Modifies the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm

HB 1857 modifies Missouri's law on unlawful firearm possession by expanding who is prohibited from possessing a firearm and adjusting penalties. It makes it a crime for individuals with certain felony convictions (including out-of-state), fugitives from justice, those habitually intoxicated, or mentally incompetent to possess a firearm. The bill also prohibits minors under 18 from possessing a firearm on public property, unless they completed a required hunter education course. Penalties are set as a class C felony (or class B if the person has a prior dangerous felony conviction or prior unlawful possession). Antique firearms are specifically exempt from these provisions.