It's a gorgeous, sunny day at our Capitol! and Missouri @momsdemand.bsky.social volunteers are arriving for a Senate hearing on SB77, a dangerous bill that which would force guns onto public transportation. We're here to urge the committee to prioritize our safety and oppose this bill. #moleg
As the hearing got underway, we learned that both the Democrats who serve on this committee are out with the flu. While the committee will go forward with hearings today, they skipped over executive session--and so there was no vote on SB23, 2nd Amendment Preservation Act--heard last Monday. #moleg While we await the bill we're here today to oppose, we hear Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern's bill, SB92, a bipartisan measure to prepare local police agencies to collaborate and request assistance from neighboring agencies. MO police chiefs spokesman testifies first in support, in advance of the World Cup.⚽ Sen. Schnelting (who represents exurban St. Charles County) is next to present his bill to allow hidden, loaded guns in public transit, SB77. He says his bill is a crime deterrent because criminals will think twice. He has presented this bill for a total of 9 years. #moleg
In support of the bill, Susan Meyers, a lobbyist for gun lobby groups for women, who speaks at all such hearings. She says "gun free zones" are a top priority for women. The 2nd Amendment should not be tested, she says, describing the "exasperating fact" that rules prevent carrying of hidden guns. Testifying for the Western MO Shooters Alliance, William Bland, says that CCW permit holders aren't the problem. A resident of Liberty, MO, he claims he hears that passengers are alarmed by those carrying hidden loaded guns. He did not say he takes public transit or has talked with anyone directly. Another speaker from the same organization says that he has also heard from organizations that "hate this" bill, which he correctly says has been around a "long time." He cites the huge numbers of guns sold nationally and in Missouri as evidence that people want to own guns. #moleg He goes on to describe "ladies" who take buses in KC, where he says the homeless are an issue, where women don't know "who or what" is riding the buses with them. hoo boy. The chair is taking only testimony now from those in support of this bill. Next, is Mark Buckner from Jefferson County, on behalf of his local gun club. He says "they use guns" (not sure who he's referring to) on buses whether it's legal or not. #moleg First to speak in opposition of SB 77 are the head of security and the spokesperson for STL's Metro Link. He outlines the measures in place and those that may need to be added--on the advice of local law enforcement partners--that are really needed to keep riders safe. #Moleg They are spending millions of dollars to improve video coverage of all their stations and buses/trains, says Chief Kevin Scott. (He is former chief for Ballwin, Mo, and currently the head of security.) Scott expresses further concern: attention needs to be on low level of requirements in CCW process Next, the KC-area and Springfield-area transit spokesperson speaks briefly in opposition. Especially given the upcoming influx of people for the World Cup. The representative of the Missouri Public Transit Association, including an additional 30 locations, in opposition. Missouri @momsdemand.bsky.social testimony--the last group to appear in opposition to SB 77--to force hidden, loaded guns onto public transportation. Rather than taking steps to address the gun violence crisis we’re facing, this bill will simply weaken our gun laws and undermine our safety. #moleg Because I had the opportunity to testify on behalf of Moms Demand--an organization that rigorously advocates ONLY for safety measures that are supported by evidence--I wanted say upfront: There is no evidence to support the notion that flooding sensitive spaces with guns will reduce gun violence. I was glad for the opportunity to speak also because before my husband and I relocated to Missouri to work and raise our family we commuted on buses and trains. Unlike ANYONE else who testified, as I recall. (No one who uses buses/trains ever comes to these hearings asking for these bills.) I know firsthand that buses and trains are crowded, complex spaces. And I now have kids in college–one who takes commuter trains. So speaking as a former commuter and as a mom, I said, we all should have the right to be safe from firearms while we’re just trying to get to work or school. #moleg And we should be able to ride buses and trains without fear of an untrained, armed rider endangering the safety of everyone on the bus or train car. Allowing guns in these spaces simply undermines the safety of everyone. #moleg Time was short and I wasn't able to say: I believe the sponsor of SB77 wants to save lives–I do too. But this bill will have the opposite effect. (That said: I saw something at the witness table I've never seen in my years testifying: bill sponsor scrolled his phone thru most of my testimony.) Finally, gun violence is preventable. Our @momsdemand.bsky.social message to #moleg: lawmakers should stand up for communities across Missouri and commit themselves to advocating for policies that will truly address the gun violence crisis in our state rather than advancing measures like SB77.
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