KANSAS CITY, Mo. — After passing a law six years ago allowing convicted domestic abusers to carry firearms, Missouri lawmakers have again stalled on legislation that would close the loophole.
Rep. Tracy McCreery, a Democrat who represents parts of St. Louis, was in office in 2016 when the wide-ranging, contentious gun bill was signed into law. The legislation legalizing permitless concealed carry also removed gun safety training classes and criminal background checks, which is when people were screened for past offenses.
At the time, McCreery remembers talks with lawmakers who knew the domestic violence loophole would become a deadly problem. But her colleagues said not to worry, they would be back next session to fix it.
