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Bill

HJR 116

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing that federal authority to regulate the manufacture, possession, sale, or use of firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition in this state is not recognized by this state.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Ben Bumgarner and 4 co-sponsors

HJR 116 would amend Missouri's constitution to reject federal authority over firearms, accessories, and ammo, risking preemption disputes and triggering a statewide referendum.

Referred to State Affairs
#resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661) #weapons(i0887)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJR 116

Summary of HJR 116 (Missouri-style formatting assumed for example)

Purpose and intent

  • HJR 116 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that would declare that federal authority to regulate the manufacture, possession, sale, or use of firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition within the state is not recognized by this state.
  • In substance, the measure seeks to affirm state sovereignty over gun regulation by rejecting federal regulatory authority in the identified areas.

Key provisions

  • Constitutional amendment: The core text would insert a constitutional provision stating that federal authority to regulate firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition is not recognized by the state.
  • Scope: Applies to manufacture, possession, sale, or use of firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition within the state.
  • Text specifics: The exact wording and operative language would be in the bill’s text; the summary here reflects the bill’s stated purpose rather than its verbatim language.

Affected parties and impact

  • Residents and businesses within the state who deal with firearms, firearm components, and ammunition (manufacturers, retailers, buyers, collectors, and users).
  • State and local law enforcement and other state government agencies responsible for enforcing state gun laws.
  • Federal authorities (e.g., federal regulators and agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) whose regulatory authority over firearms could be implicated.
  • Potential legal environment: If enacted, the measure could set up conflicts between state law and federal firearms regulations, potentially leading to preemption disputes, litigation, or challenges in court.

Procedural status and timeline

  • Introduced: January 16, 2025.
  • Classification: Joint resolution (i.e., a proposed constitutional amendment).
  • Current status: Referred to State Affairs.
  • Legislative actions to date:
    • 2025-01-16: Filed
    • 2025-03-17: Read first time
    • 2025-03-17: Referred to State Affairs
  • Next steps (typical for a constitutional amendment): If advanced, the resolution would generally need to pass both chambers of the legislature and then be approved by voters in a statewide referendum, per the state constitution’s amendment process. The specific steps and timelines would be defined in the bill and accompanying rules.

Notes

  • The information here reflects the bill’s introduced form and stated purpose. The exact operative language, boundary conditions, exemptions, and procedural requirements (e.g., timelines, thresholds for passage) would be found in the full bill text.

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

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