Requires a firearm owner to report lost or stolen firearms
Summary
HB2493 would create a new reporting requirement in Missouri law for firearm owners who discover that a gun has been lost or stolen. The bill requires the owner to notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency or county sheriff within 72 hours of discovering the loss or theft, and it directs that agency to enter the firearm’s make, model, and serial number into the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES).
The bill also establishes penalties for failing to report a lost or stolen firearm. A first violation would be an infraction punishable by a fine of up to $100, a second violation by a fine of up to $400, and a third or subsequent violation by a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500. In effect, the bill adds a new compliance obligation for gun owners and a corresponding enforcement mechanism for law enforcement.
Impact
HB2493 would add section 571.065 to Chapter 571 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, expanding state firearms regulation by imposing a mandatory lost-or-stolen gun reporting duty. It would affect firearm owners statewide, local police departments, sheriff’s offices, and the MULES database by requiring prompt reporting and record entry of identifying firearm information. The bill creates new civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance, which could be enforced as infractions or misdemeanors depending on the number of violations.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available legislative context, the measure appears to be a straightforward public-safety and law-enforcement proposal with no recorded committee debate or vote history in the provided materials. The caption and language suggest an intent to help trace firearms and reduce misuse of lost or stolen guns. Because there are no transcripts or votes included, there is no documented support or opposition to characterize beyond the bill’s apparent policy purpose.
Contention
The main point of contention likely centers on whether the state should impose a mandatory reporting deadline and penalties on firearm owners. Supporters would likely view the requirement as a tool for crime prevention, gun tracing, and faster police response when firearms are stolen. Opponents could argue that the reporting mandate creates criminal liability for gun owners, may be difficult to comply with in some circumstances, and represents another regulatory burden on lawful firearm possession. No specific stakeholder positions are provided in the available record.