Missouri broadly preempts local firearm regulation under RSMo 21.750, reserving most gun-related legislation to the state legislature and barring city or county ordinances on possession, transport, or registration.
RSMo 21.750 declares that the General Assembly occupies the whole field of firearm regulation, prohibiting any political subdivision from adopting orders, ordinances, or regulations on firearms, components, ammunition, or firearm accessories. Limited carve-outs allow localities to regulate open carry of firearms (with an exception for valid concealed carry permit holders) and discharge of firearms within municipal limits. The statute also forbids local enforcement of federal firearms laws that conflict with Missouri law and was strengthened by the 2021 Second Amendment Preservation Act, though portions of that act have been challenged in federal court. Cities and counties cannot impose waiting periods, registration schemes, assault weapon bans, or magazine capacity limits.
Local ordinances that conflict with RSMo 21.750 are unenforceable. Persons aggrieved by an unlawful local firearm ordinance may bring civil action and recover attorney fees and costs.
See how Gladstone's local firearms preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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