Missouri Sheriff’s Association supports SB588

The Missouri Sheriffs’ Association and its member sheriffs stated today that they are committed to the
belief that, a well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the
right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. Because of this
belief, the Sheriff’s Association has announced its support of the Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill No. 588 known as
the Second Amendment Preservation Act(SAPA).

Last week the MSA leadership met with the bill sponsor Senator Burlison and Representative Taylor in the Senator’s office. During the meeting, the
leaders expressed commitment to protecting the 2nd Amendment. They voiced concern about the complexity of the current language in the bill and its potential for having a chilling effect on victims cooperating with law enforcement investigations aimed at
getting armed and dangerous career criminals off the street.

According to the Missouri Sheriff’s Association, SB 588 is clear and concise. It reads in part that any federal actions which infringe on
the people’s right to keep and bear arms shall be invalid to this state, shall not be
recognized by this state, shall be specifically rejected by this state, and shall not be
enforced by this state. And that, it shall be the duty of the courts and law enforcement
agencies of this state to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms
within the borders of this state.

As the chief law enforcement official in the county duly elected by the citizens they serve,
Missouri’s sheriffs say they will fight to preserve the 2nd Amendment.
Questions may be directed to MSA President Sheriff David Parrish or Executive Director