SB 971 - This act creates and modifies provisions relating to firearms. ASSAULT WEAPONS (Section 571.023) This act provides that no person, corporation, or other entity in Missouri shall manufacture, import, possess, purchase, sell, or transfer any assault weapon or large capacity magazine as defined in the act. Any person in violation of this act shall be guilty of a class C felony. This act shall not apply to government entities or agents, law enforcement officers, manufacturers selling to government entities, properly licensed firearms dealers, and any person legally in possession of an assault weapon or large capacity magazine prior to the effective date of this act. This provision is identical a provision in SB 330 (2023) and HB 1533 (2020). UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM (Section 571.070 & 571.080) This act provides that any person committed to a mental institution at 16 years of age or older is prohibited from possessing a firearm unless he or she petitions the court to remove the disqualification pursuant to current law. Additionally, this act provides that for firearm purchasers under the age of 21, a background check is required to determine whether the individual has a juvenile record that would disqualify him or her from purchasing firearms, pursuant to federal law. This provision is identical to a provision in SB 330 (2023). MARY GRACE PRINGLE