Missouri Senate places SB 77 on informal calendar after debate over firearms on transit

Senate Bill 77, a proposal to modify provisions governing the carrying of firearms on public transit systems, was placed on the Missouri Senate's informal calendar for future discussion, reporter Dean Morgan said.

The bill is sponsored by State Sen. Adam Schnelting of Saint Charles. An amendment to the legislation would expand the state's castle doctrine — a change that drew opposition from Sen. Carla May of Saint Louis, according to the floor discussion recorded by the Capitol reporter.

During remarks captured in the transcript, an unnamed speaker defended broader self‑defense protections, saying, “You know, crime doesn't care about race, our financial status, our party affiliation. At some point or another, we all find ourselves in a situation where we have to defend ourselves.” A different unnamed speaker was recorded saying, “Right. I can go ahead and just choo choo, kill you, and then that's it. And all I gotta do is say my life was threatened.” These remarks were part of the floor exchange recorded in the session; the transcript does not identify those speakers by name.

The Senate completed the first half of its session and then entered its annual mid‑session recess. Lawmakers are scheduled to return to the Capitol on March 24, at which time SB 77 may be rescheduled for further floor consideration, the recording said.

No formal vote on the bill was recorded in the transcript provided, and no mover or second was listed for any motion related to the measure.