Hearing Set for Guns on Transit Bill – Weigh in Today

The hearing referenced in the below blog has been postponed as of Friday, February 13. While the hearing has been postponed, please consider still talking to your legislators about this important issue. 

The Missouri Senate Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety will hear testimony on SB 1078, sponsored by Senator Schnelting, which includes conceal carry on transit on February 17 at 12:30 p.m. 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, Citizens for Modern Transit 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 $61 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 SB1078 are personal to transit riders and transit operators 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 Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety committee to tell your story.