Politics & Government

New Missouri Laws: Abortion, Conceal & Carry And Speeding

State lawmakers took action this year on changes to Missouri's concealed weapons program, increased penalties for speeding and new requirements for abortion doctors, among other measures.

In the state of Missouri, the vast majority of new laws take effect on August 28. Here's a look at some of what's now the law of the land in the Show-Me State:

  • House Bill 400, which became law after the Governor took no action to either sign or veto it, requires any application of an 'abortion-inducing drug or chemical to occur in the same room and in the physical presence of the physician who prescribed, dispensed, or otherwise provided the drug or chemical to the patient."
  • Senate Bill 75 makes several changes to Missouri's Conceal/Carry Gun program, including placing oversight on issuing new permits to local Sheriff's departments instead of the Department of Revenue. Included in this bill is the language which allows school districts to teach the Eddie Eagle Gunsafe Program to first grade students, although it is not to include actual firearms in the program.
  • An Associated Press account on the changes highlights new penalties for speeding near first responders. One new law allows for a fine of $250 for the first offense when speeding "close to where law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel or tow-truck operators are responding to a roadside issue."
  • Jewelers will also have a little more work to do under a new law meant to crack down on scrap metal thieves, the AP reports. "Jewelers will need to keep records that include a copy of a buyer's driver's license or photo and biographical information, the time and date of the sale and a description of the property purchased. Buyers also will be barred from accepting pre-melted gold, silver or platinum unless it is part of the jewelry's design and must keep what they buy for five days." 
To search for a full list of laws passed during the last legislative session, go to the Missouri General Assembly's website.

State lawmakers will gather in Jefferson City in September for the annual veto session. 


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