JEFFERSON CITY, MO — A bill aimed at expanding concealed carry rights to more young adults has cleared the Missouri House and is now under consideration in the Senate. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 328 (HCS HB 328), sponsored by Rep. Tim Taylor (R-48), would lower the minimum age to apply for a concealed carry permit from 19 to 18 years old.
The legislation passed the House on April 10, 2025, by a vote of 106-45 and was first read in the Senate on April 14. If enacted, the bill would take effect on August 28, 2025.
What the Bill Does
Missouri already allows permitless concealed carry for individuals 19 and older (or 18 for members of the military or honorably discharged veterans), but this bill would change the official permitting statute to allow any lawful adult 18 years or older to apply for a concealed carry permit — regardless of military status.
The changes are made by amending Section 571.101 of the Missouri Revised Statutes and related provisions, striking language that previously limited eligibility to those 19 and older (with military exceptions). The revised language uniformly sets the age at 18.
This would harmonize the permitting law with the state’s existing constitutional carry allowances and give 18-year-olds access to benefits of the permit, such as reciprocity in states that recognize Missouri permits.
Bill Status and Next Steps
HCS HB 328 was referred to the Senate after passing the House and is awaiting committee assignment and hearing. The next steps in the Senate include:
- Committee Referral and Hearing: The bill must be assigned to a Senate committee, likely one dealing with general laws or public safety.
- Senate Floor Debate and Vote: If passed out of committee, it would go to the full Senate for perfection and third reading.
- Governor’s Desk: If passed without amendments, it will move to Governor Mike Parson for signature. If amended, the House must concur with any changes.
Why It Matters
This legislation is a common-sense expansion of constitutional rights for Missouri adults. At age 18, citizens can vote, serve in the military, and take on full legal responsibility. Extending concealed carry permitting to these adults reinforces the principle that Second Amendment rights begin at adulthood — not some arbitrary higher threshold.
Moreover, by allowing lawful 18-year-olds to obtain permits, Missouri residents gain access to reciprocity in other states that recognize Missouri’s concealed carry permits — something not available under permitless carry alone.
