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SACMO
PO Box 52
O'Fallon, MO
63366
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SECOND
AMENDMENT
COALITION
OF MISSOURI
2007 SUMMARY
KATRINA BILL, CASTLE DOCTRINE & PTA REPEAL ALL PASSED
Just before Independence Day, Gov. Matt Blunt signed into law a bill that will prevent you from being sued if you legally defend yourself with a gun and completely repeals Missouri’s permit to acquire a handgun.
During the 2003 legislative session, even before concealed carry had been passed, SACMO began a campaign to put an end to the Missouri law that required residents to obtain permission from their local county sheriff before they could purchase a handgun. Over the years, many of us had become aware of instances in which the law was being applied unfairly and in ways never intended by the legislators. Residents could have gone to court in these instances, but for many that was not possible because of financial reasons.
Early in 2003, SACMO heard about one such individual. That person was Mr. Jerry Troyer. He was told by the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) that he would have to obtain a permit to acquire (PTA) from his local sheriff before they would return his pistol which was lost and then turned in to the MSHP, despite his ability to prove the pistol was his legal property. When he asked SACMO for help, we agreed to assist with his legal expenses.
While the fight to pass and implement concealed carry was going on, Mr. Troyer’s effort to recover his pistol dragged through the legal system. In 2006, after concealed carry was fully implemented, the Troyer case was still unresolved. SACMO began a full court press to finally put an end to the PTA. We sent a letter to each and every county sheriff requesting a copy of their PTA application. When then took the responses and compiled a summary of how this law was being abused. We researched the original purpose of the law and how it applied to today’s circumstances. SACMO presented this research to the legislators in Jefferson City and called for it’s total repeal.
During this year’s legislative session, SACMO made several trips to Jeff City to testify before committees in favor of the repeal of PTA in addition to bills on castle doctrine and bills to prevent the seizure of firearms during an emergency. After years of work and thanks to our many supporters, we have succeeded in getting bills passed to prevent the seizure of your firearms during an emergency, prevent you from being sued for legally defending yourself and the complete repeal of permit to acquire.
Each of these laws took effect beginning August 28, 2007
SACMO has already begun work on the issues we will face in the future. We will continue to fight for Missouri gun owners and we are counting on your continued support. We could not have achieved these successes without your support, nor will we be able to continue without it.
SB 257 PASSED
The Senate bill on disaster reform was passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor on April 12, 2007.SCS/SBs 62 PASSEDThe Senate bill for Castle Doctrine was amended to include PTA repeal, passed during the last week of the legislative session and signed by the Governor on July 3rd.2006 LEGISLATIVE BRUNCH
Vice President Wayne Lindberg explains SACMO's position on permit to acquire to a reporter at the legislative brunch in February.
Smith Dewlen informs a legislator what's wrong with permit to acquire and those donuts were paid for by Missouri Gun owners who want him to get rid of it.
Terry Shanfeld makes sure everyone has some anti-PTA facts to go with their donuts and coffee.
Dale Schmid points out some of the disturbing results of our survey on PTA to State Rep. Danielle Moore from Fulton.
Dale presents the case against permit to acquire
The sixth musketeer. SACMO's photographer for the event, Paul Bass, trying to hide behind the camera.
HEARING FOR "STAND YOUR GROUND"
On Sunday, February 5th, 2006, SACMO was advised that the Missouri Senate had scheduled a hearing on SB-571 sponsored by Sen. John Cauthorn, the so called "Stand your Ground" bill, also known as the Florida "Castle Doctrine law." The hearing was to take place the next evening, Monday, Feb. 6th at 7:00 P.M.
This bill will protect those who legally exercise self-defense with force or deadly force from a future civil law suit and it also expands the number of places that one can legally use force or deadly force, much like in one's own home (or castle). SACMO agrees with this type of bill and is working to pass it in the state's General Assembly.
Monday morning, SACMO President, Dale Schmid, along with Special Advisor, Smith Dewlen, drove to Jefferson City. At 1:30, they met with Senator John Cauthorn and his chief of staff who very graciously spent over an hour of their time reviewing both the Stand Your Ground bill as well as his up-coming bill to repeal Permit to Acquire a handgun. It was a very fruitful visit.
Next, a visit was made to Rep. Brian Munzlinger, followed by a separate visit with Rep. Brian Nieves. Both of these legislators are VERY pro gun, supportive of SACMO and an interesting and rewarding exchange took place with both.
