g., permitting requirements, prohibitions for certain classes of people, or restrictions in certain places).
    • Possible constraints on state or local government restrictions, bans, or regulatory schemes.
  • Enforcement and remedies: How rights are protected and what remedies exist for violations or enforcement challenges.
  • Exceptions and regulations: Any specified exceptions (e.g., for background checks, concealed carry, or prohibitions in sensitive places) or allowances for regulation consistent with the amendment.
  • Relationship to existing law: How the amendment interacts with current state statutes and case law, and whether it supersedes or complements existing constitutional or statutory provisions.

Because the exact text is not provided, readers should consult the bill’s full language or fiscal note for precise provisions.

Who or what would be affected

  • Individuals: If the amendment enshrines a broader firearm right, individuals’ rights to possess, carry, or use firearms could be affected.
  • Government entities: State and local governments could face new constitutional constraints on enacting or enforcing gun restrictions, permits, or bans.
  • Lawmakers and law enforcement: Legislative and enforcement authorities would operate under clarified constitutional parameters for firearm regulation and enforcement.
  • Public spaces and activities: Depending on the final language, rights related to carrying firearms in public, at events, or on property may be impacted.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Prefiled: The measure was introduced prior to the 2026 session (January 6, 2026).
  • Read First Time: January 7, 2026.
  • Read Second Time: January 8, 2026.
  • Referred: Emerging Issues (H) on May 15, 2026.
  • Next steps: If advanced, the bill would typically need passage by both the Missouri House and Senate, followed by submission to voters in a statewide referendum. Voter approval would be required to enact the constitutional amendment.

Practical considerations for readers

  • Since HJR 158 is a constitutional amendment proposal, passage hinges on voter ratification in a statewide election, not just legislative approval.
  • The exact rights, limitations, and regulatory framework would be defined in the constitutional text proposed by the amendment; readers should review the full language to understand concrete changes.
  • Stakeholders (gun owners, advocacy groups, law enforcement, and policymakers) will want to examine how the amendment interacts with existing statutes (e.g., concealed carry, background checks) and anticipated enforcement implications.

For a precise understanding, consult the bill’s official text, fiscal impact statement, and committee analyses as they become available.

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

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