JEFFERSON CITY — Senator Brian Nieves, R-Washington, would like to alert his constituents about a measure that is slated for consideration in the Senate General Laws Committee, of which the senator is chair. The bill of discussion is SB 150, which addresses the possession of firearms in Missouri. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 3:00 p.m. in Senate Committee Room 1 (located on the first floor of the Capitol). The matter of Missourians’ Second Amendment rights is a primary topic of discussion in the Missouri Legislature, following the federal government’s actions to help prevent gun violence in the country.

Specifically, SB 150 would declare as unenforceable any federal law or executive order that is more restrictive than the law in effect on Dec. 31, 2012, which bans the possession of a semiautomatic firearm or any ammunition feeding device or requires the registration of any firearm, ammunition feeding device, or firearm accessory. In addition, SB 150 would make it a crime for certain individuals to enforce a law declared unenforceable by this act when the firearm, ammunition feeding device, or accessory at issue is manufactured in the state (or possessed in the state) and remains exclusively in the state.

“Many citizens are concerned about their right to keep and bear arms, and now is the time to sit down and have a conversation as to how we can keep our constitutional rights intact, while ensuring citizens of the Show-Me State are protected,” Sen. Nieves said. “Missourians are concerned about their loved ones’ safety after numerous shootings across the country, notably the horrific tragedy in Connecticut. As chair of the General Laws Committee, I welcome all testimony on the bill — the hearing is, of course, open to the public — and look forward to discussing this important matter.”

To follow the Missouri Senate’s hearing schedule, visit the Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov and click on the “Senate” link under the “Hearings” tab on the right-hand side of the page.