The rest of the afternoon was spent making arrangements and preparing for SACMO's "The Case for Repeal of the Permit to acquire" presentation, on Feb. 16th, and getting ready to testify at the hearing at 7:00 PM.
The purpose of testifying at a legislative hearing is to show support either for or against the proposed bill. It is important not to offend any of the legislators. One's dress, demeanor and tone are almost as important as the words spoken. The person testifying represents other people, and how he sounds and appears reflects upon that group.
The news media tries to portrays gun owners as camo clad, wild eyed extremists in order to influence people's opinion against gun rights. For example, if a hundred pro gun citizens dressed in suits demonstrate in favor of gun rights and there is one odd-ball appearing in camo and boots, who is unkempt
and talking overly loud, we know who will likely appear on television that evening as a "representative" of guns rights. That's right. The one odd-ball.
At the hearing, the bill sponsor, Sen. Cauthorn asked SACMO President Schmid to speak first. First impressions are important and going first is usually the hardest.
Dale appeared in a nice business suit, tie, shiny shoes, haircut, and clean shaven. He conducted himself with dignity while addressing the Senators with appropriate respect, spoke smoothly in a normal voice and gave a 3 to 4 minute explanation as to why SACMO supported SB-571, after first turning in a written statement.
He answered a question or two from the chairman easily and briefly and completed his testimony. It was a solid presentation that reflected favorably on gun rights and gun owners.
There was no opposition present to testify at the hearing.
In summary, SACMO had a good day and performed a valuable service for itself and those it represents.
SACMO HOLDS LEGISLATIVE BRUNCH
Thursday, Feb 16, 2003 was a busy day for six of us and the legislature. A 4 am wakeup and a foggy drive to the State Capital to be ready for the information sessions schedule to start at 9 am and be presented each half hour. The best laid plans by the board were put aside. Being adaptive Dale Schmid, Wayne Lindberg, Fred Heberer, Terry Shanfeld, Paul Bass and myself (aka the “Six Musketeers”) were forced to scrap the classroom style presentation for letting the Senators and Representatives know why the Permit to Acquire (PTA) does not work, is abused and should be repealed and do one-on-one presentations.
While we were setting up the area with our displays, tables & chairs, making coffee and putting out the pastries, juice and water, people started showing up. They looked over the displays and started asking questions. Anyone of the “Six Musketeers” would stop what they were doing to assist the visitor. As more arrived, the tables and chairs were moved back and the conversations were on.
The stream of legislators and staff was building and became a steady flow. Not only were the “Six Musketeers” able to provide information on PTA to legislators, one legislative staffer asked if they could incorporate a community program they were having with ours.
A teacher with students from the special school district in the Fred Saigh Leadership Program thought it would be a good idea for the students to see how citizens could be involved in the legislative process. “You gott’a deal,” President Dale Schmid replied and the 33 chairs were filled and four more chairs were quickly added. Some of the students were hearing impaired, so two interpreters signed Dale’s message to the eager students. Remember, we must get young people to understand our message also, or the future will be lost. Dale and Fred were able to show the students how this issue affected THEIR rights as well as ours.
During the day some 30 plus legislators were told of the reasoning behind the desire to repeal the PTA. Aides to the legislators also visited and were likewise informed. Each left with a printed copy of the problems involved with the PTA and the evidence gathered from our survey. Thanks to the preparation in putting this presentation on, the questions asked were responded to by one of the “Six Musketeers” with ease.
Discussion among the “Six Musketeers” after the event determined the change to one-on-one had proved the best method. We learned a few things for the next time we do such and event. Less coffee, more bagels, water, juice and if at all possible more willing members to attend. We could have used several other “Musketeers” to keep some people from slipping away un-informed.
We want to truly thank our supporters. Without your individual assistance, the success of SACMO could not be felt in the legislature. Each supporter can say proudly, “I believe in SACMO and SACMO presents a positive view on gun rights.”
A Question: What price do you put on your freedom? Is a few hours of your time asking to much? Volunteer to work a gun show near you. Write your elected officials. Meet them at events such as this one organized by SACMO. Believe me the fight is not over. The Missouri Sheriff’s Association is firmly against the PTA repeal and is applying pressure to keep the law. In short, SACMO needs your support financially, you better believe it, and in hours. Your time is vital to the success of defending your rights. Join us in our efforts. Make the “six Musketeers” change the name to “eight” or ”ten” or “twelve Musketeers.”
Submitted by Smith Dewlen
Here is the link to lookup your legislator's contact information. Be sure to thank them for protecting your rights and ask them to continue to do so in the future.
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