SS/HS/HCS/HBs 349, 120, 136, & 328 - This act changes various provisions relating to the carrying of concealed weapons. This act allows fees to be collected from weapons licensing and be deposited into a separate interest-bearing fund known as the "County Sheriff's Revolving Fund". The Fund is to be expended at the sheriff's direction and spending does not require county approval. The fund may be audited by the state auditor's office. The fund may accumulate from year to year.

Section 571.094 sets out the requirements to obtain a certificate of qualification for an endorsement to carry a concealed firearm. The endorsements are issued by the county sheriff and are valid for a period of three years from the date of issuance or renewal.

This act sets out the application and the requirements to obtain a endorsement. A person obtaining a endorsement must meet certain age, residency and background requirements. In addition, the applicant must provide an affirmation that he or she has received firearm safety training. The application must contain a conspicuous warning that false statements by the applicant will be prosecuted for perjury and must be in writing, signed under oath and states the applicant complies with each requirement. In addition to the application, the applicant must also submit a photograph, proof of firearm safety completion and the fee.

The sheriff may deny an application if he or she has a reasonable belief, supported by documentation in public records, that the applicant may cause harm to self or others. The sheriff is required to either approve or deny the application within thirty days of submission. The sheriff may deny an application if any of the requirements are not met or if there is substantial and demonstrable reason to believe the applicant made a false statement. The sheriff is required to give written notice that the application has been denied, stating the grounds of the refusal. After the second denial of an endorsement by a sheriff is issued, the applicant shall appeal the denial pursuant to the appeals process in this section.

If the application is approved, the sheriff will issue a certificate of qualification for a concealed carry endorsement within three days. The applicant may take the certificate of qualification to the Department of Revenue and the Department shall issue a concealed carry endorsement on the applicant's driver's license or nondriver's license upon the applicant's request. The sheriff will report the issuance of the endorsement to the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES). The information is not public information and is considered personal protected information. Information regarding endorsement holders is only accessible to law enforcement officials.

An endorsement could be suspended or revoked if the endorsement holder becomes ineligible under this section. The person can renew the endorsement by completing a renewal application and paying the fee.

An endorsement authorizes the person to carry a concealed firearm throughout the state with the exception of certain places. Carrying a concealed weapon to the above places is not a criminal act, but a person can be denied access to the premises. If a person refuses to leave, a citation may be issued.

An applicant must demonstrate knowledge of firearm safety training by submitting documentation. The act sets out requirements for the safety instruction and for the qualification of the safety instructors.

If a sheriff refuses to issue or act on an application, the applicant may appeal.
SARAH MORROW