Individuals must complete required steps to carry concealed weapons

By TERESA RESSEL\Daily Journal Staff Writer

Even with the new law in effect, individuals cannot carry a concealed weapon until they complete the necessary legal steps.

To be allowed to conceal a weapon, Missourians must obtain a concealed gun permit through their local sheriff's department.

Sheriff Dan Bullock said they should be ready to begin accepting applications Monday morning.

Individuals will need to complete eight hours of firearms training from a certified instructor before they can be considered for a permit. Missourians must be 23 years old or older.

The sheriff's department will conduct a state and federal background check on individuals. Bullock said they will charge applicants $100 -- $65 of which goes toward the state and federal background check and $35 which goes toward administrative fees.

The background check can take up to 45 days.

"It takes a little time," he said. "There shouldn't be anyone carrying one today or tomorrow."

While they can't carry a weapon now, individuals can conceal a weapon in their vehicles. The law entitles Missourians age 21 and older to conceal guns in their vehicles without the need of a permit.

Bullock said as long as the weapon is a legal firearm and the person is over 21, the weapon can be concealed in the vehicle -- whether it's the backseat, frontseat or glove box.

This part of the law was untouched by the recent ruling.

The Missouri Supreme Court upheld the constitutional right of Missourians to carry guns but at the same time ruled Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Greene and Camden counties did not have to issue permits.

Opponents in these four counties had argued the law's fee structure violated the Hancock Amendment because it prohibited sheriffs from using the fees to pay for the required applicant background checks or for the personnel needed to administer the law.

Legislators, in anticipation of more lawsuits, are drafting a new bill which would fix the fee structure.

The section of the law that permits concealed weapons in a vehicle is unaffected because individuals do not need a permit for this.

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