Bill White offers clarification on his Minutemen of the State bill

(From Sen. Bill White, R-Joplin)

In light of some confusion surrounding Senate Bill 528, I want to clarify the two purposes of this legislation. 

This bill establishes Minutemen of the State, a group of voluntary residents who, with the approval of 75 percent of the Legislature, could be called up by the governor to assist in the defense of the state in cases of extreme emergencies. 

It’s not a military force, but merely a list of citizens willing to step up and assist in the direst of times. 

Secondly, SB 528 protects the rights of Missourians under the Second Amendment. If called up, Minutemen supply their own firearms, ammunition and equipment, dubbing the items property of the state, and therefore, protecting them from seizure or taxation. 

It is my fervent prayer that a call up of such a group will never be necessary, but it is all too clear that we live in turbulent times. 

In my opinion, the availability of dedicated Missouri residents and the protection of the Second Amendment rights of all Missourians could be the key for the survival of freedom in the worst of times.