Missouri Advocates Push for Red Flag Laws

Gun safety groups call for new legislation to prevent domestic abusers from accessing firearms

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:05pm

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An abstract, avant-garde painting depicting fragmented, overlapping images of a gavel, gun, and handcuffs in a dynamic composition of navy, green, and red hues, conveying the contentious nature of the gun control debate.The heated debate over red flag laws in Missouri reflects the complex intersection of gun rights, domestic violence, and public safety.Jefferson City Today

Gun safety advocates in Missouri are urging state lawmakers to pass red flag laws that would place a notice on someone's background check if they have a history of violent behavior, such as domestic abuse or self-harm attempts, in order to prevent them from purchasing or owning firearms. However, Republican legislators are pushing bills that would prevent cities and counties from enacting stricter gun control measures than the state allows.

Why it matters

Missouri has the third highest rate of domestic violence in the country, and women are five times more likely to be killed by an intimate partner if that partner owns a gun. Advocates argue that red flag laws could help save lives by keeping firearms out of the hands of those with a history of violence.

The details

Gun safety groups like Moms Demand Action gathered at the state capitol to share personal stories and lobby lawmakers for red flag legislation. Leslie Washington, a survivor of domestic abuse, spoke about her experience and the need to be a 'voice for the voiceless.' However, Republican Senator Brad Hudson has introduced a bill that would prevent local jurisdictions from enacting gun control measures stricter than state law, which would effectively block red flag laws. Hudson argues the state must protect Missourians' Second Amendment rights.

  • Over the past 10 years, gun deaths in Missouri have increased by 8% according to CDC data.
  • The current legislative session in Missouri is scheduled to end in just over a month.

The players

Leslie Washington

A survivor of domestic violence who shared her story with lawmakers to advocate for red flag laws.

Senator Brad Hudson

A Republican state senator who has introduced a bill to prevent cities and counties from enacting stricter gun control measures than the state allows.

Moms Demand Action

A gun safety advocacy group that organized the rally at the state capitol.

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What they’re saying

“'I'm the one who's gonna share my story and be the voice for the voiceless for those that are afraid to talk.'”

— Leslie Washington, Domestic Violence Survivor

“'What I want to do is I want to make sure that we're not in a situation in Missouri where political subdivisions can enact gun control that is stricter than what Missouri law allows.'”

— Senator Brad Hudson, Republican State Senator

“'Gun violence and domestic violence are very inextricably related.'”

— Leslie Washington, Domestic Violence Survivor

What’s next

With the legislative session scheduled to end in just over a month, lawmakers in Missouri are running short on time to get any new gun legislation passed and sent to the governor.

The takeaway

This debate over red flag laws in Missouri highlights the ongoing tensions between gun rights advocates and gun safety groups, with lives potentially hanging in the balance. The outcome could have significant implications for domestic violence survivors and their access to firearms in the state.