Hearing Set on CCW on Transit; Weigh in Today

The Missouri House General Laws will hear testimony on HB 328 which includes conceal carry on transit on January 28.  Bills introduced this session in the MO House and Senate would allow individuals with conceal/carry permits to carry firearms on public transit buses, vans, trains and other spaces owned or operated by a public transit provider. While intended to improve safety and protect Second Amendment rights, it’s crucial Missourians understand the unimaginable risks and why the Missouri Public Transit Association and all transit providers statewide adamantly oppose it.

Just like on airplanes and Amtrak — where guns are not allowed — public transit vehicles are enclosed, moving environments that pose imminent danger for passengers and operators should an accidental discharge or planned attack occur.

“We know transit safety is paramount. The largest Missouri transit providers provide tens of millions of rides each year and have publicly expressed opposition to conceal and carry on transit. That’s why transit officials in both rural and urban areas are working to enhance safety programs including working directly with law enforcement agencies to increase police presence on systems. Real-time camera centers and systems are serving as force multipliers; a $52 million, state-of-the-art security plan is being implemented in St. Louis; and partnerships have been established to connect riders in need of mental health assistance with providers at several agencies. OATS is in the process of implementing a real time camera system on its vehicles. Transit safety is being addressed each day and arming riders is not the answer,” said Kimberly Cella, executive director of MPTA.

Bills like HB 328 are personal to transit riders across the state, and arming transit riders is not the answer to enhancing the safety and security of these systems. Please consider reaching out to members of the House General Laws committee to tell your story.

2025  Missouri House General Laws Committee Members:

Rep. Ben Keathley 573-751-1247 Ben.Keathley@house.mo.gov 
Rep. Jamie Gragg 573-751-2565 JamieRay.Gragg@house.mo.gov 
Rep. Keri Ingle 573-751-1459 Keri.Ingle@house.mo.gov 
Rep. Jeremy Dean 573-751-3795 Jeremy.Dean@house.mo.gov 
Rep. Doyle Justus 573-751-9459 Doyle.Justus@house.mo.gov 
Rep. Ian Mackey 573-751-3859 Ian.Mackey@house.mo.gov 
Rep. Mark Matthiesen 573-751-1470 Mark.Matthiesen@house.mo.gov 
Rep. Jeff Myers 573-751-2689 Jeff.Myers@house.mo.gov 
Rep. Cameron Parker 573-751-3629 Cameron.Parker@house.mo.gov 
Rep. Renee Reuter 573-751-3607 Renee.Reuter@house.mo.gov 
Rep. John Simmons 573-751-3776 John.Simmons@house.mo.gov 
Rep. David Tyson Smith 573-751-9753 David.Smith@house.mo.gov 
Rep. Rudy Veit 573-751-0665 Rudy.Veit@house.mo.gov 
Rep. Cecelie Williams 573-751-4567 Cecelie.Williams@house.mo.gov