HB 2985 Missouri House · 2026 Regular Session

Requires universal background checks for all sales or transfers of firearms

HB 2985 requires background checks for all private sales or transfers of firearms, affecting individuals selling firearms to others outside of licensed dealer transactions. Sellers must arrange for a background check through a licensed dealer or law enforcement agency before transferring a firearm, and the transfer cannot proceed without the central repository's approval, valid for 30 days. Exceptions include transfers between immediate family members, antique firearms, temporary transfers for hunting or shooting range use, and transfers due to death or legal ownership changes. Violating this requirement would be punishable as a class B misdemeanor.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 14, 2026 Last action May 15, 2026
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
May 15, 2026
Committee
Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
lower
Jan 14, 2026
Introduced
Introduced and Read First Time (H)
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Michael Burton
Michael Burton
DDemocratic
MO
92