SW Mo legislators file bills preventing churches from barring concealed weapons, requiring social distancing

Southwest Missouri legislators have prefiled legislation that could affect safety at churches.

HB 359, sponsored by Rep. Ben Baker, R-Neosho, would eliminate a section in a state law that prevents the carrying of a concealed weapon into a church.

This is the section of Section 571.107 RSMo, which details where concealed weapons can be banned, that Baker wants removed.

Any church or other place of religious worship without the consent of the minister or person or persons representing the religious organization that exercises control over the place of religious worship. Possession of a firearm in a vehicle on the premises shall not be a criminal offense so long as the firearm is not removed from the vehicle or brandished while the vehicle is on the premises.

HB 308, sponsored by Rep. Ann Kelley, R-Lamar, "exempts houses of worship from social distancing requirements issued by local or state health authorities."

The bill includes this paragraph:

Houses of worship shall be exempt from any social distancing requirement contained in any order or rule or regulation issued under the authority of this section by a local health authority or by the department of health and senior services or any other department or instrumentality of the state.